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

[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.