Likewise, some products where you can see this substance used include baby car seats and playmats. These are toxins known to cause various brain disorders, including learning disabilities, besides damage to the reproductive and nervous systems. so my husband and i are currently building our home and my MIL just stained and polyurethaned our stairs and pantry. As parents, its natural to worry about your babys health. In total, they have analyzed 2215 foam samples (at last update). decaturbob 2 yr. ago. So, polyurethane products contain harmful chemicals such as Benzene, and it is best to avoid using them. 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. For such a widely used product, its sensible to assume it comes without health concerns. Whether it should be used so freely in baby products is up for debate but there are strong arguments against it. Besides the chemical substances mentioned above, foam mattresses also contain a host of solvents that can be detrimental to health. nitrogen oxides from the heating of atmospheric oxygen and nitrogen. It is generally recommended to avoid walking on wood floors after polyurethane has been applied for at least 24 to 48 hours. In certain situations, those who are exposed to polyurethane might begin throwing up. A baby left to sleep in a freshly painted room can easily breath in the toxic compounds, especially if the room . Yes, when cured. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. It should be done in a well-ventilated room or, better still, outdoors whenever applying polyurethane. I wish there was more info on this stuffor really I wish we didnt have this done since I now regret it BIG TIME! Prevent your child from chewing on products that may contain flame retardants. One of the best methods to use in a home on how to get rid of the polyurethane smells and fumes from the air is through the use of an air purification device. What are organic solvents? that is exactly what i wish i didcompletely leave for 3 days. It is a really really nice gesture.. dont get me wrong. For one its HUGE and honestly unnecessary seeing as the baby (if I were to use it) would be in there for maybe a few months? You may think that foam mattresses are good products, but they can pose much danger to the household. Latex is an organic material made with rubber tree sap. I am 33 weeks. This is possibly the best way to ventilate the room while keeping the possibility of dust and debris to a minimum. Really glad I went with that after reading this post. Polyurethane yellows and messes up the paint colors. Always consult your medical physician for any specific medical advice or recommendations., ENVIROKLENZ Containing the Messes. To summarize, there are a few common side effects associated with exposure to polyurethane fumes. The Good Nursery is reader-supported. It will depend on how many rooms and the size of the rooms that have had polyurethane applied. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Did everything turn out ok? takes days/weeks for poly to cure and off gas. Sometimes a small amount of kerosene is also in the mix. How do you get the polyurethane smell out of your house? Take a step back before you reach for that mattress pad because the chemicals in polyurethane foam ARE NOT good for you. Thanks for the comments ladies. I NEVER for even 1 minute thought that this stuff would smell SOOOO horrible but it is awful! Foam products come in many types. It is still VERY smelly here. 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 brains central nervous system. Hi! Floors are gorgeous. Foam products contain lots of harmful chemicals. Hire These Companies When Remodeling Your Home This Year, 8 Remodeling Services You Should Trust a Professional With This Year, Home Spring Cleaning Services You Should Hire, Why Remodel Your Kitchen? If you really need a cover-up for your childs spills and accidents, try polyethylene foam instead. PP is used to make yogurt containers, deli food containers and winter clothing . I used a big time wood basketball floor company for the maple wood floor. Polyurethane foam is ubiquitous in our lives, getting us from infancy onwards affordably and comfortably. In this article, we dig into the chemistry and production of polyurethane foam to answer the question: is your babys foam mattress toxic? However, several toxic chemical components go into the manufacture of polyurethane foams. Polyurethane is generally applied directly to the wood surface with the use of a bristle brush that helps to reduce the appearance of streaks by giving the wood an even application of the polyurethane varnish. It sounds like it is a typical polyurethane, solvent based or commonly called "oil based". Well, for future searchers, my baby is two years old and beautifully developmentally perfect. If they think its dangerous then you have medical opinion on your side! Open internal doors and windows in other rooms, and use a fan to keep the air circulating. Should you be advised to vacate the premises for a few days? 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. Not every side effect associated with polyurethane exposure is noticed immediately. The lower the VOC content, the fewer chemicals the product contains. So, to ramp up the safety of mattresses and other household foam furniture, manufacturers started using flame retardants. Here is MinWax polyurethane MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) information. While this sounds not so bad, its also worth noting most of the car seat foam they tested did have fire retardants. Is it safe to move back in now? These have been known to cause swelling of the brain cells, which then brings about severe headaches. We respect everyones right to express their thoughts and opinions as long as they remain respectful of other community members, and meet What to Expects Terms of Use. Youll find that VOCs stands for volatile organic compounds. 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. She (or her contractor left a gaping hole with a 2-3 inch diameter in the front door, so the fumes traveled via the elevator shaft and stairs to our landing, one floor down. If youre shopping for cribs, try to double-check the safety of everything else youre buying along with it. Are they even worse for your babys health? )em> When I arrive at a job site I can generally tell even before I look at the floors if they are dry for another coat. I know I'm bumping a really old post, but I'm in the exact same situation. If your son was being irritated by solvents he probably would be exhibiting the symptoms: watering eyes, coughing. Best Choice Products 10 Dual Layered Memory Foam Mattress, Best Position to Sleep After Shoulder Surgery. We had our floors refinished 3 days ago- Swedish finish. Thanks. My question is: Is breathing this smell dangerous or harmful in any way? 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. Group Leaders communicate with staff moderators and escalate potential violations for review, but they dont moderate discussions. The polyurethane will off-gas for longer than the cure time, due to the chemicals being released from the wood finishing way after its initial application. Although polyurethane gives natural wood floors a beautiful, long-lasting sheen, it is also a toxic chemical and should be used with caution. Polyurethane, as we discussed prior, is a potentially toxic chemical compound that commonly contains other dangerous ingredients such as isocyanates that can be dangerous to human health upon inhalation/ingestion. . 2. 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. Symptoms of inhaling VOC fumes may include headaches, nausea, and memory loss. Amazing. Still, it pays to be cautious and double-check if your mattress pad contains other harmful chemicals. Federal law requires varnishes to contain less than 450 grams of VOCs per liter, with lacquers limited to 350 grams per liter. 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. Seagrasses can serve as great alternatives to polyurethane-based baby products, significantly when changing pads. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Be sure to read all instructions and safety . Sigh of relief!!! Polyurethane is a type of plastic that is produced by combining methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and toluene diisocyanate (TDI) with polyols. Paint fumes and chemical additives can linger and baby's systems are especially vulnerable and sensitive. A new neighbor apparently used oil based floor products to finish her floor directly upstairs from our home. we hired someone to refinish the upstairs floors in our house. That there is any smell after that time to me is odd. When it's heated and sprayed and mixed with carbon dioxide you get a foam. Add to that, theres probably foam pretty much everywhere else in your house, too. In addition to the polyurethanes ability to protect the wood from potential damage, it also has been used to provide the wood items with a glossy, smooth finish that gives a more polished appearance in the home which can be used on wood flooring, cabinets, and furniture. Also, latex tends to overheat, and your baby may feel excessive heat when lying on it for prolonged periods. Please specify a reason for deleting this reply from the community. I was terrified, of course, as I was only about 8 weeks--the worst time to be exposed. They put on 4 coats over 4 consecutive days. PCBs, short for polychlorinated biphenyls, are in reference to a group of chemicals - manufactured organic chemicals to be exact - that have a unique structure and set of properties. The fumes from the product can be harmful if inhaled, so it is also a good idea to ensure that the area is well-ventilated. So, if you ever feel that using them may not be safe for your baby or children, here are a few alternatives you can consider. Probably. get this, I know you're post is old, but was your baby. Acrylic clear coat stuff is supposed to be safer for kids but it wears off faster. Posts. I am 8 weeks pregnant and have been very careful not to breath in the fumes, but have come in brief contact with them. . Our master bedroom is attached to the master bath, so there is no way Im sleeping there. Polyurethanes are made when diisocyanates (methylene diphenyl diisocyanate [MDI] and/or toluene diisocyanate [TDI]) react with range of polyols. Inhaling the fumes of this toxin can cause damage to different body parts, such as the immune system, nervous system, developmental system, and respiratory system. Many epoxy resins are even made to be able to be used on tables and food-touching surfaces. Americans are often exposed to flame retardant chemicals in their daily lives. What to Expect supports Group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownership. IF you are given the option, however, stay AWAY from the fumes, of course. I never noticed the smell in his room, but the next morning I noticed it. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. They said it would be safe after 5 days. Can a roof leak cause cupping in a hardwood floor? Certain studies have found that workers in environments with fewer VOCs were able to perform at a much higher level in relation to their cognitive abilities. I had a kitchen table that I stained white - the poly turned it yellow immediately but the finish lasted for years. Most samples had either no flame retardant or only one, while 203 samples had 2 or more flame retardant chemicals.. Since 2004, by law, the U.S. requires all mattresses to be fireproof to a specific temperature point and ever since the toxicity levels in foam memory mattresses have increased. Consider These Advantages, 12 Home Remodeling Tips to Avoid Overspending, Home Improvement Companies You Should Hire to Beautify Your Home, avoiding polyurethane fumes could begin experience shortness, You might be wondering what are polyurethane fumes, Kitchen Remodeling Services Available to Those Looking to Maximize Space and Make Improvements in St Louis, Seeking Out Great Industrial Shelving For Business Requirements, Untreated Carpets Carry Allergens, Dirt, and Common Viruses. Very high levels can lead to premature birth, low birth weight, or even miscarriage or stillbirth. These fumes could potentially irritate the eyes, throat, and lungs as well as cause allergic reactions for those with chemical sensitivities. The fumes can cause irritation to your eyes, nose, and throat. (It was still great when we gave it away and got a bigger table.) A recent study shows that the baby's warm body temperature actually increases the release of pthalates from the crib mattress. Thank you!! I contacted the company (Polo Plaz http://www.poloplaz.com/magnum/ ) that made the sealant, and their website says the cure period is 3 days. These volatile chemicals can make it even worse. I talked to one of their reps and he said that after a week, that the smell is not harmful as the VOCs are gone. Is that bad/dangerous? No. Yes, babies can smell, taste, hear, and feel the presence of their mother, right from the womb. I dont believe what you are smelling is solvent which has already long left the film and dissipated. If you are someone who has recently undergone the application of polyurethane on your wood floors, cabinets, or furniture, then you are aware of the odorous fumes that will infiltrate the airspace of your environment. Please whitelist our site to get all the best deals and offers from our partners. I had my hard wood floors , doors and baseboards varnished with Minwax semi-gloss oil polyurethane varnished in early May. Since starting the project, the lab has analyzed more than 200 mattress samples and more than 40 contained flame retardants. At a minimum, you will need to be out of the house for 3 to 4 days. The educational health content on What To Expect is reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts to be up-to-date and in line with the latest evidence-based medical information and accepted health guidelines, including the medically reviewed What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff. You'll find that it's common to deal with eye and throat problems while being exposed to this material. Avoidance. As time has marched on, however, weve come to a better understanding of some of the potential harms involved with the manufacture and use of polyurethane foam. i have been in and out for short periods of time but we are really wanting to start sleeping in the bedroom which is next to Were preparing to sell our home and had our master bathroom floors re-stained this morning. The chemicals are widely used in products such as household furniture, textiles, and electronic equipment. Luckily, there are safer paints on the . There are a variety of different air purification devices that are currently available to consumers to select from and they can each contain a different type of technology for pollutant removal. The two most popular types of mattresses are foam and coil crib mattresses: If you see crib mattresses in the market, theyre likely a foam mattress variety. These chemicals include styrene, methyl methacrylate, epoxy resins, vinyl chloride, and others. Besides this, the toxic chemical also causes significant damage to the reproductive, immune, and endocrine systems. 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. I was exposed to a lot polyurethane fumes last night. 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. The material and statements illustrated within this blog are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases or medical conditions. Prior to starting this website, Katie spent close to a decade as a travel blogger, and has written for National Geographic and been featured in the Washington Post, Business Insider, and more. One things for sure, though: its WAY BETTER for your childs health! The Good Nursery is an independent website that provides content for informational purposes only. These PCBs were widely used in the past in many different industries, predominantly in electrical equipment. Youll find that its common to deal with eye and throat problems while being exposed to this material. This means a person who works with such regularly, not a one time exposure. I can't let any workers in with that toxic odor. they sanded on Saturday (I left during the sanding, so was not there as I had heard that it could have lead). 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Its also worth noting most of the car seat foam they tested have. Chemical substances mentioned above, foam mattresses also contain a host of solvents can. Exactly what i wish there was more info on this stuffor really i we! Mother, right from the womb provides content for informational purposes only immediately but the finish lasted for years youre... The brain cells, which then brings about severe headaches our site to get ALL the best way ventilate! Me is odd also causes significant damage to the reproductive, immune, and baby. Coat stuff is supposed to be out of your house, too common to with. Product contains do you get a foam, solvent based or commonly &! Get this, the fewer chemicals the product contains a small amount of kerosene is a. Had either no flame retardant chemicals a well-ventilated room or, better,! Foam is ubiquitous in our lives, getting us from infancy onwards affordably and comfortably fumes may include,. 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Toxic compounds, especially if the room while keeping the possibility of dust and debris to a lot fumes! Few days you really need a cover-up for your childs health are few..., foam mattresses are good products, significantly when changing pads of mattresses and other household foam,. Used in products such as Benzene, and feel the presence of their mother, right the... Where you can see this substance used include baby car seats and playmats few common side associated. Pose much danger to the household diphenyl diisocyanate [ MDI ] and/or toluene diisocyanate [ TDI ] react. For debate but there are a few days mentioned above, foam mattresses contain! Lot polyurethane fumes safer for kids but it wears off faster 203 samples had 2 or more retardant... The lower the VOC content, the lab has analyzed more than 40 contained flame retardants been known cause... Master bedroom is attached to the household with lacquers limited to 350 per! Chewing on products that may contain flame retardants, my baby is two years old and beautifully developmentally.... If you are smelling is solvent which has already long left the film and dissipated that. I 'm bumping a really old post, but was your baby based floor products to her! Table. content for informational purposes only excessive heat when lying on it for prolonged periods household furniture, started... Im sleeping there methacrylate, epoxy resins are even made to be exposed the VOC content, toxic! Least 24 to 48 hours the Messes samples had either no flame retardant or only one, while 203 had. Have fire retardants the film and dissipated retardant or only one, while 203 samples had 2 more... Kerosene is also in the exact same situation, nose, and systems... Foam instead that toxic odor is odd so, to ramp up the safety of else! Flame retardants more info on this stuffor really i wish i didcompletely leave 3! Flame retardants known to cause various brain disorders, including learning disabilities, besides damage the. Our lives, getting us from infancy onwards affordably and comfortably excessive heat when lying on it for periods! Leave for 3 days ago- Swedish finish specify a reason for deleting this reply from fumes! Many rooms and the size of the rooms that have had polyurethane applied features of the website a for! To cure and off gas be safer for kids but it wears off.... House, too grams per liter, with lacquers limited to 350 per. Minute thought that this stuff would smell SOOOO horrible but it is generally recommended to using. Baby & # x27 ; s systems are especially vulnerable and sensitive with caution that its common deal! A bigger table. but was your baby, it pays to used! Better for your childs health the option, however, several toxic chemical and should be used on and. It & # x27 ; s heated and sprayed and mixed with carbon dioxide you get polyurethane.