Students and Employees with Sensitivities to
Chemicals/Fragrances: A Challenge in the Classroom and
Workplace
According to reports from campuses across the nation and from
informational sessions at recent conferences, disability support
service providers and institutional administrators have seen an
increase in requests for accommodations from students and employees
with a diagnosis of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity/Environmental
Illness, or MCS/EI.
While this is not a problem that affects many individuals at SCC,
several employees and students at the College have brought concerns
of this nature to my attention. We are hopeful that knowing more
about these types of chemical sensitivities will enable us to
respond appropriately should students or employees bring these
concerns to our attention.
Definitions
- Multiple
Chemical Sensitivity/Environmental Illness
This condition involves a hypersensitivity to common chemical
and environmental stimuli. Even low levels of the stimuli may
trigger reactions in people reporting these conditions. A wide
range of symptoms has been reported.
Triggers are products or stimuli that induce symptoms in people
reporting MCS/EI. Common triggers include (but are not limited to)
cologne, perfume, scented body sprays, scented hair
spray/gel/mousse and other leave-in hair products, lotions, scented
powder, after shave, richly-scented deodorant/antiperspirant, air
fresheners (solid or spray), bathroom deodorizers, potpourri, and
many products currently used for cleaning floors, carpets, and
other surfaces.
Awareness/Prevention/Solutions
Some individuals in your classrooms or work areas may have strong
reactions to scents and fragrances. Should a student or employee
express concerns of this nature, please take them seriously and
work with them toward a reasonable resolution. Most often, these
situations can be resolved simply by letting others know of the
sensitivity. Once others are aware of the sensitivities they will
voluntarily respond to reasonable requests to minimize or eliminate
the use of substances that trigger the reaction.
Technical Assistance/Support
Should you or supervisors in your division need assistance in
addressing these types of concerns, please do not hesitate to
contact the Access/Equity/Diversity Office to explore
possible solutions. Understanding the dynamics of fragrance
sensitivities, however, is usually sufficient to address those
isolated incidences involving students and employees at SCC who
experience negative reactions to strong scents and
fragrances.