Does anyone have severe allergies to perfumes and colognes?

A good friend of mine does and is subjected to migraine headaches that last for a few days sometimes. She complained to her Office Manager. The Office Manager just sent out an e-mail to support staff and asked them to wear their perfumes/colognes lightly. She didn't e-mail the rest of the office. When my friend continuned to get migraines, she complained again (and this time produced doctor's notes stating her allergies). The Office Manager told her to look for another job. Are there any lawyers or law students out there than can help with this issue? Isn't this a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act or something?

Most states offer a program where you can have a first consultation with a lawyer for free. You'll be wanting a specialist in disability law. Also, she'll need to talk to her doctor. If he's willing to sign off on forms saying that she cannot be in a "normal" work environment, she may be entitled to social security. I'm not sure if chemical allergies are considered a disability as far as social security is concerned. The government fights paying disability tooth and nail.

This is a brief explanation of what is covered. Only a lawyer can really say if your friend has a case or not:
"To be protected by the ADA, one must have a disability or have a relationship or association with an individual with a disability. An individual with a disability is defined by the ADA as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment. The ADA does not specifically name all of the impairments that are covered." The whole guide to disability law is here:
http://www.ada.gov/cguide.htm#anchor6233...

There is also a treatment program called NAET that heals you of your allergies. I haven't been through the treatment for chemicals yet, but I have been through treatments for many food allergies and a few contact allergies (like latex and adhesives) and I've been free of symptoms from those allergies for over 5 years. I moved last year, so I currently do not live near a NAET center. I'm trying to find one close enough that can treat me for the chemical allergies/sensitivities I have.

I hope whatever your friend decides, she is successful.

I don't blame her for quitting. I hope everything works out for the best! Report Abuse

yes l do... l broke out with a rash on my chest and face so lm not suppose to use body sprays after l bath. l can still bath lf l only use Oil Of Olay beauty bar. and l thought lt was the chicken pox l had but lt was a allergic reaction l had so lf you have this problem take some antihistamine lf lt happens to you

Allergies are not disabilities and will not be treated as such. I get migraines from perfumes and colognes and there really isn't anything they can do. Employers do not have to accomdate everyone, and they don't. If they did, then they would have to change the policies everytime someone complained about something. However, they should have probably been more courteous to her problem but I doubt any legal action could really be taken against them. She could talk to a lawyer but I'm gonna guess that they'll tell her she has no real case. I've had a similar situation at work where people wear too many harsh scents. It's either cope with the migraines or look for a new job. Personally, I think she should look for a new job because who would want to work around people who are not willing to be courteous?