NWR: Migraines and perfume in the office

Kauris

I get migraines that are scent related. I try not to be a PITA about it, but if someone has a perfume that triggers a migraine, I will ask them to either avoid me, not wear it or tone it down. I know that it's people's right to wear whatever they want in whatever quantity, but for the most part when I mention the migraines, usually people are pretty understanding. Like I said, not trying to be a PITA. However, there is this girl at work, I spoke to my boss, who spoke to her boss, that's how it was suggested I go about it, she stopped for awhile, but she recently started again, and I've been getting migraines. Other people have complained, so I'm not the only one that is having this problem. She sprays it after she smokes and leaves a cloud in her wake, at this point I'd rather smell the smoke. I am thinking of going to HR, but don't want to come across as whiny or again, a PITA. I have been hospitalized for migraines before, it's not something I hope to do again. Any help/suggestions would be appreciated.

KPBM89

I don't think you'd be coming across as a PITA.  I used to work with a girl who did that same thing-spray perfume after she smoked-and the scent was always very strong and gave me terrible migraines.  I'm allergic to cigarette smoke, but at that point I would take wheezing over migraines.  

I just asked her not to use that perfume, or at least that much, and she was very understanding.  She said to her, she still smelled like smoke so she thought she wasn't using enough.  She ended up switching to a body mist spray and it worked much better.  The scent from those doesn't last as long and isn't near as strong.  

Does she use actual perfume?  She can save herself a lot of money, and you a lot of headaches, by using a fragrance mist spray instead (something like this: http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=21434486&cp=12586965.12587143.4191851 instead of an eau de parfum).

AddieCake

I hate people who apply fragrance in public. I put my perfume on at home in the morning, and I do not feel the need to reapply ever.

beethery

AddieCake said:

I hate people who apply fragrance in public. I put my perfume on at home in the morning, and I do not feel the need to reapply ever.

Same here! Plus, I can't imagine bringing my bottle of whatever-I'm-wearing around with me. Too heavy in my purse, and the thought of having a bottle of perfume break in there is terrifying.

slothiegal

Gah. I feel ya. My migraines are mostly triggered by smells. If you feel comfortable, go to her directly and re-explain the situation (kindly, of course...don't go in saying, "you idiot, NO ONE LIKES HOW YOU SMELL"). If that doesn't work, then there's no harm in going to HR. If you feel awkward, just remember the excruciating pain that your migraines cause you. Sounds terrible, but that's what's helped me in uncomfortable positions in regards to this sot of situation (because I personally have never felt a pain as bad as those muthaeffers and any awkwardness is easily outweighed).

gmcr78

I don't get migraines, but I am sensitive to strong perfumes. In that I feel like I'm choking. If your perfume is strong enough to leave a cloud of scent after you've left the area, you've put on too much. People become very desensitized to the smell of their perfumes when they wear it too often and don't even realize they're choking other people out. Talk to HR.

janbride2015

If she is a smoker, she may have a poor sense of smell.  She may not realize she wears way too much perfumes.  I would find a nice way to say something to her and be sure to mention to your boss as well in case this is a continuing problem.

beethery

janbride2015 said:

If she is a smoker, she may have a poor sense of smell.  She may not realize she wears way too much perfumes.  I would find a nice way to say something to her and be sure to mention to your boss as well in case this is a continuing problem.

That is an excellent point. My grandpa smoked since he was SEVEN years old, and ended up having to quit because he has COPD and had a MAJOR heart attack (hate to lol but seriously that was the only thing that made him quit after almost 70 years).

About a month after he got out of the hospital, he started commenting on how good all the food he ate was, and how nice so-and-so's perfume smelled or how nice this flower smells and how great that coffee was, etc.

Dude didn't smell or taste half of what he ate/drank for close to 70 years because he was chainsmoking for most of them.

MuppetOverlord

My husband uses a wheelchair so I have a decent amount of base knowledge concerning ADA laws and I definitely think this could fall under it, especially since you have required hospitalization as a result from it.

I believe the office must reasonably accommodate you either by asking her to tone it down, or by providing you with a workspace that is far enough away from her where you don't experience symptoms.

Here's a resource:

http://askjan.org/media/fragrance.html

MuppetOverlord

I read a story once (I can't find it) that I keep thinking of about reasonable accommodations and things that are difficult to enforce. This situation keeps making me think of it. A girl was allergic to peanuts, it was covered under ADA and people kept eating stuff that was affecting her.

Finally, the employer banned ALL food to a lunch area and gave her a separate area where she could take her breaks....(as well as anyone else who made sure NOT to have peanut-related items in their food). 

ETA: ADA covers a lot and I think it's incredibly reasonable for you to mention the topic to your employer and ask them to support you.

Kauris

Oh my gosh! That's perfect @MuppetOverlord. Thank you very much!