Rank: Forum user 
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A chain of stores use a diffuser and fragrance oils to produce scented fragrances in their shops. Several employees have complained of respiratory irritation. Safety data sheets for the oils provide information on the raw material rather than the diffused vapour and don't mention respiratory problems (just don't get it on your skin!). I have advised that the rate of emission be reduced and, if symptoms persit, the diffuser be discontinued. The company management are now not happy with this approach. Ideally I need some evidence that these products can be harmful and a sensible approach to progressing this matter. Does anyone have any experiences of this or advice?
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Rank: Super forum user
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The thing causing the problems is more likely to be the carrier,
typically iso-propanol. This has a WEL under EH40 and so it has to be managed
under COSHH. Work out the time weighted exposure but remember that you need to
reduce the expose to the levels possible.
It may be possible to move the diffuser away from staff so
that you still get the smell but less of the harmful effects but ultimate the
health of staff take precedent over marketing
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Rank: Super forum user 
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You dont metion the nature of the diffuser - simple timer operated pump spray or heated element. If the latter it could conceivably be from the release of formaldehyde from thermal decomposition - seem to recall quite a few stories regarding problems with scented candles.
Ask the supplier for a new Safety Data Sheet - these should include refernce to hazards arising from the intended use of the mixture/substance. From EU 2015/830: 0.2.2. The information provided by safety data sheets shall also meet the requirements set out in Directive 98/24/EC. In particular, the safety data sheet shall enable employers to determine whether any hazardous chemical agents are present in the workplace and to assess any risk to the health and safety of workers arising from their use.
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Rank: Super forum user
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You dont metion the nature of the diffuser - simple timer operated pump spray or heated element. If the latter it could conceivably be from the release of formaldehyde from thermal decomposition - seem to recall quite a few stories regarding problems with scented candles.
Ask the supplier for a new Safety Data Sheet - these should include refernce to hazards arising from the intended use of the mixture/substance. From EU 2015/830: 0.2.2. The information provided by safety data sheets shall also meet the requirements set out in Directive 98/24/EC. In particular, the safety data sheet shall enable employers to determine whether any hazardous chemical agents are present in the workplace and to assess any risk to the health and safety of workers arising from their use.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Fragrances are a common topic among dermatologists. At the European Society of Contact Dermatitis conferences usually a whole day is devoted to issues with fragrances. Check the safety data sheet as to what the fragrance is. If you wish then to let me have this information I will look the frangrance up to see if it is a sensitiser. Many can cause irritation as well as sensitise and do so at very low levels of exposure. Almost certainly they will not feature in EH40 nor have been assigned the appropriate hazard statements.
Chris (chris@enviroderm.co.uk)
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Rank: Forum user
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Many thanks for the replies. Good point Roundtuit, the SDS's I have were produced in June last year but the section on product uses is blank. I will try to get any updated versions from the supplier. The fragrance oils used are skin sensitisers but no mention is made of respiratory irritation or sensitisation. Chris, I'll contact you directly.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Text select option gone :o(
I avoid all shops that do this
chris
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