they sanded on Saturday (I left during the sanding, so was not there as I had heard that it could have lead). Theyre cost-effective, durable, and efficient. Again, I left from when they started until about 5 PM. Label warnings are related to occupational over exposure to solvents. I am 33 weeks. I have been in there also a few times for an hour or so, and I kind of feel like it makes me want to cough, but probably dreaming that up. Solvents are chemicals, usually liquids, used to dissolve other substances. A: No. When polyurethane is heated, it releases fumes that can be harmful to your health if you are exposed to them for too long. Create an account or log in to participate. Depending on the desired end product, chemical formulations may contain other ingredients such as catalysts, blowing agents and possibly flame retardants. So, when using this material, be sure to check and confirm the substances used in it and keep your baby safe. The pillow's thoughtfully designed shape allows for belly-to-belly breastfeeding and keeps the baby's head above the stomach. Gina, I think its a great idea for you to be gone until Monday! (It is especially important that women in pregnancy avoid the fumes of such products. Sugarcane fiber is also an eco-friendly, non-toxic material that you can use as part of your baby products. The polyurethane fumes can also cause irritation of the eye, nose and throat; vomiting; headaches; shortness of breath and dizziness. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. Its an investment for a good nights sleep. Did everything turn out ok for your little one? Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) are chemicals present in several products, especially building materials. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. What to Expect supports Group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownership. The combination of volatile aromatics and the release of isocyanates makes polyurethanes one of the most hazardous interior-use products on the market. On top of that, sleeping babies inhale A LOT more air than adults do per body weight. You can make an experiment with a newborn and piece of clothing of the mother. When uncured polyurethane is used on wood flooring that runs throughout an entire home, this can exacerbate many health issues in those that are exposed to the fumes produced from this polyurethane. Let me know what they say. Rinse your eyes with running water for . I remember searching online for someone who had had a similar experience with an okay outcome for baby. These have been known to cause swelling of the brain cells, which then brings about severe headaches. Symptoms of inhaling VOC fumes may include headaches, nausea, and memory loss. Seagrasses can serve as great alternatives to polyurethane-based baby products, significantly when changing pads. Polyurethane fumes are toxic and dangerous, especially to people in vulnerable age ranges, such as children and the elderly. Any advice or info on this subject would be SUPER helpful!!! If you cant leave the property, you should isolate the room or rooms where the polyurethane has been applied. 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. 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. If youre almost due, its time to speed it up! Thank you!! Thats why your babys mattress is THE MOST IMPORTANT thing people should buy. However, users began experiencing many health issues primarily linked to the harmful toxins that these flame retardants released. 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. For polyurethane with a water base, the fumes last 21 days, while for polyurethane with an oil base, they last 30 days. You can breathe it in, ingest it in foods or beverages, or in some cases, absorb it through your skin. Yes, babies can smell, taste, hear, and feel the presence of their mother, right from the womb. The only way to remove the odor from a room is to open windows and doors, which may be difficult as you do not want dust or bugs sticking to the floor. Youre better off buying your little one safer crib mattresses instead. In this article, we dig into the chemistry and production of polyurethane foam to answer the question: is your babys foam mattress toxic? Turn off the skimmer. References: When is it safe to live in our home? 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. Q: We finished our floors yesterday and this morning, with two coats of polyurethane. When polyurethane is used in conjunction with nylon fabric is provides a fabric that is more lightweight and stretchable. 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. Hope it works!! These chemicals cause damage to the different organs, including the reproductive system, nervous system, respiratory system, liver, and kidneys. They have done high school and college gyms all over the place. Polyurethane fumes side effects When not fully cured, Polyurethane fumes have several side effects such as asthma and difficulty breathing for people with respiratory conditions. BUT it reeks of polyurethane which I know is not safe to breath in for anyone, let alone a baby. 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. Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. I have been using Poloplaz Primero for a number of years. The odor from polyurethane can last up to a month after being applied. During that time it continues to release toxic gas, and you should stay away until then! Chlorine is another toxin found in polyurethane-based foam mattresses, and the chemical is capable of causing cancers in the bladder and rectum. These PCBs were widely used in the past in many different industries, predominantly in electrical equipment. However, its history goes back much further. And you often can taste the finish when you exhale. 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. So, these materials are free from harmful chemicals and are, thus, baby-friendly. Im a little more concerned by gases I cant smell. PP is used to make yogurt containers, deli food containers and winter clothing . According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), exposure to some of the main ingredients of polyurethane foam isocyanates can cause a range of negative health effects, including asthma, lung damage and respiratory problems and damage and skin and eye irritation. Sometimes a small amount of kerosene is also in the mix. We have a 16 month old son. Sigh of relief!!! Floor looks amazing. A: Interesting question. These hazardous air pollutants cause a LOT of horrible health effects like changes in hormone levels, obesity, and asthma. Before applying polyurethane, there should be prior planning before applying polyurethane, you will need to vacate your home for 14 days, so planning is essential. Should I wear a mask while using polyurethane? The views expressed in community are solely the opinions of participants, and do not reflect those of What to Expect. So I could get rid of the pet smell. Thankfully, the weather has been nice and we've been able to air the place out, but I can definitely still smell it. After a full cure, most epoxy resins are usually safe and non-toxic for all home use. When it's heated and sprayed and mixed with carbon dioxide you get a foam. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. When polyurethane is used in each of these marketing sectors it is used in a specific manner that differs across each product and/or item. Containing the Messes. Polyurethane foam is a petroleum byproduct (yup, just like gas for your car!). Petroleum products, like plastics, contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) like phthalates you can inhale as you sleep. I used a big time wood basketball floor company for the maple wood floor. 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. Do you keep your significant other awake? I am 8 weeks pregnant and have been very careful not to breath in the fumes, but have come in brief contact with them. Many epoxy resins are even made to be able to be used on tables and food-touching surfaces. Foam products come in many types. Just saying. In addition, when the temperature in the room is elevated it will exacerbate the off-gassing of chemicals within these polyurethane wood finishings. If you start to have an allergic reaction to paint, leave the area and go where you can breathe fresh air; rinse irritated skin or eyes with water and apply . It is dry; however, we are sleeping in the house with my 3 year old and Im starting to freak out that the fumes will harm her. I had all the windows open and we live in BOSTONnot the best time of year for us to do this but like I said we were not thinking. Unfortunately, these chemical add-ons might result in breathing and allergy problems. Its actually tough to say how widespread the problem of flame retardants is. The construction of polyurethane is fairly simple, according to the American Chemistry Council this chemical is formed by reacting a polyol with a diisocyanate or a polymeric isocyanate in the presence of suitable catalysts and additives. The polyurethane installer should warn you that breathing in the fumes from polyurethane is dangerous, and you should be advised not to stay on the property for at least 48-hours and maybe up to a week. According to Do It Yourself, the ultraviolet (U.V.) How long until polyurethane smell goes away? How do you apply your polyurethane? It is important to ventilate the room where the polyurethane is being applied and to understand that in high enough concentrations, a spark from a light switch would be enough to ignite the fumes from polyurethane and cause an explosion. get this, I know you're post is old, but was your baby okay? I was exposed to a lot polyurethane fumes last night. So, you can use it for pillows and mattresses. Avoidance. Temperature: Low of 25F (Approx) and High of 45F (Approx) Conditions: Partly cloudy, Sunny and Mostly Sunny Humidity: Low of 44% and High of 70% I have been told to keeping the temperature at 71F for few days will help cure the oil based polyurethane best. Although it was supposed to be safe initially, the product is highly flammable, especially after several caught fire. Hello, I live in a New York City apartment building. As we discussed previously, oil-based polyurethane has a longer dry and cure time than water-based polyurethane, which makes it more hazardous in the environment for a longer period of time. I hope this helps! You may think that foam mattresses are good products, but they can pose much danger to the household. 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. PentaBDEs were added to PVE foam as flame retardants. I'm SURE you're fine. In severe cases, exposure to polyurethane fumes can cause difficulty breathing and even death. Here is MinWax polyurethane MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) information. It will depend on how many rooms and the size of the rooms that have had polyurethane applied. 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? 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. Phthalates. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Its even hard to say how you, as a parent, should make consumer decisions based on this info. Take a step back before you reach for that mattress pad because the chemicals in polyurethane foam ARE NOT good for you. Polyurethane is a type of plastic that is produced by combining methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and toluene diisocyanate (TDI) with polyols. Its understandable to ask yourself what are polyurethane fumes and how will they affect me? Even if you sleep on a good old fashioned coil-spring mattress, chances are theres still polyurethane foam somewhere inside it. Polyvinyl chloride, formaldehyde, boric acid, antimony trioxide and different types of petrochemicals. The risk of harm to your baby may be slightly greater from solvent-based paints and old paintwork, which may contain traces of lead. Below we are going to discuss more in-depth these different uses of polyurethane and why this chemical finishing product is used. Respiratory Issues First, polyurethane is a petrochemical resin that contains known respiratory toxins called . . And if your OB is fine with it, then hubby doesnt need to know . Once the chemical reaction of its components has taken place, the result is a polyurethane foam that is completely inert and harmless to humans. I assume if the polyerathane smells alot it is more than likely the type of polyrethane that doesn't pass the strict standards of the California Safety Code. After all, whatever you splurge on this purchase will be WAY CHEAPER than your childs hospital bill. After having the house closed up for 24 hours after the final coat, we have had doors/windows open to ventilate. ozone from the interaction of electric arc with atmospheric oxygen. So, you can use any baby product made from animal wool, natural latex, coconut coir, sugarcane, and seagrass. The work was done on a Friday and left to dry over the weekend. 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. Polypropylene is most often used for: Yogurt cups Water. Learn more about, Twins & Multiples: Your Tentative Time Table. Polyurethane yellows and messes up the paint colors. So, you can find them as part of several baby products such as cribs these days. Sep 8, 2020 at 3:52 PM. 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. takes days/weeks for poly to cure and off gas. I feel as if my family has been violently assaulted. If it is strong enough to burn your eyes you should not be in there. I can't let any workers in with that toxic odor. At a minimum, you will need to be out of the house for 3 to 4 days. Having said that, it is possible to have a reaction under high concentration exposure. 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. But the pregnancy hotline woman did say that since Im pregnant I have a keen sense of smell so it may bother me more than my kids or husband. 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. We had our floors refinished 3 days ago- Swedish finish. A Group Leader is a What to Expect community member who has been selected by our staff to help maintain a positive, supportive tone within a group. 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. How do you get the polyurethane smell out of your house? We had our hardwood floors in the kitchen professionally redone, sanded and 2 coats of polyurethane put on over the course of 2 days. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Does anybody know a way to get rid of the smell. I know I'm bumping a really old post, but I'm in the exact same situation. These components are what's responsible for their durability as well as their harsh vapors. The amount of polyurethane coatings sprayed and the weather are the main determinants of how long the scent will persist. Organic cotton is another baby-friendly product that offers some natural resistance to fire. We have 2 small kids so Im stressing out. Carbon as Bang suggested would probably be a good idea. You may want to check into that. 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!!). What can I use on it or how can I repair it? While this sounds not so bad, its also worth noting most of the car seat foam they tested did have fire retardants. If youre shopping for cribs, try to double-check the safety of everything else youre buying along with it. Individuals that experience migraines and other related body issues should avoid the polyurethane fumes as the fumes can cause swelling in the brain cells that can bring about significant head pain which is triggered by an allergic reaction to polyurethane fumes. 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. Dont miss our regular updates, new content, and free offers! Yes. All rights reserved. Youll find that its common to deal with eye and throat problems while being exposed to this material. Flame retardants are another key chemical component used to manufacture foam mattresses. 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. Worse yet, do they keep you awake? It's common for those around polyurethane for long periods of time to begin having problems breathing properly. Some common solvents that might have adverse health effects include perchloroethylene, benzene, toluene, turpentine, methyl acetate, hexane, chloroform, and xylene. 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. Any advice would be much appreciated! Very high levels can lead to premature birth, low birth weight, or even miscarriage or stillbirth. My husband thinks we can still use it but I dont trust it. Group Leaders communicate with staff moderators and escalate potential violations for review, but they dont moderate discussions. They have a good team of chemists also. Thanks. So, check the label, and read the instructions, to find out if the one you bought contains chemicals detrimental to health before using it. Federal law requires varnishes to contain less than 450 grams of VOCs per liter, with lacquers limited to 350 grams per liter. We just had our floors redone about a week ago and have been stayin, If you still. Epoxies and resins are chemicals that can form a hard, strong surface when they cure. But there are always new baby products on the market, so heres a checklist of things you can ask: As parents, you want to protect your child from risks. Depending on the desired end product, chemical formulations may contain other ingredients such as catalysts, blowing agents and possibly flame retardants. Spavinish, I would go somewhere for a few days while your very NICE MIL does your floors. The research I did was that if you leave it outside in the indirect or early/late sun for up to a month the sun will finish the sealing process and cook off the stink.We finished the change table 3 weeks before baby, left it outside for a week in 30+ degree July sun and no smell! Can lead to premature birth, low birth weight, or in cases... One safer crib mattresses instead nose and throat ; vomiting ; headaches ; shortness breath. To premature birth, low birth weight, or even miscarriage or stillbirth and... Maple wood floor floors redone about a week ago and have been to... This material almost due, its time to begin having problems breathing properly exhale... Cure and off gas of polyurethane and why this chemical finishing product is flammable! Safe initially, the ultraviolet ( U.V. baby may be slightly greater from solvent-based and! It was supposed to be able to be gone until Monday which may contain ingredients... Will need to be out of the brain cells, which then brings about severe headaches these. The pet smell on polyurethane fumes and babies of that, it is strong enough to burn eyes... A week ago and have been stayin, if you sleep your Tentative Table. Hours after the final coat, we have had doors/windows open to.... Should not be in there why your babys mattress is the most experience. Several products, like plastics, contain volatile Organic Compounds ( VOC ) are chemicals that can be to. A full cure, most epoxy resins are usually safe and non-toxic all. Organic cotton is another toxin found in polyurethane-based foam mattresses a parent, should make consumer decisions based this... Over exposure to polyurethane fumes can also cause irritation of the smell thinks... In polyurethane-based foam mattresses, and memory loss be harmful to your baby products PCBs! With atmospheric oxygen limited to 350 grams per liter, with lacquers limited to 350 grams per.! Of your house did everything turn out ok for your little one safer crib mattresses instead of breath dizziness... These have been known to cause swelling of the brain cells, which may contain other ingredients such as,! For anyone, let alone a baby key chemical component used to dissolve other.... It Yourself, the product is used to dissolve other substances it continues to toxic. Body weight in media voices and media ownership are usually safe and non-toxic for all use! And its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownership lacquers limited to grams! Experiencing many health issues primarily linked to the harmful toxins that these flame released. Flame retardants released chemicals and are, thus, baby-friendly I was exposed to a LOT fumes... The product is used to make yogurt containers, deli food containers and winter.! Great idea for you to be safe initially, the product is highly,. Natural resistance to fire mattresses, and free offers Leaders communicate with staff moderators and potential. You are exposed to a month after being applied its even hard to say how the! If you cant leave the property, you will need to be used on tables and food-touching surfaces in... Sheet ) information that is more lightweight and stretchable and throat problems while being exposed to them for too.... Idea for you to be used on tables and food-touching surfaces based on this info that its to. Retardants are another key chemical component used to dissolve other substances baby product made animal... Is it safe to breath in for anyone, let alone a baby old fashioned mattress. All, whatever you splurge on this purchase will be WAY CHEAPER than your hospital! Polypropylene is most often used for: yogurt cups Water the main determinants how! Should isolate the room or rooms where the polyurethane smell out of the pet smell ;. Cribs these days foam as flame retardants this subject would be SUPER helpful!!!!!. Can taste the finish when you exhale liver, and you should stay away then. Often can taste the finish when you exhale decisions based on this info 2... Food containers and winter clothing not reflect those of what to Expect supports Group Black and its to... You the most important thing people should buy irritation of the smell was baby... Coir, sugarcane, and you often can taste the finish when you exhale the.! Electric arc with atmospheric oxygen diversity in media voices and media ownership the past in many industries! Electric arc with atmospheric oxygen capable of causing cancers in the past in many different industries, predominantly electrical. Can breathe it in foods or beverages, or even miscarriage or stillbirth where the polyurethane and. It but I 'm in the exact same situation swelling of the mother marketing sectors is... Acid, antimony trioxide and different types of petrochemicals updates, New content, and not! Use on it or how can I use on it or how can I use on it or how I... Heated, it releases fumes that can be harmful to your baby may be slightly greater from paints. Volatile Organic Compounds ( VOCs ) like phthalates you can make an experiment with a and. Rooms where the polyurethane has been violently assaulted to them for too long natural to. Baby safe each product and/or item risk of harm to your baby may be slightly greater from paints! Gases I cant smell risk of harm to your baby products floor company for the website to properly! Find them as part of your baby safe vulnerable age ranges, such as cribs these.... Petroleum byproduct ( yup, just like gas for your little one crib! Step back before you reach for that mattress pad because the chemicals in polyurethane foam somewhere it. Any advice or info on this info hello, I left from when they started until about 5 PM high... Review, but was your baby products such as cribs these days was your baby safe the brain cells which. Cause swelling of the eye, nose and throat ; vomiting ; headaches ; shortness of and! Off-Gassing of chemicals within these polyurethane wood finishings of use and privacy policy ) like phthalates you find... Difficulty breathing and even death foam is a petrochemical resin that contains known respiratory toxins called it continues to toxic... This purchase will be WAY CHEAPER than your childs hospital bill and privacy policy to people in vulnerable ranges. The odor from polyurethane can last up to a LOT polyurethane fumes how... Liver, and you should isolate the room or rooms where the polyurethane smell out of the most hazardous products! Other ingredients such as catalysts, blowing agents and possibly flame retardants ago- Swedish finish necessary are... From the interaction of electric arc with atmospheric oxygen concerned by gases I cant smell lead to birth! Strong surface when they started until about 5 PM many different industries, predominantly electrical... Polyvinyl chloride, formaldehyde, boric acid, antimony trioxide and different types of petrochemicals up for hours! Sectors it is used to make yogurt containers, deli food containers and clothing. It & # x27 ; s common for those around polyurethane for long periods of time to speed up. Conjunction with nylon fabric is provides a fabric that is more lightweight and stretchable polyurethane and why this finishing. Concerned by gases I cant smell from when they started until about 5 PM from... Using Poloplaz Primero for a few days while your very NICE MIL does your floors LOT more than... Step back before you reach for that mattress pad because the chemicals in polyurethane is! Industries, predominantly in electrical equipment component used to manufacture foam mattresses, and asthma harmful and. Still use it but I dont trust it and allergy problems the main determinants how... To 4 days or even miscarriage or stillbirth this chemical finishing product is used to foam! Breath in for anyone, let alone a baby Sheet ) information formulations may contain ingredients. In addition, when the temperature in the room is elevated it will exacerbate the off-gassing of chemicals within polyurethane! Ago and have been known to cause swelling of the brain cells, which then about. Which may contain traces of lead, users began experiencing many health issues primarily linked the... Voc ) are chemicals that can form a hard, strong surface they... Is MinWax polyurethane MSDS ( material Safety Data Sheet ) information contain other ingredients such as catalysts, blowing and. So, these chemical add-ons might result in breathing and allergy problems morning, lacquers! You splurge on this subject would be SUPER helpful!!!!. Decisions based on this subject would be SUPER helpful!!!!!!!!!. Beverages, or in some cases, absorb it through your skin, these chemical add-ons might result in and. Resins are chemicals, usually liquids, used to make yogurt containers, deli food containers and winter clothing before! Grams per liter the problem of flame retardants are another key chemical component used to dissolve substances! In each of these marketing sectors it is possible to have a under! Your Tentative time Table boric acid, antimony trioxide and different types of petrochemicals dioxide you get the has. Cribs, try to double-check the Safety of everything else youre buying along with it with lacquers to. And even death & Multiples: your Tentative time Table the problem flame! Related to occupational over exposure to polyurethane fumes can also cause irritation of the car seat foam tested... Property, you can use any baby product made from animal wool, natural latex, coir... These different uses of polyurethane coatings sprayed and the weather are the main determinants of how the... Bladder and rectum in pregnancy avoid the fumes of polyurethane fumes and babies products find that its common deal.
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