Reducing allergies and environmental hazards

Mould: Control moisture and relative humidity (e.g., exhaust fans, dehumidifiers, prompt spill cleanup). Visually inspect areas and follow best practices for mould cleanup.

Learn more:

• Indoor air quality - moulds and fungi | CCOHS
• Mould | Health Canada

Scents and fragrances: Scent-free or scent-reduced policies can reduce potential allergens, support cleaner indoor air, and improve safety for those with chemical sensitivities. Ensure clear communication in advance.

Learn more:

• Environmental sensitivities and scent-free policies | Canadian Human Rights Commission
• Scent-free policy for the workplace | CCOHS
• Scent-free buildings | Canadian Committee on Indoor Air Quality (CCIAQ)
• Questions and answers: scent/fragrance-free | Environmental Health Association of Quebec

Food allergens: Request access needs or dietary needs in advance, clearly label ingredients, prevent cross-contamination, and train staff and others to recognize and respond to anaphylaxis.

Learn more:

• Food allergy info sheets | Food Allergy Canada
• Event planning and food allergy awareness | American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology

Animals: Consider factors like allergies and animal-transmitted illness, while ensuring robust support for service animals, in discussion with service animal handlers. Air cleaning, surface cleaning, respirators, and distancing can help. Some service animals may also have allergy-reducing suits,^{Footnote 222} although these may not be financially accessible.

Learn more:

• Are you allergic to your pet? | ASPCA
• CAN-ASC-5.2.1-15 Accessible service delivery: Guide dogs and service dogs | Accessibility Standards Canada

Insect-borne illness: Depending on the region, insects can transmit many serious illnesses, from Lyme disease to West Nile. Install window screens; eliminate standing water; and encourage protective clothing and repellants in settings where mosquitoes or ticks could be an issue, prioritizing less-toxic repellants that are still effective.

Learn more:

• Insect bite and pest prevention | Health Canada
• Vector-borne diseases | WHO

Plants and pollen: Monitor pollen levels; reduce use of fresh flowers (e.g., for presenting to performers), or choose lower-allergy options.

Learn more:

• Air quality monitor | IQAir
• OPALS^TM plant-allergy scale | Allergy-Free Gardening

Water-borne illness: Follow water use advisories; reduce stagnant water; and clean and maintain water outlets and places where water collects (e.g., humidifiers, water coolers, fountains).

Learn more:

• About drinking water advisories | Indigenous Services Canada
• Legionella control in building water systems | CCIAQ
• Humidity (humidifier section) | OSPE

Informed substitution: Assess hazards and use non-latex gloves and balloons; unscented hand soap in staff and performer washrooms; hypoallergenic makeup products; less-toxic theatrical fog fluids (or projections); and similar solutions.