Report from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety – June 10, 2025
Scents have the power to delight or offend us. Fragrances found in perfumes, soaps, lotions and other products, like a hint of vanilla or a whiff of lemon, are intended to be pleasurable and even stress-relieving. On the other hand, smells associated with industrial settings or workplace renovations – the smell of paint, carpet glue or industrial cleaning products – tend to be viewed as irritating. Regardless of the source, scents can be more than a matter of preference or a petty annoyance for workers who are sensitive. Exposure to scents can trigger migraines, allergic reactions and many other sometimes debilitating symptoms.