Detroit city employees banned from wearing scented products

The employee, Susan McBride, was awarded $100,000 in the federal case because of her breathing sensitivity to chemical products -- but she has yet to receive her money.

City officials say it might take up to 60 days to fulfil the requirements of the agreement, which was filed in federal court Feb. 12.

McBride, who filed her lawsuit under the Americans with Disabilities Act, complained that a co-worker's perfume made it difficult for her to breathe and do her job. The City of Detroit protested saying there was no medical diagnosis of her condition and that she is not disabled.

Detroit officials will place warning placards, with a list of scented products to avoid, in three city buildings: Cadillac Square Building, Coleman A. Young Municipal Center and First National Building, which ask employees to refrain from "wearing scented products, including ... colognes, aftershave lotions, perfumes, deodorants, body/face lotions ... (and) the use of scented candles, perfume samples from magazines, spray or solid air fresheners ..."

The new rules will also be included in new employee handbooks and mentioned in ADA training.