Burning Question: How much perfume is too much?

City workers in Detroit are told to avoid the issue -- and potential lawsuits -- by not wearing any at all.

City employees in Detroit are being told to take no chances with their use of perfumes and colognes, the Associated Press reports.

As a result of a settlement in a federal lawsuit filed by an employee who complained that a co-worker overdid it in the scent department, officials will to post warning signs telling city workers to avoid the use of scented products.

The Detroit News reports that the settlement requires officials to post placards in three city buildings telling employees they should steer clear of "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..."

Susan McBride, who filed a lawsuit under the Americans With Disabilities Act in 2008 charging that a co-worker's perfume made it difficult for her to breathe, recently won a $100,000 settlement in the case.

Go scentless, workers warned after lawsuit
(Associated Press)

Burning Question is a recurring feature that looks at key issues and compelling stories being explored at other publications and social media sites covering the federal government.