Classroom Allergen: Fragrance

To one person, a fragrance may smell like a heavenly scent, but to another, it may reek of misery. Some people are allergic to fragrance. Irritants in the air or ones that contact skin can cause asthmatic symptoms, headache, severe rash, itchy eyes, runny nose, nausea, wheezing, coughing, tingling lips--even anaphylactic shock. Fragrances in the classroom can risk the health of students or teacher.

Sources of Classroom Fragrances

In a classroom situation, where 30 individuals are captive for hours, fragrant chemicals matter. What one person wears in the form of perfume or cologne can make another person physically ill. Even fragrant chemicals used in shampoo, jells, body sprays, dusting powders, cosmetics, soaps, deodorant, mouth wash, lotion, and household products--such as candles, tissues, laundry soup, and cleaners--can threaten the health of an individual with fragrance-sensitivity.

Ways to Warn of Fragrance Allergens

When a student or teacher is sensitive to fragrances, it's imperative that others in the classroom--or those who enter or clean the classroom--be aware of potential allergens and use precaution. One way to alert others of the need for caution is to post a warning sign on or near the classroom door that reads: Fragrance Free Zone.

A teacher must teach about health conditions that exist in his or her classroom, so students understand how to help keep peers safe. A classroom discussion about things that make people sick is a great way to approach the topic of fragrance allergies. A teacher can steer the discussion in the direction of personal choice and how one's personal choice can inflict harm on another. Wrapping up the discussion, a teacher can appeal to students to do the right thing to protect a classmate.

A classroom teacher must also communicate with parents of students when there is a fragrance sensitivity. A phone call, direct contact, or informative letter home are ways to better ensure compliance and provide a classroom as free of fragrance as possible.

Dealing with Scent Allergens in the Classroom

There are times when fragrance is difficult to avoid, such as when gluing or using markers. During these times, a sensitive student may need to step outside the classroom or wear a face mask. Teachers may need to consider using dustless chalk in place of markers or have a place set up outside the classroom for gluing. Finally, an air filter may be a good idea in a classroom where severe allergies exist--not just fragrance allergies.

In products that contain dozens of chemicals, it's difficult to isolate one offending chemical or scent, no matter how carefully one reads labels. Some people think they're avoiding scents by purchasing products listed as unscented, but this doesn't guaranteed that it's fragrance free. To be certain a product is fragrance free, it must have fragrance free listed on the label.

Maintaining a fragrance free classroom takes daily effort, but when student or teacher health is at risk, it's a necessary effort.