Rising rates of asthma and the growing number of students, teachers and school staff with chemical sensitivities have led to greater concern about the proliferation of fragrances in the products used by building occupants.

Artificial fragrances in everything from body washes and shampoos to cleaning products and air fresheners are mixtures of as many as 100 different petrochemicals. High VOC levels in ambient air can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Some chemicals commonly used in fragrances have been linked to endocrine disruption and cancer, but consumers and school officials may not be able to discern exactly what a product contains since disclosure of fragrance formulas is discouraged by manufacturers.

Voluntary "Fragrance Free" zones are growing in popularity, in response to demand from parents and staff.

Resources:

View a SAMPLE POLICY ON FRAGRANCES .

The Jefferson City (MO) School District has adopted a voluntary fragrance-free policy for school-sponsored events, and has designated "fragrance free" zones at schools. (Scroll down on the home page.)

The O’Donel High School Scent-Free Policy was adopted by this Canadian school in January of 2008.