Scents in the Classroom and Respiratory Issues?

Flare, ASN, BSN · Dec 11, 2012

i don't know that you have to necessarily get involved in hunting down articles. I think if I were in your shoes, i'd probably just do a pop in to the classroom and just be matter-of-fact that it's cough and cold season and that perfumed scents can be a trigger for some asthmatics. You may not even have to do a pop-in - an email sent out to the staff to the same effect may help get your point across. I've had teachers use plug in type devices in classrooms before and have rarely seen any true asthmatic reactions or headaches from them.

mc3, ASN, RN · Dec 11, 2012

I have a teacher with the same problem. I'm behind her, and you. Our school district has prohibited any air fresheners, room sprays, scented candles, etc. One teacher even had a kid who's Mom drowned herself in patchouli oil (ick) and that triggered her asthma despite the fact that she'd sent home a letter and told parents individually of her problem. I had to wash patchouli oil from the kids neck and face this first time. He got it from hugging Mom. The second time, Mom got called to come in. No further problems after that.

You need to get either your Student Services Dept or Health Department involved. This is no laughing matter to people who have asthma! Shame on the other teacher for being so selfish! :no:

mc3:nurse:

lovingtheunloved, ASN, RN · Dec 12, 2012

If all else fails, she can go the passive-aggressive route and throw the damn thing in the trash. I hate when people won't cooperate about scent sensitivity.

sjbrk · Dec 12, 2012

My aunt has a serious scent sensitivity -- her airwaywill close if she is exposed to air fresheners, strong perfume, strong smoke smell, etc. If the scent is bothering someone's asthma, I would definitely support that person. I agree with trying the email route first.

NutmeggeRN, BSN · Dec 12, 2012

Can you get faciolities involved? Our head will tackle anything that impacts the air quality in the school? From a safetly perspective we are not allowed by to have those either....principal interevention?

squidbilly · Dec 12, 2012

Thanks for all the replies! I like the idea of using a more passive approach with this, and am thinking that I will send an email to all faculty reminding them that the cold season can be troublesome for everyone, but especially asthmatics. I think if I include a small bit about scent sensitivity in addition to other information regarding asthma no individual will feel targeted, the concerned teacher will feel supported, and I will be advocating for my students. I appreciate all the feedback!

caregiver1977 · Dec 13, 2012

Does this also include the products the janitors use to clean the school?

I am fine with being sensitive to other people's scent allergeries, but every so often a student makes a body scent of their own, (gas). What should we do then? Suffer through it? Evacuate the room?

squidbilly · Dec 13, 2012

I am by no means suggesting that we ought to institute a scent-free policy on our campus. Every asthmatics triggers are different, with over 200 different "irritants" having been identified it is up to the individual to identify what aggravates their symptoms and find ways to avoid it. The problem is that this particular teacher has identified this specific product as an irritant and asked that it not be used in her classroom, and her collegue has decided not to respect her request. I think this is an issue that should be handled on a case-by-case basis. If I shared office space with someone whose perfume triggered my migraines, I would politely ask that they use a different scent when working with me. Flip the script, and I would gladly sacrifice use of a product I enjoy if it meant that my friend or coworker could feel happy and healthy in my presence.

As far as noxious body odors and emissions go, while they may be unpleasant to endure I haven't heard of gut bubbles triggering a medical emergency. Feel free to correct me if I am wrong.

schooldistrictnurse · Dec 13, 2012

We applied for an award from the EPA for air quality improvements, and it was the director of buildings and grounds who made rounds with each principal and nixed all air fresheners, junk piled on the air vents (duh), and at the same time had something to say about the percentage of paper up on any given wall (fire hazard) and hanging projects and stuff from the ceiling tiles. (motion of hanging stuff triggers the lights to go on at night). He also discouraged staff from non-school supplied hand sanitizer (no MMSD info). Lots of grumbling at first but not a big problem any more, and all valid suggestions.

T-Bird78 · Dec 13, 2012

I'd send the mass email out and if the offending teacher still won't cooperate then approach him directly. You can say that you have seen people complaining of headaches and respiratory issues when in that classroom--just don't specify whether it was the teacher or a student. I worked in an allergy/asthma clinic and we had posted signs all over the place stating our "no perfume/lotion/strong odor" policy and pts would still bathe in their Chanel No 5 on the way to the office, and a gentle verbal reminder that they could trigger asthma flare ups seemed to do the trick.

allnurses Guide · Dec 13, 2012

What about folks who burn leaves near school grounds? Don't want to start a separate thread.

There is a rule up here in the mountains that you CAN burn leaves but not wet leave as they smolder and smoke more. I was at the elementary school two days ago and the kids on the playground were coughing and covering their mouths and noses with their coats, gagging from the smoke. I'm wondering about ordinances for schools.