MASSACHUSETTS NURSE NEWSLETTER :: April 2006

How to advocate for a fragrance policy in a health care setting

1. Find and work with "like-minded" individuals; there is power in numbers. Create a support team so that you are not alone, thus minimizing burnout. Remember it takes time to implement a policy that affects so many people and in such a personal way. Contact the author for information and support.
2. Locate the person/people who has/have authority to implement the policy.
3. Set up a meeting with the person/people with the relevant authority. Decide who should attend the meeting and be prepared. Know what you want, what you are willing to do, and know what you want from them.
4. Bring scientific documentation; an example of a fragrance policy in use, an example of a model policy; and, a list of key resources including books, articles, and professional web sites such as references used in this article.
5. Emphasize a win-win outcome. Better air quality enhances staff health and productivity and makes the facility accessible for those with health problems related to fragrance.
6. Consider conducting a simple anonymous survey about the issue if administrators do not think that fragrance is a problem. See Table 3 for a sample survey.
7. Agree on dates for creating a draft of a fragrance policy, reviewing the draft, and implementing the policy. You may want to begin with just one area; if so, consider choosing the newborn nursery or pediatrics since people may be more open to change if it is for an infant or child.
8. Develop brochures for educating staff, patients and visitors. Develop a sign that welcomes all to your facility; post signs at all entrances. A suitable sign can be downloaded at www.hcwh.org.
9. Review the policy on a regular basis and revise as needed.

Resources
Anderson, R. & J. Anderson. “Acute Toxic Effects of Fragrance Products.” Archives of Environmental Health March-April, 1998. 53 (2), 138-146.
Anderson, R. & J. Anderson. “Toxic Effects of Air Freshener Emissions.” Archives of Environmental Health Nov-Dec, 1997. 52 (6) 433-438.
Anderson, R. & J. Anderson. “Respiratory Toxicity of Fabric Softener Emissions.” Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Part A 2000. 60:121-136.
Jackson, N. ANA’s Green Meeting Guide 2004 www.ana.org
Kosta, L. Fragrance and Health 1998. Human Ecology Action League. Atlanta, GA.
Kosta, L. “Fragrance control and health care facilities: An interview with Marlene Freeley, R.N., M.S., Director, Occupational Health Services, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.” The Human Ecologist Winter, 2002, 13-17.
Pitts, C. Get A Whiff Of This. 2003. Self published ISBN: 1-4140-0845-7
Pontus, C. Powerpoint Presentation on Fragrance and Health. Massachusetts Nurses Association. Christine Pontus, RN, MS, COHN-S, Associate Director, Massachusetts Nurses Association, cpontus@mnarn.org
Sattler, B. and Jane Lipscomb, eds. Environmental Health and Nursing Practice NY: Springer, 2003