A fragrance-free workplace is not just about limiting perfumes but about creating a safe place for those with environmental sensitivities.
Environmental sensitivities is a blanket term which includes multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS), a chronic illness causing sufferers to experience symptoms upon exposure to minute amounts of everyday chemicals such as those found in laundry detergents, paint or flooring.
“In 1998 I started getting sensitive to perfume, hairspray, nail polish,” said Wendy Prosperi-Porta, a former resident of Wildwood who was diagnosed with severe MCS in 2007. “I worked in a hospital as a lab assistant and everything there was making me feel sick.”
For Prosperi-Porta the symptoms were headaches, a runny nose, constant nausea and even a danger of throat closure.
“I was in denial because I loved my job but I was constantly around chemicals all day and that was making me sick,” she said. Eventually, she had to quit working and go on disability.
The recognition of environmental sensitivities as a disease also means people with MCS are protected under the Canadian Human Rights Act—employers have a responsibility to reduce the use of toxic products in the workplace, forgoing air fresheners or perfumes, for example, in exchange for opening a window.
“It was impossible in the lab because everything there has chemicals in it,” Prosperi-Porta said. “They did try their best, making everyone wear masks and using new garbages, but it was just no use.”
However, because such recommendations are voluntary those with sensitivities can face a gauntlet of dangers when in public places, such as work or school or even restaurants. This can lead sufferers to isolating themselves from society.
“It’s a lonely thing but my doctor said not to isolate myself so I try to get out,” said Prosperi-Porta. “Spring and summer are great because I can get outside and enjoy the fresh air and even sit on the deck at a restaurant.”
According to a 2014 Canadian Community Health Survey by Statistics Canada, MCS affects just over two per cent of Canadians, mostly women.
“You lose your life, your friends and your work,” Prosperi-Porta said. “I can’t even go to visit my daughter anymore.”
For her, even finding a place to live has been a challenge because she is sensitive to so many things, particularly new laminate flooring.
“Over the years I have learned my limitations but it’s hard, it’s something I always have to worry and think about because anything can make me feel sick,” said Prosperi-Porta, who now has to carry an epinephrine pen in case her throat closes due to a reaction.
Now living in Townsite, she said she is grateful for her neighbours, landlady and doctors who are so kind and supportive.
“I try to be positive,” she said. “I don’t do it in front of people, but sometimes I just sit and cry. I look well on the outside, but I am crumbled apart on the inside.”
For more information on environmental sensitivities or multiple chemical sensitivities readers can go to the Environmental Health Association of British Columbia website at ehabc.org.
