VOCs reaction

[Buckfizz19]

Hello, Has anyone experienced breathing problems caused by VOCs in the workplace?, Many thanks

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

Hi, I don't work somewhere where they're a major problem like being a painter/decorator. I work in an office but atm I am having some serious problems with asthma symptoms from air fresheners in the toilets, which have VOCs. I have spoken to HR, my boss and the office manager and they are seeing what they can do, but it's tricky as my company does not control those areas and the managing agent is generally unhelpful about various problems with facilities.

Do you work in a job with a lot of unavoidable VOC exposure, or is it an incidental thing like mine? If it's not integral to your job you might want to speak to whoever is in charge of health and safety. If it is I'm not sure what the best thing is as obviously it could affect employment, but there might be adjustments thry can make even so (very much not an expert but employers do have health and safety obligations).

[Buckfizz19 in reply to Lysistrata]

Hi Lysistrata,

Thank you for your advice. The building I work in was renovated and I got ill very quickly and have been unable to go back into the building for almost six months now and attending hospital.

I hope you resolve the issue with the air fresheners.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to Buckfizz19]

Hi, that sounds awful! I have no useful advice sorry, but hope something gets resolved soon.

[Wheezycat]

That sounds bad, buckfizz. I haven’t suffered like you, but I struggled when they were redecorating the place I work a few hours per week. It was the oil based paints. Luckily admin was understanding and helped me find a room as far away from it as possible.

I find air fresheners (and perfumes and hairsprays and aftershaves) reaslly unpleasant, too, and put in a complaint to our local hospital when they were installed in all the toilets.

[Triggerina]

Years ago when teaching in a local authority school the floor polish was changed. I eventually realised this was the cause of my asthma and general allergies worsening and, with some pressure from the lovely caretaker, it was agreed that my classroom(not the whole school annoyingly) could have the previous polish reinstated. This helped a lot as I was mainly in the one classroom. No amount of input from my GP would persuade them to sort out the whole school. It was a small local school only .

The reason given was cost savings. I am sure that the cost of GP visits etc. was more than the non allergic polish!

GP sent me to asthma specialist at the hospital clinic and guess what ......I had a reaction to the floor polish there too......

Also ,I cannot not tolerate air fresheners /carpet fresheners etc. They are the bane of my life when out and about generally and also. people's houses. Mmmm .........this fixation with air freshener sprays,plug ins,candles and loo blocks is not necessary surely?

I never use these things at home. My house does not smell of artificial aromas ,neither does it smell of dirty loos etc.Just clean! These items are completely unnecessary in my opinion and are ,I suspect, not good for anyone ...asthmatic or not! They cover up smells and are not the answer.

Rant over!

You have my sympathy. I think I need to go and live up a mountain or out at sea!

[Wheezycat in reply to Triggerina]

Yes, i have a cousin ( we are not genetically related), who reacts badly on many such things, to the point of needing medical attention. She is also a teacher, and in her school using any such substances is now banned, as there can also be pupils who suffer. It does not stop an occasional colleague of hers still wearing something.......

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to Triggerina]

Given my air freshener issues I am very much with you on this! I get fed up with people thinking it is just a preference ( I often get 'oh I quite like the smell of paint/floor polish/air freshener') and/or that the need to mask a smell is more important than anything else including my lungs.

Also find the same with deodorant. It is possible to not smell without spraying yourself from head to toe! I used to work with someone who bathed in perfume as a deodorant qand reapplied it in the office in case she smelled. She couldn't get past the idea that she needed to do this even when I asked politely if it was really needed at work given the effect on me and could she not stick to once a day at home. Other people's hygiene routines are their business of course but she was making it into mine!

[Triggerina in reply to Lysistrata]

Please don't get me ranting about deodorants as well as air fresheners.

I seem to manage fine without them , however I am fine with roll ons rather than aerosols.They are much better surely for everyone,not just asthmatics, as you are not breathing in the spray from the can when you use it.

Your work friend sounds a bit OCD ish ? Perfume on its own will never get her clean. A shower in the morning would surely do the job and be cheaper and certainly less smelly!

I myself do ccasionally use perfume ( only some are OK) but find a dab or two is sufficient assuming not smelling of BO beforehand.

There is a newish ad on TV which shows two people comparing known brand aerosol air fresheners with a cheaper own make one. I dread to think what is in them all especially the cheapie one! Maybe that is the least bad ...who knows? Have you seen the ad.?

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to Triggerina]

I also use roll on! Amazing how many people think I just don't use deodorant if I say I can't have the spray...I agree would be better for anyone!

I no longer work with that person but yes given she did shower daily it was a bit unnecessary! I can wear perfume if it is good quality - I don't wear it often but was given Chanel and that is fine as are other high quality ones providing they don't have flowery essences which I react to.

I haven't seen that ad but ugh. I think the effect of perfumes and sprays is very well hidden. Atm I feel like I'm navigating an obstacle course at times as they turn up so often.

[Triggerina]

Hope you get the VOC issue at work sorted very soon. Is it possible to get your GP to write a letter explaining the danger to you? Maybe worth a try?!

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to Triggerina]

Was this for me or the OP? If me - thanks, I have let HR know but the issue is the building management company. I haven't worked here long (just changed jobs) but my company seems to understand, they just have limited control. I suggested they use the flashing lights=epilepsy comparison to tell the buikding managers as people seem to know about that and it might help them realise I'm not just being precious. (I realise it is not like a seizure but it is health and safety). If the management company is stubborn I may need to ask GP.

Apologies if intended for OP!