Student odors prompt school non-scents rule

DECATUR, Ill. -- Change could be in the air next month for Decatur's public schools.

The central Illinois school district is adopting new rules that would allow administrators of individual schools to ban the use of spray deodorant, cologne and hair spray by students and staff if allergy problems arise.

An increase in allergic reactions to scented spray products prompted the new guidelines, which take effect when classes resume in January, said Ann Chelette, the school district's health coordinator.

"It's kind of breaking new ground, but we feel that it's appropriate," she said.

"We wouldn't be doing this if school nurses were not aware of issues that are causing students to be uncomfortable or become ill. Their attendance or class performance could be affected, and we don't want anything to jeopardize their learning process."

Chelette stressed that the guidelines are a model, not a district policy, and administrators at each school will decide whether problems warrant a ban on sprayed scents.

Scents don't bother everybody, but they bother many people, Chelette said. "Some people can develop a sensitivity overnight," she said.

Allergic reactions can occur by simply being exposed to the odor of a sprayed scent, and suffers don't necessarily have to be nearby when the product is applied, said Dr. Howard Beede, a Decatur allergist.

Reactions can range from simple discomfort to swelling, wheezing and breathing difficulties, the doctor said.