People who suffer from scent sensitivity can breathe a little easier after the Government of Manitoba extended its Odour Control Tax Credit late last month. This credit helps businesses managing nuisance odours.

According to the Department of Finance, the tax credit was part of the Manitoba government’s response to increased concern from the public about bad smells from agricultural businesses. The credit thus provides assistance to businesses that incur costs when controlling the odours.

Nuisance odours in agricultural businesses is not a new occurrence, however scent sensitivity is emerging as a hot topic in businesses and general public areas. Scent sensitivity is not a new phenomenon especially when referring to pungent odours.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, an environmental illness which results in severe reactions to smells and scents, is a relatively unknown concept to many individuals.

Janelle Dykxhoorn, a student at Canadian Mennonite University (CMU), has been a victim of intense smells.

“Anything really strong like colognes, shampoos and strong scents in perfumes affect me,” she said. “I had a little sensitivity in high school, I would be uncomfortable. I had a year in university when it was bad. I couldn’t go anywhere, the store or even church, but it’s reduced with time.”

Dykxhoorn’s situation is a case of sensitivity to smells and has not yet been given a medical condition for the aversion. Certain strong smells have been known to trigger headaches, asthma attacks and other complications. In Dykxhoorn’s case, she has problems breathing.

“I literally can’t breathe. It’s scary,” she said.

Although an all-around scent-free environment may be beneficial, enforcing the policy could be challenging. As a result, some workplaces have opted for a scent-free policy where workers are required to avoid putting on strong-smelling products.

The Disability Services Centre at the University of Winnipeg is one example.

“People think that if they can’t smell a scent, it has no impact on anyone,” said co-ordinator Andrea Johnston.

However, it could trigger migraines or nausea.

“Not because it smells bad. It’s just intense.”

According to the Lung Association of Canada, the chemicals in scented products could lead to health problems for people with lung diseases such as asthma. Nevertheless, scent-free products could still be as harmful as scented products, as they may contain chemicals used to mask smells in the product.

Currently, universities such as CMU have adopted a scent-free policy.

“Quite a few years ago we had a number of students who had lots of problems with chemical sensitivity, so we had to do something about it by using scent-free chemical products and encouraging our students and faculty to use scent-free products,” said Marilyn Peters-Kliewer, dean of student services at CMU. “It’s hard, but for the most part faculty and students have been co-operative.”

The University of Winnipeg has yet to adopt such a policy, but does have a scent-free guideline.

For more information on scents and their effects on people, visit www.lung.ca