Can perfume allergies be diagnosed?

Question

There is a woman in my workgroup who has decided to wear tons of perfume, knowing that it makes me ill. I sneeze, get lightheaded, and feel like I can't catch my breath. This woman is "very friendly" , so the management said that she can wear whatever she wants, and that I need a note from an Allergist, proving my condition.

Thanks for all the responses. My supervisr gave me a write-up yesterday because I complained about his favorite employee making me ill with her perfume.

Answer 1

Yes, take the time to get tested by an allergist. There are multiple tests that they will do. The testing is not comfortable, but in the long run you will be happy you did it.

I had to do the same thing in May 2006 because one of my coworkers would not stop wearing perfume or scented body lotions. Work has been much more tolerable since then!!

Best wishes!! I hope you get some relief soon!

***edit***
There are companies that ban perfumes just as they do smoking. It IS a health issue. If you have a separate human resources department/representative, discuss this with them. Most companies have an "open door" policy where you should be able to vent your concerns without risk of being repremanded.

I hope you take the time to get tested and ask your allergist to give you a written report. Give a copy to your employer and go from there.

Answer 2

Perfumes are derivatives from petroleum products and plants. They are unregulated by the government but some of their ingredients have MSDS sheets listing dangerous chemicals. Because over 5000 chemicals make up perfumes, your allergist would never test you. Testing for chemical reactions could result in anphalactic shock and death. Many people suffer from the problems you are experiencing including yours truly. Although people have a right to wear fragrances, they should not have the right to invade your personal space or proximics; especially if it is making you ill. Do you ever get head aches from the smell?

Answer 3

Make sure you go to a Naturopath or Allergist. Sometimes standard doctors miss it, because they do not have the training to diagnose chemical allergies. Get yourself a copy of the book: Prescription for Nutritional Healing to help yourself when you become ill. You can also pick up some chemical masks to wear while at work. Document the dates and times you come in contact with this lovely person and when and to who you talked to about your condition once you obtain a physicians statement. You can then contact EEOC and obtain a copy of The Americans with Disabilities Act. Most physicians will tell you to "avoid it".

Make sure you notify your employer and this lovely person who thinks you just don't like the smell of her cologne. Ask me how I know. If the harassment continues, EEOC can and will investigate and take them to court if necessary. If they fire you it is called retaliation.

Answer 4

I have had the same problems. I have passed people in the mall and had and asthma attack. You need to see and allergist specialist. He may can take a sample of the perfume the womans wearing and do a test. Sure hope this is possible . Good luck I understand what you are going through.

Answer 5

It is indeed possible to be allergic to perfume, or to certain substances in perfume. As for this 'management' and the woman- well, what I think of them is NOT complimentary! And even if you aren't allergic, tons of perfume creates such a strong odor that it's hard to breathe. I should know: I got very good at holding my breath around certain customers when I worked in assorted service-related jobs.

Answer 6

David used his wit to defeat the Goliath, not weapons or law or authority. Take an assertive position and decide you future.

Have you read the Art Of War?

Answer 7

Go get one.Of course it can be diagnosed.