Life and breathDear Editor,
Three weeks ago, my asthma was triggered by a combination of the lit cigarette of a student who chose to violate the campus smoking ban and the strong perfume of a student in one of my classes. Since then, it has nearly happened again several times, mostly by the strong scents many students wear. This applies to males and females, as men’s colognes and aftershaves can be just as offensive as women’s perfumes. There are also students who continue to violate the smoking ban and get smart or laugh when they are gently reminded about it. I’m so very tired of being sickened by this stuff. If you must wear something, make it a light scent and don’t bathe in it please. What may smell nice to you, may be too strong for me, and others (I know of a few people who also can’t tolerate it). Please have some courtesy for those who are sensitive. It’s a matter of life and breath. If you don’t believe me when I say it bothers me, come watch me sometime when I’m using my inhaler or nebulizer as I struggle to breathe after passing a few people wearing different, strong scents. Thank you.
– Cynthia Canter

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