Scent and Odour Awareness in the VCC Library and Learning Centre

Purpose

To provide a safe and healthy environment for employees and users of the VCC Library and Learning Centre by limiting exposure to scented products and other strong odours through increased awareness and voluntary cooperation of individuals.

Guidelines

The Library and Learning encourage employees and users of our physical locations to reduce or eliminate the use of scented products and minimize strong body odours.

Rationale

Exposure to scented products or odours can affect a person’s comfort and health. Individuals with environmental sensitivities, migraines, asthma, or allergies can experience various symptoms, including: 

  • Headaches, including migraines
  • Feeling faint, dizzy, or lightheaded
  • Nausea and loss of appetite
  • Fatigue, weakness, or generally discomfort
  • Depression, anxiety, confusion, insomnia, or difficulty concentrating
  • Upper respiratory symptoms, including shortness of breath, sinus congestion, coughing, sneezing, or throat irritation

These guidelines aim to assist those with environmental sensitivities; the goal here is not to accommodate for personal preferences, but to reduce the health risk for those who may respond to exposure. 

Responsibilities

The Library and Learning Centre’s administrative heads have the following responsibilities: 

  • Support supervisors and employees in promoting a scent- and odour-aware work environment.
  • Encourage voluntary compliance with maintaining a scent- and odour-aware environment. 

Supervisory staff have the following responsibilities:

  • Ensure employees receive training on scent and odour awareness guidelines. 
  • Develop and communicate information and procedures related to scent and odour awareness. 
  • Order unscented or low-scent non-hygiene products (e.g., cleaning spray, hand sanitizer, dry-erase markers). 
  • Encourage employees to use scent-free and odour-neutralizing products. 
  • Make available any necessary signage and educational materials. 

Students, staff, faculty and visitors have the following responsibilities:

  • Switch to using “fragrance-free,” “scent-free,” or “unscented” versions of your hygiene products. 
  • Avoid bringing scented products or contributing strong body odours to the Library and Learning Centre. 
  • Avoid eating strong-smelling foods while in the Library and Learning Centre. 
  • Become scent- and odour-aware by reading educational materials. 
  • Report to Library or Learning Centre staff (students and visitors) or supervisor (staff and faculty) if scents or odours in the environment affect their health or well-being. 

Scented and Odorous Categories

Personal Hygiene Products: These include, but are not limited to, cosmetics, perfumes, colognes, after-shave, deodorants, shampoos/conditioners, hair sprays, lotions, and creams. 

Personal Non-Hygiene Products: These include, but are not limited to, certain foods, flowers, air fresheners, cleaners, potpourri, marker pens, or other items with strong or distinct scents. 

Body Odour: These include, but are not limited to, sweat or other body scents, which may affect the shared environment. 

Smoke Residue: These include, but are not limited to, scent of tobacco or cannabis smoke that may linger on clothing or personal items. 

More Information

Visit the following websites for resources on how you can help to promote a scent and odour-free community at VCC: 

Applies to

All employees and users of the VCC Library and Learning Centre.

* Approved by LLRMG, February 2025