Link: On scent-free workplaces

[sonia]

On Feministe, On Perfume, Chemical Cleaning Agents, and "Scent-free" Workplaces by Andie.

It would seem that restricting one’s right to wear perfume or cleaners would be a huge breach of personal freedoms, but to me it’s one of those “Your Rights End Where Mine Begin” situations.

It's encouraging to read about some workplaces being scent-free. Don't read the comments. Or do, if you can stomach minimizing around this issue. I wish I hadn't.

Comments

[elainegrey]

Do you experience some spectrum of chemical sensitivity?

There's a group of Quakers who identify with the abbreviation LGBTQ who practice "radical inclusion," and scent-free practice is part of the how the gathering is inclusive. Listening to the witness of those welcomed by the practice and how they are harmed when there's a lapse (more often due to the hosting center) has helped me become aware both of the pervasiveness of these scents and of my own borderline sensitivities.

[sonia]

That's an interesting phrasing! Yes, I'm somewhere in the middle of the spectrum, I'd say. Sensitive enough that I can't be in rooms where incense is used (even if it's not burning at that moment), and have to leave an event if someone walks in doused in perfume. Not so sensitive that people have to keep special uncontaminated outfits to come visit me.

Radical inclusion sounds wonderful! And yes, lapses in otherwise fragrance-free spaces are really annoying.

[jesse_the_k]

On a scale of 0 to 13, where 13 stays in a carefully controlled house, and 0 works as a roofer, I'm around 8 now (was closer to 10, wore a respirator everywhere, but acupuncture reset me some).

When a group has understood the need for scent freedom, and then stumbles, I'm torn. Part of me feels personally singled out for scorn (since that's the result), while another part counsels that everybody makes mistakes sometime.

Thanks for the link!

[sonia]

I hear you about the mixed reactions! Since I have to leave when someone "makes a mistake", I think they should have to leave instead. But sometimes it's not obvious who it is and then they're all like, "Sniff and see if it's me!" Uh, no.

Ideally, I'd like internal permission to feel compassion for all concerned, and anger on my own behalf.