St Elizabeth Seton

Scent Free

Mr Argent and Mrs Falls April 2016Created by Falls

EDMONTON CATHOLIC SCHOOLS ARE SCENT FREE

St Elizabeth Seton Scent Free

Edmonton Catholic Schools adopted a Scent AwarenessPolicy in January 2016. All ECSD schools are now Scent Free zones.

To ensure the health and safety of all who work in our offices and attend our schools, our District now has a Scent Awareness policy.

The policy states: Many employees of Edmonton Catholic Schools are adversely affected when exposed to scented products. ECSD will ensure all reasonable steps are taken to ensure safe and healthy environments for all.

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Allergy Alert Some members of our school community have been identified as having severe reactions

to the following scents and/or compounds: Fragrance (perfume, cologne, etc.) Balsum of Peru (the ingredient in perfume that makes it hold its scent) Citrus (e.g. orange, lemon, lime, etc.)

Lilac (e.g. flowers, lotions, etc.) Parfum Vanilla (e.g. body lotion, cream, perfume, etc.)

When scented products have been blamed for causing health problems, especially for those with allergies or environmental sensitivities, removing the cause of the reaction is important.

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What is meant by scent-free?

When we talk about scents, we usually mean the smells or odoursfrom cosmetics (perfume, make-up, shampoo, deodorant, etc.) or from other products such as air fresheners, cleaners, etc.

Some people have awful health effects caused by exposure to the chemicals in perfumes and personal products.

It’s not you, it’s the chemicals in the products you are wearing. It’s a health issue. You may believe that asking you to stop wearing fragrance takes away from your individuality or self-esteem. This is not true, you are being asked so that all can work and study in a healthy environment.

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Can scents cause health problems? When scented products have been blamed for adversely affecting a person's health, some or all of the following symptoms are reported:

headaches dizziness, lightheadedness nausea fatigue weakness insomnia malaise confusion loss of appetite depression anxiety numbness upper respiratory symptoms, cold like symptoms shortness of breath difficulty with concentration

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Why is it important to know The severity of these symptoms can vary. Some people report mild irritation while others are incapacitated and/or must give up many 'normal' activities in order to avoid exposure (such as going to public places). These reactions can be known as a condition called environmental sensitivities.

95% of perfume ingredients are synthesized from petrochemicals (oil), so they give off volatile organic compounds. VOCs are known to produce eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, loss of concentration, nausea, liver damage, harm to the kidneys and central nervous system according to the Environmental Protection Agency. VOCs are known or suspected to cause cancer in humans.

The chemicals from the fragrance evaporate into the air once you put on a spray or lotion or are absorbed into your skin to your blood stream. Like the smell of popcorn that travels through the air, so do the chemicals in a lotion or spray. Air currents pick up the chemicals and scatter them into the atmosphere and the air we all breathe. In our school the chemicals get into the air system and circulate throughout the whole school.

Diffusion of fragrance particles in the air

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Quote from "Trouble in the Air"“For some people, second-hand scent is more serious than second-hand smoke,” says Lindsay McManus of Allergy UK. The onset of symptoms are quicker and can be debilitating, she explains. “Whilst some people might get a mild headache from getting a whiff of perfume from someone walking down the street, others may be very ill for several days.”

You're Surrounded by Dangerous Scents – YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgWAItoRfmo

Are you wearing cologne (until 3:50)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LADOP4Xf8ZA

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• The health of some people is affected immediately, but we are all affected by the petrochemicals, synthetic chemicals and toxic waste in personal care products.

• Once a person has developed sensitivities, “reactions may occur to a broader range of factors, at levels of exposure that were previously tolerated and that cause little difficulty to many others”. Dr Meg Sears, Medical Perspective on Environmental Sensitivities for the Canadian Human Rights Commission

• 3% of Canadians have been diagnosed with environmental sensitivties

• Incidences of ADHD, asthma , lung disease have increased over the last 25 years

• Asthma attacks have doubled in the past 20 years, 72% of asthma attacks are related to perfumes and colognes

• 35 million people suffer each year from sinusitis. Fragrances are irritants that contribute to sinus problems

• Approximately 25 million people get migraine headaches and fragrance is a major trigger for migraines

• Most products from Bath and Body Works contain formaldehyde which is an Air pollutant, carcinogen, and exposure causes wheezing, allergic reactions, skin rash

Things to know

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• Manufacturers only have to print "fragrance" or "parfum" on the label - a term that can hide up to 200 different chemicals, 100-350 ingredients

• Fragrance in products are created from man-made chemicals that make our senors believe we smell flowers or the outdoors

• Chemicals in fragrances affect everyone in some way but for some it is life-threatening

• A Scent allergy/ Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is an environmentally triggered disease acquired either by a one time acute exposure or from low-level long-term exposures. As the number of dangerous environmental pollutants increase,so does the number of people who are sensitive. Dr Rea

• “Chemicals have replaced bacteria and viruses as the main threat to health. The diseases we are beginning to see as the major causes of death in the latter part of (the 1900's) and into the 21st century are diseases of chemical origin.”Dr. Dick Irwin, Toxicologist, Texas A&M University

• Be aware that “heat can increase the volatility of ingredients causing molecules to evaporate more quickly and come off as a stronger burst of fragrance” so do not put on after Gym class. Perry Romanowski, Cosmetic chemist

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What types of products contain scents?

Scents are included in a very large range of products including:

shampoo and conditionershairspraysdeodorantscolognes and aftershavesfragrances and perfumeslotions and creamspotpourriindustrial and household chemicalssoapscosmeticsair fresheners and deodorizersoilscandlesdiaperssome types of garbage bags

It is important to remember some products which claim to be 'scent free' may have only masked the scent by use of an additional chemical. Be sure to research the product carefully if using scented products around those who are sensitive.Created by Falls

We are asking everyone within Seton to refrain from using:

• Perfume• Cologne and after-shave• Body lotions• Body sprays like Axe• Scented hand cream• Scented body wash, like Bath and Body Works• Scented air freshners, like Febreeze• Scented deordorants/antipersipants• Scented laundry products – like Gain

Please be Scent Free in the hallways, classrooms, locker rooms and coming from home.

Please choose unscented products.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QfNrtBFQMgCreated by Falls

Here are some of the most common ingredients in fragrances:Amylcinnamaldehyde– Irritating to eyes, respiratory system, and skinPinene– Sensitizer, inhalation exposure to high concentrations associated with irritation of the respiratory airways.Terpineol– May cause ataxia, headaches, depressed central nervous systemBenzaldehyde– Harmful if swallowed, exposure causes sore throat, rash, and eye painBenzophenone– Disruptive to hormones and thyroidBenzyl Acetate– Carcinogen, possibly a cause of pancreatic cancerBenzyl Alcohol– Causes headache, nausea, and dizzinessBenzyl benzoate– Disruptive to hormonesBenzyl cinnamate– Irritant, dangerous for the environmentBenzyl salicylate– Disruptive to hormonesBeta ionone– Possible carcinogenButylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)- Disruptive to hormones and thyroid, possible carcinogenCinnamyl alcohol– Irritating to skin and eyes,Coumarin– Carcinogen, toxic to liver and kidneys, used to kill rodents, common ingredient in cigarette tobacco productsDiethyl phthalate (DEP)- causes abnormal development of reproductive organs in male babies and sperm damage in adult menEthanol- EPA hazardous waste list, causes central nervous system disorderEthyl Acetate– Narcotic, on EPA hazardous waste listEugenol– Sensitizer, allergenFarnesol- Skin irritant, allergenFormaldehyde– Air pollutant, carcinogen, exposure causes wheezing, allergic reactions, skin rashGalaxoide– toxic to the endocrine systemTerpinene– Causes central nervous system disorderLilial (Butylphenyl methylpropional)- Disruptive to hormones, allergenLimonene– Carcinogen, causes central nervous system disorderLinalool– Narcotic, causes central nervous system disorderLyral– Allergen, causes eczemaMethylene chloride– Banned by the FDA, carcinogen, EPA hazardous waste list, causes central nervous system disorderMusk ketone– Disruptive to hormonesMyrcene– possible carcinogenOctinoxate (Octyl methoxycinnamate) – Disruptive to hormones and thyroidOxybenzone– Disruptive to hormonesToluene– CarcinogenTonalide– toxic to the endocrine system

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MORE IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO KNOW• According to Carrie Loewenherz, industrial hygienist for

New York committee for Occupational Safety and Health, “even if the general population isn’t likely to suffer acute effects from exposure to fragrances, there are long-term chronic health effects connected to these chemicals that we don’t fully understand yet”.

• Health advocates point to growing evidence that perfumes, hair gels and other fragranced products may contain chemicals such as phthalates, which can disrupt hormones, and other compounds which can affect immunity, the nervous system, play a role in cancer and other health problems

• Perfumes today are a complex mixtures of natural and synthetic chemicals

• More than 5,000 different fragrances are used in perfumes and skin products in 100s of chemical combinationsCreated by Falls

Body Wash

Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash — fragrance-free Dove Moisturizing Body Wash — unscented Goat's Milk Moisturizing Body Wash — fragrance-free Oil of Olay Moisturizing Body Wash — unscented Our Compliments Moisturizing Body Wash — unscented

Cream/Lotion

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream — fragrance-free Dermal Therapy Hand, Elbow & Knee Cream — fragrance-free Jergens — unscented Neutrogena Facial Cream — fragrance-free Neutrogena Hand Cream — fragrance-free Oil of Olay Complete Care — fragrance-free Oil of Olay Total Effects — fragrance-free Vaseline Intensive Care Hand Cream — unscented

Deodorant

Arm & Hammer Anti-perspirant — unscented Arrid XX Roll-on — unscented Arrid XX Solid Stick — unscented Degree Original — unscented Dove Invisible — fragrance-free Dove Sensitive Skin — unscented Dove Silk Protection — unscented Dry Idea Roll-on — unscented Lady Speed Stick Gel — unscented Lady Speed Stick Invisible — unscented Mitchum Clear Stick — unscented Mitchum Solid — unscented No Name Solid Stick — unscented Secret Platinum — unscentedSecret Roll-on — unscented Secret Sheer Dry — unscentedKiss My Face Liquid Rock Roll-on — fragrance-free Kiss My Face Solid Stick with Baking Soda and Clay

http://www.dal.ca/~scentfre/faq.shtml

Hairspray

Alberto European Extra Hold Hairspray — unscented Clairol Final Net Ultimate All-day Hold — unscented Clairol Regular All-day Hold — unscentedTRESsme Superior Hold - unscented

SCENT FREE PRODUCTS FOR PERSONAL USE

Shaving

Cream Aveeno Therapeutic Shaving Gel — unscented Nivea for Men Sensitive Aftershave Balm — unscented Nivea for Men Shaving Gel — unscentedKiss My Face Natural Moisture Shave — fragrance-free

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Lotion

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion — fragrance-free Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion — fragrance-freeCurel Moisturizing Body Lotion — unscented Currel Therapeutic Moisturizing Lotion — fragrance-free Dermal Therapy Extra Strength — fragrance-free Exact — unscented Goat's Milk Lotion Moisturizing — fragrance-free Keri Lotion Deep Conditioning — unscented Keri Lotion Fast Absorbing — unscented Information taken from Keri Lotion Original — unscented Keri Lotion Skin Renewal SPF 15 — fragrance-free Lubriderm Body Lotion — unscented Lubriderm Lotion — unscented Lubriderm Seriously Sensitive — fragrance-freeNeutrogena Body Emulsion — fragrance-free Neutrogena Body Moisturizer — fragrance-free Nivea Body Lotion — fragrance-free Oil of Olay Sensitive Skin — fragrance-free PHisoderm — unscented Vaseline Intensive Care Body Lotion — unscented

Information taken from http

Gel

Alberto European Extra Hold Gel — unscentedDep 10 Sport Endurance Gel — fragrance-free Dep 10 Sport Extreme Hold — fragrance-free Dippity-do Sport Gel — unscented

Soap

Aveeno Balancing Bar — fragrance-free Aveeno Clear Skin Bar — fragrance-free Aveeno Moisturizing Bar — fragrance-free Dove —unscented Goat's Milk Soap — fragrance-free Jergen's Naturals — unscented Neutrogena —fragrance-free Oil of Olay — unscented

Kiss My Face Liquid Soap — fragrance-free Kiss My Face Pure Olive Oil Soap — fragrance-free Nature Clean Pure Soap — fragrance-free

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Places in Edmonton that are scent free

Many Doctor and Dentists offices are scent free.

Local Hospitals are scent free like the Royal Alex

Northgate Lions Senior Centre is scent free

Edmonton Public Schools has a scent free policy.

West Edmonton mall has scent free washrooms on the upper level by the waterpark

Scent Free Universities

University of CalgaryAthabasca UniversityDalhousie UniversityUniversiy of GuelphUniversity of TorontoMcMaster UniversityUniversity of WaterlooUniversity of WindsorCanadian Mennonite University

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Scent Free and Fragrance Free Products to Use

NORWEX

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Analysis of 17 Perfumes and Colognes by Environmental Defence and The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics

"For all of us who know that we are exposed to toxic chemicals every minute of our lives but feel helpless to do much about it, here is an opportunity to take some responsibility."

David Suzuki, scientist and environmentalist

The Study found the following results:

• Top selling perfumes and colognes were found to contain 12 or more secret chemicals not on the product label

• These chemicals can trigger allergic reactions or disrupt hormones• On average 14 secret chemicals were found• An average 10 sensitizing chemicals were found that can cause asthma, wheezing,

headaches and contact dermatitis ( skin rashes )• A total of 12 different chemicals that can disrupt hormones, with an average of 4 chemicals

per product.• The Cosmetic Ingredient Review has assessed only 19 of the 91 ingredients that were tested

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Thanks to the efforts of Spencer Elliott, Sturgeon Heights School is scent free.

“While in my grade six class (2007-2008) at school, a part-time aid came into help teach us math. Because she was heavily scented I could not think straight or concentrate, I asked the teacher if I could work outside. He was aware of my sensitivity to perfume so he allowed me to leave. Within five minutes another student joined me, who was also being affected by the toxicity of her products. At the end of the hour long class I went back into the classroom, once the aid had left, and just for fun took a survey of how many had headaches, brain fog and/or other signs of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity from the aid’s scented products. A staggering 11 out of 23 showed signs. I went to the trustee of my school with these facts and within 3 months of this incident my school was scent-free. As the staff became scent free, they became less grumpy and less irritable than before”.

Way to go Spencer.

Fragrance Free Living is a website run by David Tywoniukwho has MCS. His business, David T’s Auto Centre here in Edmonton is fragrance free.

www.fragrancefreeliving.com

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WHAT CAN I DO?• Be educated• Ask questions• Use Scent free or Fragrance Free products for your health and the health of others• if you have a concern talk to Mr Fillion, Mr Raimundo, Mrs Francois or your Teacher• Remember that it isn’t you, it is the chemicals in your scented products• Talk to your friends and parents about becoming scent free at home and in your community• Make your own suggestions on how St Elizabeth Seton can be Scent Free• Be aware that fragrances are tested on animals to make sure they are safe for humans to

wear, if you wish, chose products that are not tested on animals first

BE SCENT AWARE AND SCENT FREE FOR YOUR HEALTH AND THE HEALTH OF YOUR CLASSMATES AND ALL WORK IN YOUR SCHOOL! TOGETHER WE CAN LOOK AFTER EACH OTHERCreated by Falls

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YOUR CHALLENGETake a survey of your class.

Are there any students with:

Allergies? Asthma? Migraines? Always have a cold? Do your peers use scented products? Perfume? Cologne? Body Sprays? Laundry Soap/Fabric Softener? Air Freshners? Shampoo/Conditioner? Lotions?

Challenge your classmates to stop using Scented products for a day, a week, a month and see if there are any changes.

Challenge your parents to stop using Scented products at home.

http://bowvalley.rockyview.ab.ca/scent-free/

https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/hsprograms/scent_free.html

http://www.toxicsinfo.org/canary/troubleintheair.htm

https://adkpinecone.wordpress.com/2012/08/23/are-you-wearing-cologne/

https://www.Lesstoxicproducts.com

http://www.environmentaldefence.ca/reports/Just_Beautiful.html

http://www.dal.ca/dept/safety/programs-services/occupational-safety/scent-free.html

http://www.ourstolenfuture.org/commentary/News/2003/2003-0212-MSNBC-lyman.htm

http://greatest.com/live/perfume-wrong-place

https://beckybirdsblog.wordpress.com/2013/01/14/a-cruel-treat-an-investigation-into-animal-testing/

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