Many of our employees and patients have sensitivities to scents. The reactions to scents range from mild discomfort to serious allergic reactions. Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is committed to minimizing potential health risks associated with exposure to scented products.

Do your part

All staff and visitors are asked to refrain from the use of Scented Products, and to choose fragrance-free or unscented products as outlined in the VCH Scented Products Policy. This includes scented flowers or other scented items. Allergic reactions have recently been reported from flowers (lilies) brought into our facilities.

What are scented products?

Scented products are products which have smells or odours. They include personal products such as perfume, after-shave, deodorant, potpourri as well as non-personal products such as cleaning products, air fresheners, and some types of flowers (e.g. lilies). They can also include products which are and lighted, heated, or vapourized (e.g. candles).

What to do about it

Staff who have sensitivity or a strong reaction to scented products should notify their manager/supervisor. Staff with Medically Confirmed Sensitivities should notify Workplace Health. Employee Engagement will provide support for those departments that need to develop procedures and/or more specific policy statements limiting or prohibiting the use of scented products.

Help spread the word to your colleagues and download the printable poster here. Thank you for contributing to a scent-free workplace at VCH.

For more information, check out VCH’s Scented Products Policy.