Too much cologne or "product"

[susans]

 I am reposting this from a viewer who wishes to remain totally anoymous:

Good afternoon –

I wondered if I could get some feedback on a problem I’m having at work?

I’ve had problems with a few individuals wearing cologne or a “product” that gives me a terrible reaction such as runny nose, headache, burning eyes, coughing, sore throat. When it got back to HR Dept. I was told to get tested. I did and I do have a problem.  Why is the company I work for so hesitant to correct this in the workplace?  Why can’t they just ask that everyone please need their perfumes, sprays, whatever, to themselves so others don’t smell it outside their cubicle? They can do a whole presentation on “open-toed shoes” but not this issue.

I don’t feel I’m getting the support I need, that they make me feel “I’m wrong” and I must be quiet not to cause trouble. Some other people do have allergies that I work with, but I don’t think they are willing to discuss it with HR.

I am on some medication now but it doesn’t correct the problem of breathing this in and reacting to it.

PLEASE tell me what I can do.

Thank you so very much!

[gee4]

Funny you mention this - since our CEO's PA has moved round beside me now from the other side of our building, I notice she sprays as well.  Does my head in as it really is horrible.

[Cathy S]

Hi this is one of my pet hates - I get hayfever caused by tree and shrub pollen (so it starts early spring and runs through to early summer).  During this time my nose is particularly sensitive to other's perfumes, etc, to the point sometimes of making me feel overwhelmingly sick.

I use a nasal balm (like a lip balm but used around the end of the nostrils) which aims to 'catch' particles/molecules before they get into your airway to cause the problems.  Not sure whether we can/should promote a specific product on the forum but if you Google "hayfever balm" the product is listed in several search results.

It doesn't stop every strong smell but it reduces the effects considerably - even from strong perfumes - and I am never out without it. Oh and it helps reduce my hayfever symptoms too!

From what you say is happening in your workplace you are not getting appropriate support, but this may provide you with a self help solution that won't have any affect on any of the medication you currently take.

Hope this helps

Cathy

[ozbound]

I don't know what you could do, except that cm's solution is interesting, but I sure can empathize! My problem isn't cologne and whatever so much as coworkers who smoke. Of course they can't smoke in or near the office but when my office mate goes out for a smoke break she brings the cigarette smell in with her, and it bothers me since I'm very sensitive to smoke (obviously overly-sensitive, if just smelling it ON someone makes me cough!). There's really nothing one can do about in terms of an HR issue because smoke breaks are perfectly legit, and really it only bothers me for a few minutes right after she comes in. I might try some of that nasal balm though!
The other issue I have with my allergies is that my office is often dusty and dirty and I'm allergic to dust, too, especially in Spring & Fall. I try to keep my area as clean as possible but there's only so much I can do. I've considered asking the boss if we could get an ionic air purifier, or even if I could bring in my own. I have one at home and it really helps there!

[Cathy S]

Hi

The balm will help counteract dust too!  If I don't use it when I am cleaning up at home I will be suffering as if I have a hayfever attack by the end of the day

It is not often that I am so impressed by a product but this one really ticks all the boxes for me!

Cathy