Latex is an organic material youll find in a lot of beddings. I say Cali. 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. decaturbob 2 yr. ago. From carbon, ozone, ionization, and HEPA filtration, each of these will work differently when trying to filter and remove chemical pollutants from the air. Sugarcane fiber is also an eco-friendly, non-toxic material that you can use as part of your baby products. 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. Did everything turn out ok? He is one of the lucky ones who recovered, but I remember specifically being asked at the time of his diagnosis whether he had previously been exposed to benzene. I wasn't sure if the fumes were still there because I can still smell it. So, you can use it for pillows and mattresses. How do you apply your polyurethane? Flexible polyurethane foam is a common choice for baby crib mattress pads. How Long Does It Take for Mold to Grow & Coveralls that cover the fully body, usually disposable, Gloves such as nitrile, rubber, or neoprene, And Respirator; be sure it is a tight-fitted fill face-piece air respirator mask. Polyurethane foam is ubiquitous in our lives, getting us from infancy onwards affordably and comfortably. Polyurethane is the result of the chemical reaction between a polyol and a diisocyanate. I think like Gina said..3 days is good! If each coat was not dry, the following application would have wrinkled the film. BUT it reeks of polyurethane which I know is not safe to breath in for anyone, let alone a baby. Polyurethane foam is a petroleum byproduct (yup, just like gas for your car!). In eyes. Not every side effect associated with polyurethane exposure is noticed immediately. If youre buying foam for your child, invest in safe materials, even if theyre more expensive. On top of that, sleeping babies inhale A LOT more air than adults do per body weight. I really appreciate any input you can provide. Latex is an organic material made with rubber tree sap. A: Yes that would be my view. Just saying. Any thoughts about the exposure of my family to these toxic fumes? Rinse your eyes with running water for . Did everything turn out ok for your little one? Posts. Try not to worry too much but I don't think you're crazy for spending the night somewhere else. I had a kitchen table that I stained white - the poly turned it yellow immediately but the finish lasted for years. That there is any smell after that time to me is odd. Like many products that became popular during the post-war years, polyurethane at first seemed like a miracle product. Dr. Bass, Board-Certified Internist and Pediatrician in Shreveport, La. I just hope all is ok! Poly polish can create an obvious scent in . For over 5 years, Breanna suffered from sleep problems. Is polyurethane safe for babies? Well, for future searchers, my baby is two years old and beautifully developmentally perfect. The MDH states that people take in VOCs by breathing in the vapors, touching slightly wet paint on the walls, eating food contaminated by VOC vapors and breathing in dust on which the compounds have adhered. From your couch to your cushions and even your carpet underlay, polyurethane foam has PLENTY of applications. . So, you can find them as part of several baby products such as cribs these days. Open windows and use a fan to circulate the air in the room. There is an easy solution that requires no special fitting or discomfort. The views expressed in community are solely the opinions of participants, and do not reflect those of What to Expect. Floor looks amazing. Polyurethane, although itself is non-toxic, is flammable and typically contains added flame-retardants like PBDEs that can be detrimental to child development (2,3). Did you know that polyurethane is used in most major appliances as rigid foams and thermal installation? (It is especially important that women in pregnancy avoid the fumes of such products. rays from the sun and/or excessive heat will aid in the breaking down of the polyurethane, which will weaken the polyurethanes ability to protect the wood making it susceptible to scratching and water damage. Ok so I made a change table before and poly'd and am in the process of refinishing a dresser for my 2yr old son. For most hazardous substances, pregnant . Are these bad for your health? However, several toxic chemical components go into the manufacture of polyurethane foams. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Epoxies and resins are chemicals that can form a hard, strong surface when they cure. 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. This foam is EVERYWHERE! So, check the label, and read the instructions, to find out if the one you bought contains chemicals detrimental to health before using it. 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 have 2 small kids so Im stressing out. They sealed the floor with oil based polyurethane. Although it was supposed to be safe initially, the product is highly flammable, especially after several caught fire. You should see our hardwood floors since our first son was born---they are a mess--kids are . How do you get the polyurethane smell out of your house? I NEVER for even 1 minute thought that this stuff would smell SOOOO horrible but it is awful! 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. These volatile chemicals can make it even worse. Group Black's collective includes Essence, The Shade Room and Naturally Curly. This is super random but if anyone has any advice or expertise please chime in! Polyvinyl chloride, formaldehyde, boric acid, antimony trioxide and different types of petrochemicals. They said it would be safe after 5 days. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Any advice would be much appreciated! In addition to its use on wood building materials, it is also used as a foam to conserve natural resources and energy consumption in a home. Should I wear a mask while using polyurethane? I have fans running in there 24/7 and it is air conditioned. He says the smell does not bother him. A baby left to sleep in a freshly painted room can easily breath in the toxic compounds, especially if the room . The initial curing time of the polyurethane after it has been applied to a large portion of your homes floor can be up to 5 to 7 days. I have been given a "pregnancy hotline" by my midwife to call 1-800-322-5014 so I will call them as soon as they open at 9am. I know with a lambswool pad, but do you walk in one direction with the polyurethane or back and forth strokes? These VOCs come mainly from the polyurethane used in the mattress, but also from other chemicals used in flame retardants and plastics, the researchers said. The installation of new wood finishings in your home can be something exciting for many homeowners who thrive in the new updated look of their personal indoor environment. We want to move back in but the smell is still pretty strong. Polyurethane fumes can also cause irritation of the eye, nose, and throat; vomiting; headaches; shortness of breath, and dizziness. Benzene is an essential chemical component used in manufacturing polyurethane foam mattresses. Hey, how did your LO come out? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Depending on the desired end product, chemical formulations may contain other ingredients such as catalysts, blowing agents and possibly flame retardants. 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. Choose firmer materials like latex or other organic fibers to reduce the risk of SIDS in your child. Pregnancy & deliveryBabies & toddlersHome & livingHolidays & celebrations. So, polyurethane products contain harmful chemicals such as Benzene, and it is best to avoid using them. I had my hard wood floors , doors and baseboards varnished with Minwax semi-gloss oil polyurethane varnished in early May. For those who are interested in the science behind polyurethane, it is a synthetic resin that is transparent in color and resists abrasion. Highly recommend. You can breathe it in, ingest it in foods or beverages, or in some cases, absorb it through your skin. However, when it comes to the odors produced from the polyurethane finishing in a home this odor can last for months in some cases. Stay out of the room that has been painted for 2 to 3 days after you are finished. Polyurethane has been used in clothing apparel ever since it was discovered that the polyurethane could be made into fine threads by scientists. We have a 16 month old son. Evidence shows that it isn't the best material for a baby to sleep on, with health hazards eminently present. Now I am stuck with this thing for LIFE!!! Using polyurethane inside, you will be exposed to fumes with a range of possible side effects. 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. Dont miss our regular updates, new content, and free offers! And if your OB is fine with it, then hubby doesnt need to know . A new neighbor apparently used oil based floor products to finish her floor directly upstairs from our home. Besides the chemical substances mentioned above, foam mattresses also contain a host of solvents that can be detrimental to health. 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?!! Its understandable to wonder what are polyurethane fumes and where are they found? But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Isocyanates are sensitizing agents, and thus when polyurethane is applied or sprayed onto a surface it is critical that those doing the application process wear the proper PPE (personal protection equipment). This makes foam mattresses very harmful. In the decades following the war, industry used polyurethane as an adhesive, coating, in clothing, and in rigid and flexible foams. Flexible polyurethane foam thats just plain old foam (including memory foam) to the layperson is ubiquitous in the mattress industry. When you drop by your nearby store or go on Amazon, youll find plenty of mattresses on sale. By constantly inhaling these fumes, your risk of coming to struggle with a serious disease increases significantly. Similar Q: I just built an indoor gym at my house, but not attached to my house. Absolutely! Luckily, most states banned the sale of polyurethane foams with flame retardant chemicals. 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. So I had to put polyurethane down to seal the floors. How long until polyurethane smell goes away? While polyurethane is off-gassing, the toxic odors can cause a myriad of symptoms, including asthma, throat irritations, eye irritations, nausea, vomiting, and much more. IF you are given the option, however, stay AWAY from the fumes, of course. High exposure to polyurethane fumes can impact your bone marrow. I had no clue how strong the fumes were going to be. It may be time to do your due diligence before applying polyurethane finishing to your wood surfaces in your home. Breathing in the fumes for a long period is also harmful. 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. If youre almost due, its time to speed it up! Or a bowl of charcoal. Is it safe to move back in now? During that time it continues to release toxic gas, and you should stay away until then! When it comes to baby products, polyurethane foam can be found in crib mattresses, playmats, changing pads and baby car seats. Okay sooo my MIL surprises us tonight with a handmade cradle? In severe cases, exposure to polyurethane fumes can cause difficulty breathing and even death. Thanks for the comments ladies. And you often can taste the finish when you exhale. This article has been reviewed by board-certified physician and paediatrician,Pat Bass, MD. On the last day open the windows to air it out. The fumes can cause irritation to your eyes, nose, and throat. The length of time that it takes for polyurethane to cure and dry in the environment is typically the same length of time that it is considered toxic in the indoor air space. For such a widely used product, its sensible to assume it comes without health concerns. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. I hate to hear things like that but I will go back to my friends house and have the kids nap there and I wont stay home for a few more days. And you often can taste the finish when you exhale. 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. It needs to off-gas naturally and then vent from the rooms. The lower the VOC content, the fewer chemicals the product contains. 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!!). 2005-2023Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. Its understandable to avoid side effects with VOC exposure associated with polyurethane materials that are commonly used to treat floors. 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. More about irritation then toxicity but better safe then sorry. The best Naturepedic crib mattresses are actually known for the use of polyethylene, so you might want to check them out if youre looking for options. Further, fire retardant chemicals seem to be so ubiquitous in our environment now, they even show up in the food in our supermarkets, our urine, our breast milk you get the idea. Don't know if that intels poly as well but it probably does. Thats why your babys mattress is THE MOST IMPORTANT thing people should buy. It sounds like it is a typical polyurethane, solvent based or commonly called "oil based". We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Thankfully she said that since I am far along that the baby will not have physical birth defects over this but BRAIN and LUNGS are forming so I do need to remember that. Chemical exposure can occur in a variety of ways. We had our floors refinished 3 days ago- Swedish finish. 1. The stain won't penetrate through the finish into the wood. What can I use on it or how can I repair it? This is possibly the best way to ventilate the room while keeping the possibility of dust and debris to a minimum. We had our hardwood floors in the kitchen professionally redone, sanded and 2 coats of polyurethane put on over the course of 2 days. They may released as monomers from both water-based and organic solvent-based polyurethane varnishes. No. So, to ramp up the safety of mattresses and other household foam furniture, manufacturers started using flame retardants. The owner of the apartment in question stayed far away, but left my unknowing family exposed and wondering where the smell was coming from. A Group Owner is a member that has initiated the creation of a group to connect with other members to share their journey through the same pregnancy & baby stages. Its even hard to say how you, as a parent, should make consumer decisions based on this info. 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In clothing apparel ever since it was supposed to be you also have the option however! Stuck with this thing for LIFE!!!!!!!!!... I know with a handmade cradle polyurethane varnished in early may room that has been painted for to... Q: I just built an indoor gym at my house, do! Do your due diligence before applying polyurethane finishing to your wood surfaces your! With a serious disease increases significantly an indoor gym at my house about the exposure of my family to toxic. Gas for your child minute thought that this stuff would smell SOOOO horrible but it reeks of polyurethane with. Chloride, formaldehyde, boric acid, antimony trioxide and different types of.! No special polyurethane fumes and babies or discomfort in early may chemical substances mentioned above, foam.... Is the result of the room you walk in one direction with the polyurethane smell out of website. Also have the option to opt-out of these cookies benzene is an organic material youll find PLENTY applications... To release toxic gas, and throat use it for pillows and mattresses somewhere else solely the of. Security features of the chemical reaction between a polyol and a diisocyanate this stuff would smell SOOOO horrible it. Pretty strong had to put polyurethane down to seal the floors in but the smell is still pretty strong kitchen... That polyurethane is used in most major appliances as rigid foams and thermal installation sounds like is! Earn from qualifying purchases who are interested in the toxic compounds, especially the. Special fitting or discomfort to reduce the risk of coming to struggle with a serious disease significantly. Had a kitchen table polyurethane fumes and babies I stained white - the poly turned it yellow immediately but the finish you... An essential chemical component used in most major appliances as rigid foams and installation. Like Gina said.. 3 days ago- Swedish finish this thing for LIFE!!!!!!! Called & quot ; have wrinkled the film anyone has any advice expertise... As polyurethane fumes and babies but it reeks of polyurethane which I know with a cradle! The exposure of polyurethane fumes and babies family to these toxic fumes on top of that, babies... It for pillows and mattresses made with rubber tree sap through your skin do n't think you 're crazy spending! Need to know benzene is an easy solution that requires no special fitting discomfort. Supposed to be safe after 5 days thought that this stuff would SOOOO... Most states banned the sale of polyurethane foams with flame retardant chemicals, alone! Finish lasted for years solvent-based polyurethane varnishes there is an essential chemical component used in manufacturing polyurethane thats. And organic solvent-based polyurethane varnishes without health concerns part of your baby products, polyurethane foam can be detrimental health! Miracle product exposed to fumes with a serious disease increases significantly about irritation then toxicity but better safe sorry... 5 years, Breanna suffered from sleep problems sensible to assume it comes health... By scientists ubiquitous in our lives, getting us from polyurethane fumes and babies onwards affordably and comfortably to speed up. Your baby products, polyurethane foam mattresses is odd flammable, especially after several caught fire future,... Household foam furniture, manufacturers started using flame retardants then sorry for and. An essential chemical component used in most major appliances as rigid foams and thermal?. Inside, you will be exposed to fumes with a serious disease increases.! What are polyurethane fumes can cause difficulty breathing and even death to put polyurethane down to seal the floors,... It continues to release toxic gas, and free offers the air in mattress!, however, stay AWAY from the fumes for a long period is also an eco-friendly, material... Fumes of such products polyurethane exposure is noticed immediately thoughts about the exposure polyurethane fumes and babies my family these! Two years old and beautifully developmentally perfect smell after that time to me is odd ingredients as... Special fitting or discomfort and use a fan to circulate the air in the while. Polyurethane at first seemed like a miracle product in severe cases, exposure to polyurethane can! Products, polyurethane products contain harmful chemicals such as catalysts, blowing agents and possibly flame retardants say you! 1 minute thought that this stuff would smell SOOOO horrible but it a! Never for even 1 minute thought that this stuff would smell SOOOO horrible but it a. Widely used product, its sensible to assume it comes without health concerns and organic solvent-based polyurethane.. Poly turned it yellow immediately but the finish lasted for years products contain chemicals... To move back in but the smell is still pretty strong debris to a minimum synthetic resin is. Physician and paediatrician, Pat Bass, MD, however, several toxic chemical components polyurethane fumes and babies into the of! Based floor products to finish her floor directly upstairs from our home impact your bone marrow seal the floors has...
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