NH bill would ban perfumes at work

(WWLP) - A growing number of people are developing allergies or sensitivities to scents. And because of this growing trend, lawmakers in New Hampshire are now trying to ban state employees from wearing perfume at work.

In 2011, HB 1444, was drafted by State Representative Michele Peckham. If it passes, it would prohibit state employees who work with the public from wearing fragrances during business hours.

“There are many people who have chemical sensitivity type of issues, where they are either allergic to other things, say dust mites or mold or pollen. And then when they are exposed to chemicals or irritating fragrances they have a reaction that's very similar,” said Jonathan Bayuk, an allergist at Hampden County Physician Associates.

One in four people suffer from some type of allergy. Those who suffer from fragrance allergies can not only react to scented lotions but also scented fragrances. And for Meaghan Lass, who has suffered from
fragrance allergies for years, it’s a scenario that's all too familiar. She’ll catch a whiff of someone else's fragrance and within minutes she’s irritated.

“I was in class with a girl who wore very heavy floral perfume and I got headaches, I was nauseous, I was dizzy. It does make it very difficult for those of us who are allergic,” said Meaghan Lass who has suffered from fragrance allergies since she was 3 years old.

Even those who don't suffer from allergies told 22News they think the measure may be a good idea. “It might be helpful in schools. There was a situation in a school in our town where one of the teachers had an issue, in that respect when you are spending 24/7 in a classroom with kids that that might be ok,” said Carla Gunn of Longmeadow.

Dr. Bayuk told 22News reactions to fragrances may be associated with other allergens like dust or pollen; and if you have a reaction, it doesn't necessarily mean you are allergic to scents.

Rep. Peckham told 22News a public forum was held on Tuesday but she was the only one to testify in favor of the measure. State workers were present and testified against the bill.

The bill will now move on to an executive panel of House and Senate leaders; they will determine if it will hit the House floor for debate.