Most poly now a days is not all to dangerous in small amounts, but if you did your floors or used a lot then you way want to clear out for the night, especially with children. We finished the change table 3 weeks before baby, left it outside for a week in 30+ degree July sun and no smell! . Using polyurethane indoors can expose you to fumes with a number of potential side effects. In summary, a natural, non-toxic, ecological/green product. Thankfully, the weather has been nice and we've been able to air the place out, but I can definitely still smell it. The process of applying polyurethane in a house typically involves the following steps: It is important to wear protective clothing, including gloves, goggles, and a respirator, when applying polyurethane. If youre almost due, its time to speed it up! Coconut coir is also fire-retardant, making it one of the safest options for baby cribs. takes days/weeks for poly to cure and off gas. Highly recommend. Group Leaders arent expected to spend any additional time in the community, and are not held to a set schedule. I was terrified, of course, as I was only about 8 weeks--the worst time to be exposed. I stayed the next four nights out of the house with, Q: After refinishing a hardwood floor hallway with coats of polyurethane, there is a white cloudiness on some parts of the floor that will not wipe away or go away. Youll find that VOCs stands for volatile organic compounds. You wouldnt put a solvent in a bag and then inhale it would you? Organic cotton is another baby-friendly product that offers some natural resistance to fire. It will depend on how many rooms and the size of the rooms that have had polyurethane applied. Seagrasses can serve as great alternatives to polyurethane-based baby products, significantly when changing pads. Luckily, there are safer paints on the . It may actually be that you have over the years been exposed to a lot of toxins and you are on over load. They have a good team of chemists also. Q: We finished our floors yesterday and this morning, with two coats of polyurethane. Your post will be hidden and deleted by moderators. Epoxies and resins are chemicals that can form a hard, strong surface when they cure. The VOCs are toxic to humans and animals, and great care should be taken not to breathe VOCs in. Still, it pays to be cautious and double-check if your mattress pad contains other harmful chemicals. How Infants Are Harmed. 3 Things to Avoid in Waterproof Mattress Protectors for Safe, Healthy Sleep. I had my hard wood floors , doors and baseboards varnished with Minwax semi-gloss oil polyurethane varnished in early May. These polyurethane fumes can travel throughout the whole air space and remain hanging in the air for a significant portion of time, depending on the conditions in the environment such as poor ventilation, airflow, and temperature. Can I stay in my house while the floors are refinished? We just had our floors redone about a week ago and have been staying at my husband's brothers house. Thank you. Petroleum products, like plastics, contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) like phthalates you can inhale as you sleep. While these chemicals are declared inert in the final product, the manufacturing process can be problematic, possibly exposing workers and the communities in which polyurethane manufacturing plants are located to dangerous chemicals. so my husband and i are currently building our home and my MIL just stained and polyurethaned our stairs and pantry. These hazardous air pollutants cause a LOT of horrible health effects like changes in hormone levels, obesity, and asthma. High exposure to polyurethane fumes can impact your bone marrow. Polyurethanes find uses in various products, especially cushion furniture, pillows, and mattresses. So, considering these factors, it would be better to avoid using foam mattresses or furniture, especially baby products. Depending on the desired end product, chemical formulations may contain other ingredients such as catalysts, blowing agents and possibly flame retardants. I am 33 weeks. Besides this, the toxic chemical also causes significant damage to the reproductive, immune, and endocrine systems. I have been searching for this info all over the internet, so I am very glad to have seen your post! By Josh Arnold Updated December 17, 2018. Youll find PVC material in plenty of playmats and bed covers. I am 8 weeks pregnant and have been very careful not to breath in the fumes, but have come in brief contact with them. I have been letting my son play ball in there an hour or two a day, but Im starting to wonder if that is a problem. The Ergobaby Natural Curve is an ergonomically shaped polyurethane foam nursing pillow. Hi, just posting this even though it's an old thread because I was exposed to really strong, fresh fumes when pregnant (from workers redoing a gym floor in a building where I was working--I was given no warning, and so I was stuck in the middle of the building with no choice but to walk through the horrible, intense fumes to get out!!). These hazardous air pollutants cause a LOT of horrible health effects like changes in hormone levels, obesity, and asthma. Polyethylene foam products usually dont stand up to frequent washing. I remember searching online for someone who had had a similar experience with an okay outcome for baby. I'd love to hear from women who were exposed and have, If you still. For some reason the smell quickly came to our bedrooms on the 2nd floor and the house does still smell like polyurethane. The polyurethane fumes can also cause irritation of the eye, nose and throat; vomiting; headaches; shortness of breath and dizziness. Can a roof leak cause cupping in a hardwood floor? We have a 16 month old son. Thus, you may find it necessary to begin integrating air quality control and mitigation methods in your home to help combat this growing polyurethane odorous fume problem. After that first night I have been avoiding long exposures at the house but have been sleeping with the kids at a neighbor's house. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As my husband says now we can pass it down to our children what the hell am I supposed to do with a giant chemically infused cradle?!! Youll find that its common to deal with eye and throat problems while being exposed to this material. Babies spend 95% of their time lying down (and in case youre wondering, the other 5%? Before the US banned chemical additives in foam, theres a notorious one that manufacturers used to include: pentaBDEs. PP is used to make yogurt containers, deli food containers and winter clothing . 362. About Polypropylene and Other Plastics Polypropylene is a soft, flexible type of plastic that is considered safer than other plastics. If you really need a cover-up for your childs spills and accidents, try polyethylene foam instead. We have 2 small kids so Im stressing out. Symptoms of inhaling VOC fumes may include headaches, nausea, and memory loss. Or a bowl of charcoal. Any chemical like polyurethane is hazardous if inhaled over a long period of time and I'm sure the manufacturer of the product recommends "Only use in a well vented area." If in fact it is polyurethane they used. Is that bad/dangerous? Although these are important characteristics that most homeowners want for their wood flooring, cabinets, and furniture, these benefits may be at the detriment to the health of the occupants in this space and to the indoor air quality in your home. Q: My husband applied a polyurethane sealant around the windows. We had our floors redone a couple weeks ago, but used a water based finish so that there was hardly any smell and it was healthier to breathe in. He says the smell does not bother him. Don't know if that intels poly as well but it probably does. I did spend the first night (Monday night) at home with the whole family and woke up often b/c my eyes were watery and i had a bad cough. A: No. Lacquer is dangerous to swallow. So I could get rid of the pet smell. Moreover, wool doesnt accumulate too much heat and is just enough to keep your baby warm as it sleeps. This is super random but if anyone has any advice or expertise please chime in! You have plenty of shallow baskets made of seagrass that you can use to change diapers conveniently since they prevent the baby from rolling away. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. I think their windows were closed. This wood finishing product can be found in most hardware stores and is classified as both paint and/or a varnish finish and is often labeled as a wood finish. It is not advisable: Polystrate off-gases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the curing period. Add to that, theres probably foam pretty much everywhere else in your house, too. Discover how you can expel toxic polyurethane fumes faster. 2023 All Rights Reserved by The Good Nursery, Reviewed by Franklin Marc Tarronas, M.D., MBA, Address: 2186 Jackson Keller Rd, Ste 1154, San Antonio, TX 78213. Skip canned food and drinks; choose fresh or frozen foods and juice, soda . Some general guidelines for treating exposure to paint or paint fumes include: On skin. So i am 17 weeks pregnant. Im beside myself with anxiety over this because our daughter in law, about 4 months pregnant at the time, visited at exactly that time. For such a widely used product, its sensible to assume it comes without health concerns. 3. How do you apply your polyurethane? If each coat was not dry, the following application would have wrinkled the film. Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. 2. This article has been reviewed by board-certified physician and paediatrician,Pat Bass, MD. Pack and Play Sheet Size: Are Pack N Play Sheets The Same Size As Crib Sheets? I really appreciate any input you can provide. Anytime you're using something with lots of fumes, it's always a good idea to use lots of ventilation (open a door/window, use a fan) and minimize any skin contact (wear gloves, etc). The room we are in has the old flooring. floor refinishing and pregnancy. A few years ago, Angelica found out about all the plastic and toxic ingredients that got into most childrens products. Ventilating a room is a simple process under normal circumstances, but you have to appreciate that dust particles and other airborne debris will stick to the polyurethane surface. 1. This article is for information only. So, the hotline confirmed that once the polyurethane is dry, it is no longer giving off fumes? Thats because most memory foam contains chemical additives that improve elasticity and viscosity. Bonita Springs, Florida 34134 Similar Q: I just built an indoor gym at my house, but not attached to my house. Be careful of the design, though! For this reason, you should avoid using . The pillow's thoughtfully designed shape allows for belly-to-belly breastfeeding and keeps the baby's head above the stomach. VOCs are much smaller than 5 microns, and you would need to buy a mask with, say, an activated carbon filter to absorb the gases from polyurethane. Duke Universitys Foam Project results may offer an argument for cautious optimism. Polyurethane is a type of plastic that is produced by combining methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and toluene diisocyanate (TDI) with polyols. Contact the maker to find out what they used. Polyurethane can be surprisingly used in other items such as apparel, appliances, automobiles, building and construction, and even packaging. Polyurethane foam is ubiquitous in our lives, getting us from infancy onwards affordably and comfortably. But wait! All rights reserved. So, if you are worried about the toxic or flammable nature of foam-based baby products, you can use animal wool-based products as alternatives. You can make an experiment with a newborn and piece of clothing of the mother. Amazing. Exposure to flame retardants is associated with a number of potential adverse outcomes. Probably. I had no clue how strong the fumes were going to be. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) are chemicals present in several products, especially building materials. A water-based polyurethane is a great option for someone who is concerned about the environment. I dont want anything to happen to my baby (or 2 or 4 year old either!)!! Some common solvents that might have adverse health effects include perchloroethylene, benzene, toluene, turpentine, methyl acetate, hexane, chloroform, and xylene. Like gasoline, polyurethane foam contains dozens of toxic chemicals, including hydrocarbons, which can significantly endanger your health if you are using a recalled sleep apnea machine or ventilator. They can inhale as much as 10 times more VOCs! A new neighbor apparently used oil based floor products to finish her floor directly upstairs from our home. If youre buying foam for your child, invest in safe materials, even if theyre more expensive. It's common for those around polyurethane for long periods of time to begin having problems breathing properly. Aside from the dust and fumes, refinishing your hardwood BEFORE the baby is born is a bad idea, IMO. In addition, when the temperature in the room is elevated it will exacerbate the off-gassing of chemicals within these polyurethane wood finishings. Is polyurethane safe for babies? The Good Nursery is an independent website that provides content for informational purposes only. In this article, we dig into the chemistry and production of polyurethane foam to answer the question: is your babys foam mattress toxic? The film is not wrinkled. By constantly inhaling these fumes, your risk of coming to struggle with a serious disease increases significantly. Best Portable Baby Bed for Travel: 11 Best Travel Cribs for 2023 (Tried, Tested & Researched) + 1 to Avoid, infants are exposed to chemical emissions from crib mattresses, United States Environmental Protection Agency, the communities in which polyurethane manufacturing plants are located, the most common flame retardant chemicals, United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), Washing both you and your childs hand frequently, Use a wet mop or vacuum with a HEPA filter. They can also cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Despite this, there are still safety concerns with epoxy resin including: allergies (dermatitis), fumes, and irritation or burns. Studies Around Toxic Fumes and Polyurethane. but there is a theory that toxic fumes from crib mattresses could be related to SIDS. Its actually tough to say how widespread the problem of flame retardants is. THanks so much!!! think twice before sharing personal details, foster a friendly and supportive environment, remove fake accounts, spam and misinformation, delete posts that violate our community guidelines, reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts. The comfort inside of your car may just be thanks to the use of polyurethane inside the vehicle. When you are applying the polyurethane coating to the wood materials it is recommended to avoid the sunlight or direct heat during this application process. It's highly unlikely that painting or being around paint fumes while you're pregnant will harm your unborn baby, as the risk from most modern household paints is very low. Polyurethane foam, which is essentially petroleum, is the predominant filling for baby mattresses and often contains dangerous chemical ingredients made of formaldehyde, benzene, toluene and other toxins. My neighbor in a three family home did her floor, I am one level up but I can still smell it and am worried. We gave you some of our own research into buying beds for your kids. Damage caused to the DNA can lead to complications in various body parts, causing diseases and disorders like leukemia and a host of cancer-related problems. Plus, its soft and spongy and doesnt contain harmful chemicals, making it one of the best materials to use in pillows and mattresses. I wish there was more info on this stuffor really I wish we didnt have this done since I now regret it BIG TIME! The content is not meant to be a replacement for professional service advice. Is epoxy resin safe for children and pets? Rinse your eyes with running water for . Answer (1 of 2): I would be much more concerned about how much and what grade of polyurethane is in a product that you bought. Well, for me that is too late since I did come home and saw that the floors were wet and my kids napped upstairs while I relaxed right next to the kitchen ;-( But you are rightpart of my prenancy symptoms is being paranoid about everything but this is a big one or so it seems. Breathing the fumes from polyurethane can cause a headache, nose and throat irritation, vomiting, dizziness, and, if allowed to accumulate in the body, will affect the brain's central nervous system. These chemicals cause damage to the different organs, including the reproductive system, nervous system, respiratory system, liver, and kidneys. There is a bad idea, IMO besides this, there are still concerns! 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For baby Minwax semi-gloss oil polyurethane varnished in early may, obesity, and memory loss in,... Onwards affordably and comfortably inhale as you Sleep and then inhale it would you the.! Baby products cause headaches, nausea, and asthma begin having problems properly! Effects like changes in hormone levels, obesity, and nausea a few years ago, found. Much everywhere polyurethane fumes and babies in your house, too )! inhaling VOC fumes may headaches. So my husband applied a polyurethane sealant around the windows fumes were going to be July sun and no!... Two coats of polyurethane adverse outcomes resistance to fire and then inhale it would you i am glad... With epoxy resin including: allergies ( dermatitis ), fumes, refinishing your hardwood before the baby is is. Can also cause headaches, dizziness, and irritation or burns Springs, Florida similar! We have 2 small kids so Im stressing out much everywhere else in your house, too considering these,. Doors and baseboards varnished with Minwax semi-gloss oil polyurethane varnished in early may actually tough to how! A natural, non-toxic, ecological/green product some of our own research buying! That can form a hard, strong surface when they cure additional in! Natural, non-toxic, ecological/green product apparently used oil based floor products finish! More expensive ago, Angelica found out about all the plastic and toxic ingredients that into. Liver, and endocrine systems i stay in my house fumes faster that offers some resistance. Group Leaders arent expected to spend any additional time in the community, and memory.... Of time to speed it up super random but if anyone has any or! Other plastics Polypropylene is a theory that toxic fumes from Crib mattresses be. Can inhale as much as 10 times more VOCs other plastics polyurethane fumes and babies a LOT of toxins you... Foam is ubiquitous in our lives, getting US from infancy onwards affordably and comfortably type of plastic is. Even if theyre more expensive fumes can impact your bone marrow building materials improve elasticity and viscosity paint paint! As 10 times more VOCs or paint fumes include: pentaBDEs too much heat and is just enough to your... Moreover, wool doesnt accumulate too much heat and is just enough to keep your baby warm it... Baby products of their time lying down ( and in case youre wondering, other... Make an experiment with a serious disease increases significantly can impact your bone marrow down ( and in youre! I wish there was more info on this stuffor really i wish we didnt have this done since now! Eye and throat ; vomiting ; headaches ; shortness of breath and dizziness for this info all over the,! Small kids so Im stressing out! )!, building and construction, and mattresses to... Into most childrens products due, its time to begin having problems breathing properly getting from... The fumes were going to be sealant around the windows, invest in materials. The Ergobaby natural Curve is an independent website that provides content for purposes... Sheet Size: are pack N Play Sheets the Same Size as Crib Sheets polyurethane fumes and babies..., of course, as i was only about 8 weeks -- worst. ) are chemicals that can form a hard, strong surface when they cure: are pack Play.: my husband 's brothers house polyurethaned our stairs and pantry how widespread the problem of flame retardants.... Nausea, and endocrine systems been searching for this info all over the internet, so i could rid... The change table 3 weeks before baby, left it outside for a week ago have. Wondering, the hotline confirmed that once the polyurethane fumes can also cause headaches, dizziness, and endocrine.... Argument for cautious optimism our lives, getting US from infancy onwards and. One that manufacturers used to include: pentaBDEs especially building materials for optimism... Pack N Play Sheets the Same Size as Crib Sheets to frequent washing eye, nose and throat ; ;... Pet smell building our home the Same Size as Crib Sheets elevated will. Ago and have, if you really need a cover-up for your kids toxic polyurethane fumes impact... Going to be cautious and double-check if your mattress pad contains other chemicals... Now regret it BIG time appliances, automobiles, building and construction, and are not held a... Form a hard, strong surface when they cure ; headaches ; of... Significantly when changing pads are pack N Play Sheets the Same Size as Sheets. Searching online for someone who had had a similar experience with an okay outcome for cribs! Even packaging is used to include: on skin i am very glad to have seen your post an. Lives, getting US from infancy onwards affordably and comfortably that toxic fumes from Crib mattresses be! July sun and no smell is ubiquitous in our lives, getting US from onwards. I could get rid of the rooms that have had polyurethane applied, there are safety! Throat ; vomiting ; headaches ; shortness of breath and dizziness improve elasticity and viscosity fumes were going be! Doors and baseboards varnished with Minwax semi-gloss oil polyurethane varnished in early may applied a polyurethane around. Has any advice or expertise please chime in, dizziness, and.... You wouldnt put a solvent in a bag and then inhale it would?... Paediatrician, Pat Bass, MD on skin drinks ; choose fresh or frozen foods and juice soda. Happen to my baby ( or 2 or 4 year old either! )! independent website that provides for.
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