Comments on: Dear Aunt Jobby: Colleague stinks so much she’s making me sick

By: Salon Sharon

Salon Sharon — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:05:59 +0000

Its a big problem and it’s one thing that i face when at work.people have different kinds of perfumes that make the whole room so stuffy.People should learn to wear cool fragrances that favour everyone.Thanks for the blog.
Salon Sharon´s last blog ..Cosmetics Acne- Control- Creams- Acne Laser

By: pam

pam — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 04:07:51 +0000

I have the same problem at work, in fact this past week I’ve ended up in the ER twice because of one co-worker, even tho they have all been made aware of my condition. They mostly tell me it’s all in my head and that they can’t even smell anything coming from her. Never mind that I have a swollen mouth and lips and can’t breath. It has been soooooo frustrating. Now my boss is telling me I have to go get “fixed” before I can come back to work. If any one has any ideas out there that could help I could sure use them. I need my job, I can’t afford to be with out one.

By: sharon kossman

sharon kossman — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 02:23:09 +0000

I am going through the same situation at work, everyone is spraying perfumes and colognes for some reason.

Whey don’t they take the smokers and put them in one area, take all the non smokers and put them in another and the same with the perfume wearers and sprayers.

There are about 100 people in our office department. Many of them spray perfumes and it is starting to make me ill.

I have already talked to the friend beside me and asked her not to wear as much of the perfume she is wearing, LOL I think she just puts more on.

I had to get a fan to blow the fumes and vapors away from me or I will keep coughing all day and my sinues act up from the smell or the toxic chemicals I should say.

I don’t know if anyone in congress will do anything about it or not, but something has got to be done for workers in the work place regarding the toxic environment it is causing.

By: Darvin @ Designer Mens Cologne

Darvin @ Designer Mens Cologne — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 21:45:47 +0000

Yeah, that’s a very sensitive issue, especially in workplace, but I generally agree with the advice. However, I do believe the person that pulls her to the side, should be someone she likes and respects. This way it’s seen as constructive criticism and not just mean!
Darvin @ Designer Mens Cologne´s last blog ..Discount Mens Cologne

By: Susie Collins

Susie Collins — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 08:33:43 +0000

Julie, you ask about suitable perfumes. It is virtually impossible to find truly nontoxic perfumes. Even most essential oils are processed with petrochemicals. Buyer beware! Also, I might be old fashioned, but I would say that perfume isn’t really appropriate in a work or business environment. Save it for very special occasions, and even then, be sure you are using USDA Certified Organic products. Better yet, put a flower behind your ear like we do here in Hawaii and let nature be your fragrance!
Susie Collins´s last blog ..Nicholas Kristof on endocrine disruptors

By: Jeanne

Jeanne — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 04:54:59 +0000

Thank you very much for posting this important article! Whether it’s in the workplace, in the waiting room to see the doctor, or in line at the grocery store… fragrances can cause significant symptoms for others in proximity to the person wearing the fragrance.

As Susie pointed out, it is not the smell that makes people sick after exposure to fragrances (as bothersome as the smell itself may be) but the toxic chemicals contained within the fragrances (endocrine disruptors, neurotoxins, etc.)

The fact that only some have significant reactions in the short-term to such products does not mean these products are safe for others. In fact, the long-term effects impact everyone.

Some people are just more sensitive than others and they react on the spot whereas others may think they’ve escaped unscathed – when in reality their health some been negatively impacted as well.

Having fainted in public places on many occasions after exposure to items my body simply couldn’t handle, I can’t thank you enough for posting this informative article!

Jeanne
Jeanne´s last blog ..Fun For Healing UPDATED

By: LaVonne Ellis

LaVonne Ellis — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 01:46:03 +0000

I’m one of those who get sick for days from unbelievably small exposures to fragrances. I am forced to stay home except for brief forays for groceries, and I still ‘zapped’ on a regular basis.

I believe that people who wear heavy perfumes and can’t imagine life without them are actually addicted to them. Just ask them to stop and watch the angry, defensive reaction: very much like that of smokers and alcoholics when pressured to quit.

By: Susie Collins

Susie Collins — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:40:33 +0000

Thank you for covering this very important issue.

The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is a great place for workers to go for support on how to work with management and HR depts on creating a healthy work environment with good indoor air quality. JAN also has good info on creating alternative work spaces for sensitive individuals, with clarifications about workers rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act. http://tinyurl.com/d92evc

Thanks again for exploring this issue in a serious and respectful manner!
Susie Collins´s last blog ..A Chemical Reaction

By: Emily

Emily — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:40:12 +0000

That’s a tough one… but if you are offended, you just have to say something. The un-spoken feelings are there and won’t be ignored. I do agree that the point to make is about the synthetics. They persist in the environment, are known carcinogens and hormone disruptors. The average person bathes and annoints themselves with poisons regularly. I can hardly believe they would do this if they knew…

By: Meg from FruWiki

Meg from FruWiki — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:37:49 +0000

She’s probably just so accustomed to the smell that she doesn’t realize how strong it is (though it’s also a real possibility that she’s losing her sense of smell in general).

I’d just take her aside and tell her, “I just thought you should know that your perfume is nice but it’s REALLY strong.”

She’ll probably be happy to hear the truth from someone.
Meg from FruWiki´s last blog ..Special:Log/delete