The University is now a fragrance-free place to work and study

Refraining from the use of fragrances ensures that everyone is able to work and study in a healthy, safe and accessible environment. Avoiding fragrances and other scents is a simple way to show consideration for others and support equal access to teaching, work and other activities, without the discomfort that strong scents cause.

The move towards a fragrance-free environment at the University of Helsinki began in autumn 2025 when several students and staff members contacted Occupational Safety Officer Pirjo Kekäläinen.

“The issue was then taken up by the campus occupational safety committees (Flamma), and the University-level committee went on to decide that a recommendation will be added to the rules of conduct (Flamma), establishing the University as a fragrance-free place to study and work.”

For many people, scents may cause health problems, including migraines, respiratory symptoms, headaches, nausea or difficulty concentrating. In the most severe cases, scent-related symptoms may prevent someone from working or studying in person altogether. Going fragrance-free is one step towards a more sensory-friendly and accessible environment.

We encourage all University community members to come to work and study fragrance-free, refraining from wearing perfumes, aftershaves and heavily scented cosmetic products on University premises.

Thank you for not wearing fragrances!

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