CDSBEO is committed to providing safe, healthy and respectful learning and working environments for students, staff, families, volunteers and visitors. Scented products can cause adverse health reactions for some individuals, and we ask everyone to help reduce exposure by refraining from wearing or using scented products in our schools and Board offices, on school buses, and during Board activities.

Why is it important to be scent-free?

Fragrances and scents found in many everyday products can cause health reactions for individuals who are sensitive to them. Reactions can range from mild irritation to more serious symptoms and may include:

• headaches or migraines
• watery or irritated eyes
• sneezing or nasal congestion
• coughing or difficulty breathing
• dizziness or nausea
• fatigue
• difficulty concentrating
• asthma symptoms
• skin irritation or hives

Creating a scent-free environment helps make our schools and workplaces safer and more comfortable for everyone.

What products can contain scents?

Scents and fragrances can be found in many commonly used products, including:

• perfume, cologne and body sprays
• lotions and creams
• hairspray and other hair products
• soaps and hand sanitizers
• air fresheners and deodorizers
• aerosol sprays
• paints and cleaning products

Whenever possible, please choose products that are scent-free or fragrance-free.

How can you help?

Students, staff, families, volunteers and visitors are asked to:

• avoid wearing perfume, cologne or strongly scented personal-care products;
• choose scent-free or fragrance-free products where possible;
• avoid using air fresheners or other fragranced products in shared spaces; and
• be considerate of individuals who may experience reactions to scents.

Our collective efforts help support healthy and inclusive environments throughout CDSBEO.

Have a concern about scented products?

Students or families who have concerns about scents within a school should speak with the school principal.

Employees who have concerns about scents or other odours in the workplace should speak with their immediate supervisor. Employees who require workplace accommodation because of a scent-related medical condition should follow the processes outlined in the CDSBEO guideline.

Additional Resources

Scented Products Awareness Guideline
Read the full CDSBEO guideline for additional information about scented products, health concerns, reporting and workplace accommodation: CDSBEO Guideline – Scented Products Awareness

Scent-Free Zone Poster
Download and display the CDSBEO Scent-Free Zone poster. The poster was developed as an 11 × 17 resource for CDSBEO schools and Board offices: Scent Free Zone