Adopting Standard Practices and Accommodations in Your Rental Business
As a property owner, your rental is a business, and like many professional workplaces, fragrance-free policies are becoming more common and recognized as an important accommodation. While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) supports guidelines requiring reasonable accommodations for fragrance sensitivities in workplaces and public spaces, implementing fragrance-free measures in rentals can help attract health-conscious travelers and provide a more inclusive environment.
Rentals can also follow this growing standard by adopting fragrance-free practices. Below are examples of how fragrance-free policies are becoming increasingly common and widely implemented in businesses, demonstrating how rentals can embrace this better standard of practice:
| Business | Fragrance-Free Implementations in Businesses |
| City of Portland, Oregon: (Sources: Portland.gov, City of Portland Human Resources Administration Rules) | City of Portland’s Fragrance-Free Policy: In February 2011, the City of Portland introduced a fragrance-free policy across all city offices, encouraging employees and visitors to avoid scented products. (Sources: Portland.gov, City of Portland Human Resources Administration Rules) |
| Job Accommodation Network: (Source: JAN) | The Importance and Implementation of Fragrance-Free Workplaces: JAN discusses the importance of implementing workplace fragrance policies and highlights practical steps employers can take, such as using unscented cleaning products, providing scent-free areas, and educating staff about the effects of scented products. |
| Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: (Source: CCOHS) | Fragrance-Free Guidelines for Businesses: The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) provides valuable guidelines for businesses looking to implement fragrance-free policies in the workplace |
| Accessibility.com | Strategies for Supporting Employees with Fragrance Sensitivities: Accessibility.com outlines strategies for employers to support employees who experience fragrance sensitivities. |
| Americans with Disabilities Act: (Source: ADA) | ADA Compliance and Legal Considerations for Fragrance-Free Workplaces: Labor Law Center reported that according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers must make reasonable accommodations for employees with fragrance sensitivities. This has led some businesses to establish fragrance-free environments to comply with legal requirements and promote employee well-being. |
| Zendesk: (Source: Zendesk) | Raising Awareness of Fragrance Sensitivities: The article from Zendesk emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about fragrance sensitivities and suggests that even small changes, like reducing the amount of perfume used, can contribute to a more inclusive environment |
| The Standard (Source: The Standard) | Improving Air Quality with Scent-Free Cleaning Products in Workplace: The article from The Standard recommends maintaining good indoor air quality, using unscented cleaning products, providing scent-free meeting rooms, and considering the implementation of fragrance-free workplace policies to create a more inclusive environment. |
| UCLA Center for the Study of Women (CSW) (Source: UCLS College Social Sciences Center for the Study of Women) | UCLA’s Advocacy for Fragrance-Free Environments: UCLA, through initiatives like the “Accessible Spaces: A Fragrance-Free Toolkit,” is leveraging its research and advocacy to raise awareness about the health risks of fragrances and promote fragrance-free environments. |
The Research Behind Fragrance-Free Policies
The movement toward fragrance-free environments is more than just a trend or the result of a handful of people—it’s based on substantial research highlighting the negative health effects of fragrances, and the prevalence is higher than many realize. Even for individuals without fragrance sensitivities, there is enough scientific evidence to understand why some people may prefer or need to avoid fragrances. Below are a few examples of the vast research supporting the growing need for fragrance-free spaces:
| Source | Summary of Research on Fragrances |
| Prevalence of Fragrance Sensitivity in the American Population (Source: PubMed) | Prevalence of Fragrance Sensitivity in America: A 2009 study found that 30.5% of U.S. adults reported irritation from scented products worn by others, 19% experienced adverse health effects from air fresheners, and 10.9% were irritated by scented laundry products vented outside. |
| Health and Societal Effects from Exposure to Fragranced Consumer Products (Source: PubMed) | Prevalence of Fragrance Sensitivity in Australia: This study by Professor Anne Steinemann reveals that 33% of Australians report health problems such as migraines and asthma attacks from fragranced products. |
| Fragranced Consumer Products: Exposures and Effects from Emissions (Source: PubMed) | Prevalence and Health Impacts of Fragranced Products: In the 2016 study showed that 34.7% of Americans experience health issues like migraines and respiratory problems from fragranced products. Over 50% of respondents prefer fragrance-free environments in workplaces and public spaces. |
| Does the Ubiquitous Use of Essential Oil-Based Products Promote Indoor Air Quality? A Critical Literature Review (Source: PubMed) | Risks of Essential Oil-Based Products on Indoor Air Quality: This study shows that while essential oils can offer pleasant fragrances and some perceived health benefits, the study also notes that they emit compounds like terpenes, which can negatively affect indoor air quality and interact with other chemicals, potentially creating harmful byproducts. The review calls for more research to better understand their impact on air quality and indoor environments. |
| Endocrine Disruptors and Asthma-Associated Chemicals in Consumer Products (Source: Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP) | Endocrine-Disrupting Phthalates in Fragranced Products: This study found 55 harmful chemicals, including endocrine-disrupting phthalates, in fragranced products like perfumes and air fresheners. Many of these chemicals, such as DEHP, were not listed on labels, raising concerns about the need for better labeling and regulation to protect consumer health from potential respiratory issues, hormonal disruptions, and allergic reactions. |
| Do Synthetic Fragrances in Personal Care and Household Products Impact Indoor Air Quality and Pose Health Risks? (Source: PubMed) | Health Impacts of Chemicals in Fragranced Products: A 2023 study highlights that synthetic fragrances can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into indoor air, which may contribute to respiratory issues, headaches, and exacerbation of asthma. |
| A Review: Toxic Chemicals Emitted from Air Fresheners and Disinfectants (Source: IJRASET) | Toxic Chemicals in Fragranced Products: This study discusses the health risks associated with toxic chemicals emitted from air fresheners and disinfectants, particularly volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like limonene and formaldehyde. These substances can cause respiratory issues, migraines, asthma attacks, and long-term health problems, including cancer. |
| Risk in Cleaning: Chemical and Physical Exposure (Source: PubMed) | VOCs in Cleaning Products: The article examines how exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), detergents, and other chemicals can lead to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and long-term health problems, urging a need for safer cleaning product formulations and better safety guidelines. |
| Fragrance (Source: Breast Cancer Prevention Partners) | Hormone Disruption, Reproductive Harm and Cancer Risk Associated with Fragrances: This article highlights the health risks associated with fragrances, linking them to hormone disruption, reproductive harm, and increased cancer risk due to the toxic chemicals they contain. It also provides a list of related research articles that support these claims. |
| Fragrance Contact Allergy: A Clinical Review (Source: PubMed) | Fragrance and Its Association with Eczema: This article reviews fragrance allergies, particularly in individuals with eczema, highlighting how fragrances commonly trigger allergic reactions, with hand or facial eczema. The review emphasizes the importance of avoiding scented products for those with fragrance sensitivity to prevent eczema flare-up. |
Media’s Role in Highlighting Fragrance Risks
While workplace guidelines, research, and the increasing demand for fragrance-free spaces highlight the risks of fragrances, the media is also playing a significant role in raising awareness about the dangers of fragranced products. Here are a few examples from media coverage, documentaries, and public discussions that reflect this growing awareness:
| Source | Media Speaking out on the Dangers of Fragrances |
| Why So Many People Hate Scented Products (Source: TIME) | The TIME article, “Why So Many People Hate Scented Products,” discusses the growing issue of fragrance sensitivity, with many individuals experiencing migraines, breathing problems, and skin irritation from scented products found in everyday items and the increasing need for fragrance-free environments. |
| Toxic Chemicals Found in Common Scented Laundry Products, Air Fresheners (Source: The University Of Washington (UW News) | The article “Toxic Chemicals Found in Common Scented Laundry Products, Air Fresheners” discusses a study revealing that top-selling laundry products and air fresheners emit dozens of different chemicals, some of which are classified as toxic or hazardous |
| Hidden Ingredient in Your Perfume Can Lead to Heart Problems, Obesity and Infertility (Source: New York Post) | Phthalates in Fragranced Products: This article highlights phthalates, commonly found in perfumes and fragranced products are linked to hormone disruption, potentially leading to infertility, obesity, and heart problems. Experts advise caution, recommending consumers opt for fragrance-free or naturally scented products and check ingredient labels to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals |
| STINK! (Documentary) (Source: YouTube) | Documentary on the Dangers of Fragrance: This documentary explores the hidden dangers and lack of regulation in the fragrance industry and uncovers how companies use the term “fragrance” to conceal potentially harmful and undisclosed chemicals in everyday products. |
| The Human Experiment” (2013) (Sources: ABC NEWS, Watch on YouTube) | Documentary on Toxic Chemicals In Everyday Products: This documentary explores the impact of toxic chemicals in everyday products, including fragrances, and their potential links to diseases like cancer, asthma, and hormone disruption. It highlights the lack of regulation and safety testing for many chemicals used in consumer products. |
| Jessica Alba Exposes Toxic Secrets Behind Household Fragrances (Source: YouTube) | Jessica Alba Speaks on the Dangers of Fragrances: This video features actress JessicaAlba, discussing the dangers of toxic chemicals found in common household items, including fragrances. She highlights how certain chemicals in products with the ingredient fragrance can negatively impact health, contributing to cancer and hormone disruption. |
| American Lung Association (Source: American Lung Association) | The American Lung Association Offers Guidance on How to Improve Indoor Air Quality by Reducing Chemical Cleaners and Air Freshers: This video show that simple actions, like reducing household chemicals and using proper ventilation, can make a significant difference in your home environment. |
| Study Finds Fragrant Cleaning Products May Be Bad for Health (Source: CBS NEWS PITTSBURGH) | Health Risks Associated with Fragrance: This piece highlights concerns about the potential health risks associated with the frequent use of scented cleaning products, especially for individuals with pulmonary diseases or asthma. |
| P&G Should Do More to Protect Public Health (Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer) | VOCs in Fragranced Items: This piece explored the hidden chemicals in scented products and their potential health impacts. It emphasized the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in many fragranced items, which are often not listed on product labels, further complicating efforts to avoid them. |
| How Your Scented Christmas Candles Can Up Your Risk of Heart Disease, Lung Cancer (Source: New York Post) | VOCs Released in Scented Candles: This article highlights that burning such candles releases harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including benzene and formaldehyde, which are linked to respiratory problems, heart disease, and an increased risk of lung cancer. |
| University Added Fragrance-Free Policy in All Buildings (Source: Reddit) | The Reddit Community Discusses Fragrance Dangers and Fragrance-Free Policy: The Reddit community posts discussions on the dangers of fragrances. This particular discussion is about a university’s decision to implement a fragrance-free policy across all campus buildings. |
Making the Case for Fragrance-Free Rentals
Fragrance-free practices are becoming a standard in workplaces, supported by research highlighting the health risks of fragrances, including respiratory issues, allergies, migraines, hormone disruption and increase cancer risk. Media coverage has raised awareness, advocating for fragrance-free environments and highlighting the widespread dangers of fragrances. Offering a fragrance-free rental can help your property stand out in the saturated rental market, especially considering that over 30% of the population reacts to fragranced products. Here are some benefits for rental owners:
1. Attract More Guests: Catering to health-conscious travelers and those with sensitivities is in high demand but low in supply. By offering fragrance-free accommodations, you can expand your market and potentially increase your bookings.
2. Compliance and Inclusivity: Staying ahead of potential regulations and aligning with growing public awareness demonstrates social responsibility.
3. Taking Care of Your Cleaners and Guests:
Eliminating fragrances in cleaning products, laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, air fresheners, and personal care items (e.g., shampoo, soap) reduces toxin exposure for both your cleaners and guests, creating a safer, healthier environment for everyone.
4. Happier Guests:
Research shows that fragrances can exacerbate conditions like asthma, leading to health issues for some guests. By offering a fragrance-free rental, you provide a space where guests can feel comfortable, contributing to a more positive experience and happier guests overall.
5. Transparency:
By being open about the cleaning products used and how you avoid fragrances, you help prevent any confusion with guests, leading to smoother stays and potentially better reviews. This transparency can also serve as a helpful reference should any questions arise, ensuring that everything is as expected without causing unnecessary concerns. Sensitive Rentals is a great platform for sharing these details in a friendly, informative way, so everyone feels confident and well-informed.
6. Better Reviews:
Marketing your fragrance-free, health-conscious rental highlights your commitment to guest well-being, which can lead to positive reviews and greater satisfaction. Additionally, guests are less likely to experience adverse health effects caused by fragranced products, making them more likely to feel comfortable and enjoy their stay.
Sensitive Rentals: The Best Platform to Advertise Your Fragrance-Free Rental for Free
Sensitive Rentals is a free platform where you can list your fragrance-free rental, making it easier for health-conscious guests to find your property. The site helps promote your rental, connects you with individuals seeking safer accommodations, and offers valuable resources on creating healthier spaces all for free.
You can:
- Explore what constitutes a fragrance-free environment and discover healthier, fragrance-free cleaning product options in this informative article here.
- Follow Sensitive Rentals on Facebook for educational posts and new listings.
- Watch the latest tips from Sensitive Rentals on YouTube for creating healthier rentals.
- Visit the Sensitive Rental’s “Browse Property Page” to see listed properties and what cleaning products are used by other hosts.
- To list your property, simply go to ‘Get Screened’ to get started.
- Download the “Converting Your Rental” PDF for in-depth steps to create a safer rental environment.
Even More Research!
If you need more information on the importance of fragrance-free rentals, here are additional resources:
Breast Cancer Prevention Partners
Fragrance Sensitivity Awareness
Invisible Disabilities Association
International Boarding & Pet Services Association
UT Health San Antonia: Hoffman Program for Chemical Intolerance/Tilt Research Program
Join “Fragrance-Free Respect” on Facebook for shareable educational memes that raise awareness about the importance of fragrance-free environments