a Great Presentation on Being Scent-Sensitive

St Elizabeth Seton
Scent Free
Mr Argent and Mrs Falls April 2016
Created by Falls
EDMONTON CATHOLIC
SCHOOLS ARE SCENT FREE
St Elizabeth Seton Scent Free
Edmonton Catholic Schools adopted a Scent Awareness
Policy in January 2016. All ECSD schools are now
Scent Free zones.
To ensure the health and safety of all who work in our
offices and attend our schools, our District now has a
Scent Awareness policy.
The policy states: Many employees of Edmonton
Catholic Schools are adversely affected when exposed
to scented products. ECSD will ensure all reasonable
steps are taken to ensure safe and healthy environments for all.
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Allergy Alert
 Some members of our school community have been identified as having severe reactions
to the following scents and/or compounds:
 Fragrance (perfume, cologne, etc.)
 Balsum of Peru (the ingredient in perfume that makes it hold its scent)
 Citrus (e.g. orange, lemon, lime, etc.)
 Lilac (e.g. flowers, lotions, etc.)
 Parfum
 Vanilla (e.g. body lotion, cream, perfume, etc.)
 When scented products have been blamed for causing health problems, especially for
those with allergies or environmental sensitivities, removing the cause of the reaction is
important.
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What is meant by scent-free?
When we talk about scents, we usually mean the smells or odours
from cosmetics (perfume, make-up, shampoo, deodorant, etc.) or
from other products such as air fresheners, cleaners, etc.
Some people have awful health effects caused by exposure to the
chemicals in perfumes and personal products.
It’s not you, it’s the chemicals in the products you are wearing.
It’s a health issue. You may believe that asking you to stop
wearing fragrance takes away from your individuality or selfesteem. This
is not true, you are being asked so that all can
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work and study in a healthy environment.
Can scents cause health problems?
When scented products have been blamed for adversely affecting a
person's health, some or all of the following symptoms are reported:
headaches
dizziness, lightheadedness
nausea
fatigue
weakness
insomnia
malaise
confusion
loss of appetite
depression
anxiety
numbness
upper respiratory symptoms, cold like symptoms
shortness of breath
difficulty with concentration
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Why is it important to know
The severity of these symptoms can vary. Some people report mild irritation
while others are incapacitated and/or must give up many 'normal'
activities in order to avoid exposure (such as going to public places).
These reactions can be known as a condition called environmental
sensitivities.
95% of perfume ingredients are synthesized from petrochemicals (oil), so
they give off volatile organic compounds. VOCs are known to produce
eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, loss of concentration, nausea,
liver damage, harm to the kidneys and central nervous system according
to the Environmental Protection Agency. VOCs are known or suspected to
cause cancer in humans.
The chemicals from the fragrance evaporate into the air once you put on
a spray or lotion or are absorbed into your skin to your blood stream. Like
the smell of popcorn that travels through the air, so do the chemicals in a
lotion or spray. Air currents pick up the chemicals and scatter them into
the atmosphere and the air we all breathe. In our school the chemicals
get into the air system and circulate throughout the whole school.
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Diffusion of
fragrance
particles in the air
Quote from "Trouble in the Air"
“For some people, second-hand scent is more serious than second-hand
smoke,” says Lindsay McManus of Allergy UK. The onset of symptoms are
quicker and can be debilitating, she explains. “Whilst some people might get
a mild headache from getting a whiff of perfume from someone walking
down the street, others may be very ill for several days.”
You're Surrounded by Dangerous Scents – YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgWAItoRfmo
Are you wearing cologne (until 3:50)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LADOP4Xf8ZA
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Things to know
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The health of some people is affected immediately, but we are all affected by the
petrochemicals, synthetic chemicals and toxic waste in personal care products.
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Once a person has developed sensitivities, “reactions may occur to a broader range of
factors, at levels of exposure that were previously tolerated and that cause little difficulty to
many others”. Dr Meg Sears, Medical Perspective on Environmental Sensitivities for the
Canadian Human Rights Commission
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3% of Canadians have been diagnosed with environmental sensitivties
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Incidences of ADHD, asthma , lung disease have increased over the last 25 years
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Asthma attacks have doubled in the past 20 years, 72% of asthma attacks are related to
perfumes and colognes
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35 million people suffer each year from sinusitis. Fragrances are irritants that contribute to
sinus problems
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Approximately 25 million people get migraine headaches and fragrance is a major trigger
for migraines
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Most products from Bath and Body Works contain formaldehyde which is an
Air pollutant, carcinogen, and exposure causes wheezing, allergic reactions, skin rash
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Manufacturers only have to print "fragrance" or "parfum" on the label - a term
that can hide up to 200 different chemicals, 100-350 ingredients
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Fragrance in products are created from man-made chemicals that make our
senors believe we smell flowers or the outdoors
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Chemicals in fragrances affect everyone in some way but for some it is lifethreatening
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A Scent allergy/ Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is an
environmentally triggered disease acquired
either by a one time acute exposure or from
low-level long-term exposures. As the number
of dangerous environmental pollutants increase,
so does the number of people who are sensitive.
Dr Rea
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“Chemicals have replaced bacteria and viruses
as the main threat to health. The diseases we are
beginning to see as the major causes of death in
the latter part of (the 1900's) and into the 21st
century are diseases of chemical origin.”
Dr. Dick Irwin, Toxicologist, Texas A&M University
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Be aware that “heat can increase the volatility of ingredients causing molecules
to evaporate more quickly and come off as a stronger burst of fragrance” so do
not put on after Gym class. Perry Romanowski, Cosmetic chemist
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What types of products contain scents?
Scents are included in a very large range of products including:
shampoo and conditioners
hairsprays
deodorants
colognes and aftershaves
fragrances and perfumes
lotions and creams
potpourri
industrial and household chemicals
soaps
cosmetics
air fresheners and deodorizers
oils
candles
diapers
some types of garbage bags
It is important to remember some products which claim to be 'scent free'
may have only masked the scent by use of an additional chemical. Be
sure to research the product carefully if using scented products around
those who
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We are asking everyone within Seton to refrain
from using:
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Perfume
Cologne and after-shave
Body lotions
Body sprays like Axe
Scented hand cream
Scented body wash, like Bath and Body Works
Scented air freshners, like Febreeze
Scented deordorants/antipersipants
Scented laundry products – like Gain
Please be Scent Free in the hallways, classrooms,
locker rooms and coming from home.
Please choose unscented products.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QfNrtBFQMg
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Here are some of the most common ingredients in fragrances:
Amylcinnamaldehyde– Irritating to eyes, respiratory system, and skin
Pinene– Sensitizer, inhalation exposure to high concentrations associated with irritation of the respiratory airways.
Terpineol– May cause ataxia, headaches, depressed central nervous system
Benzaldehyde– Harmful if swallowed, exposure causes sore throat, rash, and eye pain
Benzophenone– Disruptive to hormones and thyroid
Benzyl Acetate– Carcinogen, possibly a cause of pancreatic cancer
Benzyl Alcohol– Causes headache, nausea, and dizziness
Benzyl benzoate– Disruptive to hormones
Benzyl cinnamate– Irritant, dangerous for the environment
Benzyl salicylate– Disruptive to hormones
Beta ionone– Possible carcinogen
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)- Disruptive to hormones and thyroid, possible carcinogen
Cinnamyl alcohol– Irritating to skin and eyes,
Coumarin– Carcinogen, toxic to liver and kidneys, used to kill rodents, common ingredient in cigarette tobacco products
Diethyl phthalate (DEP)- causes abnormal development of reproductive organs in male babies and sperm damage in adult men
Ethanol- EPA hazardous waste list, causes central nervous system disorder
Ethyl Acetate– Narcotic, on EPA hazardous waste list
Eugenol– Sensitizer, allergen
Farnesol- Skin irritant, allergen
Formaldehyde– Air pollutant, carcinogen, exposure causes wheezing, allergic reactions, skin rash
Galaxoide– toxic to the endocrine system
Terpinene– Causes central nervous system disorder
Lilial (Butylphenyl methylpropional)- Disruptive to hormones, allergen
Limonene– Carcinogen, causes central nervous system disorder
Linalool– Narcotic, causes central nervous system disorder
Lyral– Allergen, causes eczema
Methylene chloride– Banned by the FDA, carcinogen, EPA hazardous waste list,
causes central nervous system disorder
Musk ketone– Disruptive to hormones
Myrcene– possible carcinogen
Octinoxate (Octyl methoxycinnamate) – Disruptive to hormones and thyroid
Oxybenzone– Disruptive to hormones
Toluene– Carcinogen
Tonalide– toxic to the endocrine system
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MORE IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO KNOW
• According to Carrie Loewenherz, industrial hygienist for
New York committee for Occupational Safety and Health,
“even if the general population isn’t likely to suffer acute
effects from exposure to fragrances, there are long-term
chronic health effects connected to these chemicals that
we don’t fully understand yet”.
• Health advocates point to growing evidence that
perfumes, hair gels and other fragranced products
may contain chemicals such as phthalates, which
can disrupt hormones, and other compounds which
can affect immunity, the nervous system, play a role
in cancer and other health problems
• Perfumes today are a complex mixtures of natural
and synthetic chemicals
• More than 5,000 different fragrances are used in
perfumes and skin products in 100s of chemical
combinations
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SCENT FREE PRODUCTS FOR PERSONAL USE
Body Wash
Cream/Lotion
Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash — fragrance-free
Dove Moisturizing Body Wash — unscented
Goat's Milk Moisturizing Body Wash — fragrance-free
Oil of Olay Moisturizing Body Wash — unscented
Our Compliments Moisturizing Body Wash — unscented
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream — fragrance-free
Dermal Therapy Hand,
Elbow & Knee Cream — fragrance-free
Jergens — unscented
Neutrogena Facial Cream — fragrance-free
Neutrogena Hand Cream — fragrance-free
Oil of Olay Complete Care — fragrance-free
Oil of Olay Total Effects — fragrance-free
Vaseline Intensive Care Hand Cream — unscented
Deodorant
Arm & Hammer Anti-perspirant — unscented
Arrid XX Roll-on — unscented
Arrid XX Solid Stick — unscented
Degree Original — unscented
Dove Invisible — fragrance-free Dove
Sensitive Skin — unscented
Dove Silk Protection — unscented
Dry Idea Roll-on — unscented
Lady Speed Stick Gel — unscented
Lady Speed Stick Invisible — unscented
Mitchum Clear Stick — unscented
Mitchum Solid — unscented
No Name Solid Stick — unscented
Secret Platinum — unscented
Secret Roll-on — unscented
Secret Sheer Dry — unscented
Kiss My Face Liquid Rock Roll-on — fragrance-free Kiss My
Face Solid Stick with Baking Soda and Clay
Hairspray
Alberto European Extra Hold Hairspray — unscented
Clairol Final Net Ultimate All-day Hold — unscented
Clairol Regular All-day Hold — unscented
TRESsme Superior Hold - unscented
Shaving
Cream Aveeno Therapeutic Shaving Gel — unscented
Nivea for Men Sensitive Aftershave Balm — unscented
Nivea for Men Shaving Gel — unscented
Kiss My Face Natural Moisture Shave — fragrance-free
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http://www.dal.ca/~scentfre/faq.shtml
Gel
Soap
Alberto European Extra Hold Gel — unscented
Dep 10 Sport
Endurance Gel — fragrance-free
Dep 10 Sport Extreme Hold — fragrance-free
Dippity-do Sport Gel — unscented
Aveeno Balancing Bar — fragrance-free Aveeno
Clear Skin Bar — fragrance-free Aveeno
Moisturizing Bar — fragrance-free Dove —
unscented Goat's Milk Soap — fragrance-free
Jergen's Naturals — unscented Neutrogena —
fragrance-free Oil of Olay — unscented
Kiss My Face Liquid Soap — fragrance-free
Kiss My Face Pure Olive Oil Soap — fragrance-free
Nature Clean Pure Soap — fragrance-free
Lotion
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion — fragrance-free
Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion — fragrance-free
Curel Moisturizing Body Lotion — unscented
Currel Therapeutic Moisturizing Lotion — fragrance-free
Dermal Therapy Extra Strength — fragrance-free
Exact — unscented
Goat's Milk Lotion Moisturizing — fragrance-free
Keri Lotion Deep Conditioning — unscented
Keri Lotion Fast Absorbing — unscented Information taken from
Keri Lotion Original — unscented
Keri Lotion Skin Renewal SPF 15 — fragrance-free
Lubriderm Body Lotion — unscented
Lubriderm Lotion — unscented
Lubriderm Seriously Sensitive — fragrance-free
Neutrogena Body Emulsion — fragrance-free Neutrogena Body Moisturizer — fragrance-free
Nivea Body Lotion — fragrance-free Oil of Olay Sensitive Skin — fragrance-free
PHisoderm
— unscented Vaseline Intensive Care Body Lotion — unscented
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Information taken from http
Places in Edmonton that are scent free
Many Doctor and Dentists offices are scent free.
Local Hospitals are scent free like the Royal Alex
Northgate Lions Senior Centre is scent free
Edmonton Public Schools has a scent free policy.
West Edmonton mall has scent free washrooms on the upper level by the waterpark
Scent Free Universities
University of Calgary
Athabasca University
Dalhousie University
Universiy of Guelph
University of Toronto
McMaster University
University of Waterloo
UniversityCreated
of Windsor
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Canadian Mennonite University
Scent Free and Fragrance Free Products to Use
NORWEX
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Analysis of 17 Perfumes and Colognes by Environmental Defence and The
Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
The Study found the following results:
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Top selling perfumes and colognes were found to contain 12 or more secret chemicals not
on the product label
These chemicals can trigger allergic reactions or disrupt hormones
On average 14 secret chemicals were found
An average 10 sensitizing chemicals were found that can cause asthma, wheezing,
headaches and contact dermatitis ( skin rashes )
A total of 12 different chemicals that can disrupt hormones, with an average of 4 chemicals
per product.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review has assessed only 19 of the 91 ingredients that were tested
"For all of us who know that we are exposed to toxic chemicals every minute of our lives but
feel helpless
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Fallsdo much about it, here is an opportunity to take some responsibility."
David Suzuki, scientist and environmentalist
Thanks to the efforts of Spencer Elliott, Sturgeon Heights School is scent free.
“While in my grade six class (2007-2008) at school, a part-time aid came into help teach us math.
Because she was heavily scented I could not think straight or concentrate, I asked the teacher if I could
work outside. He was aware of my sensitivity to perfume so he allowed me to leave. Within five minutes
another student joined me, who was also being affected by the toxicity of her products.
At the end of the hour long class I went back into the classroom, once the aid had left, and just for fun
took a survey of how many had headaches, brain fog and/or other signs of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
from the aid’s scented products. A staggering 11 out of 23 showed signs. I went to the trustee of my
school with these facts and within 3 months of this incident my school was scent-free. As the staff
became scent free, they became less grumpy and less irritable than before”.
Way to go Spencer.
Fragrance Free Living is a website run by David Tywoniuk
who has MCS. His business, David T’s Auto Centre here in
Edmonton is fragrance free.
www.fragrancefreeliving.com
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WHAT CAN I DO?
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Be educated
Ask questions
Use Scent free or Fragrance Free products for your health and the health of others
if you have a concern talk to Mr Fillion, Mr Raimundo, Mrs Francois or your Teacher
Remember that it isn’t you, it is the chemicals in your scented products
Talk to your friends and parents about becoming scent free at home and in your community
Make your own suggestions on how St Elizabeth Seton can be Scent Free
Be aware that fragrances are tested on animals to make sure they are safe for humans to
wear, if you wish, chose products that are not tested on animals first
BE SCENT AWARE AND SCENT FREE FOR YOUR HEALTH AND THE HEALTH OF YOUR CLASSMATES
AND ALL WORK IN YOUR SCHOOL! TOGETHER WE CAN LOOK AFTER EACH OTHER
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YOUR CHALLENGE
Take a survey of your class.
Are there any students with:
Allergies? Asthma? Migraines? Always have a cold?
Do your peers use scented products? Perfume? Cologne? Body
Sprays? Laundry Soap/Fabric Softener? Air Freshners?
Shampoo/Conditioner? Lotions?
Challenge your classmates to stop using Scented products for a day, a
week, a month and see if there are any changes.
Challenge your parents to stop using Scented products at home.
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http://bowvalley.rockyview.ab.ca/scent-free/
https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/hsprograms/scent_free.html
http://www.toxicsinfo.org/canary/troubleintheair.htm
https://adkpinecone.wordpress.com/2012/08/23/are-you-wearing-cologne/
https://www.Lesstoxicproducts.com
http://www.environmentaldefence.ca/reports/Just_Beautiful.html
http://www.dal.ca/dept/safety/programs-services/occupational-safety/scent-free.html
http://www.ourstolenfuture.org/commentary/News/2003/2003-0212-MSNBC-lyman.htm
http://greatest.com/live/perfume-wrong-place
https://beckybirdsblog.wordpress.com/2013/01/14/a-cruel-treat-an-investigation-into-animal-testing/
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