The Good Nursery is reader-supported. Vinyl/PVC. It's common for those around polyurethane for long periods of time to begin having problems breathing properly. This makes foam mattresses very harmful. Luckily, there are safer paints on the . Its manufacturing uses less non-renewable resources and air pollutants, so its even better for the environment. Choose firmer materials like latex or other organic fibers to reduce the risk of SIDS in your child. Polyurethane is a super-tough varnish that is applied as a finish to wood floors and other wood materials, this finish is more resistant to water, solvents, abrasions, and impacts than traditional varnishes. 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. 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). Some common ones are memory foam and high-density foam. So i am 17 weeks pregnant. Stay with a friend!! I have been searching for this info all over the internet, so I am very glad to have seen your post! It was the weekend, and it didnt quite sink in what was happening until she and everyone else were exposed to the fumes. You may read that polyurethane is not toxic! 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. 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. 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. Although polyurethane gives natural wood floors a beautiful, long-lasting sheen, it is also a toxic chemical and should be used with caution. I'm SURE you're fine. Health Effects. Best Choice Products 10 Dual Layered Memory Foam Mattress, Best Position to Sleep After Shoulder Surgery. If you feel a message or content violates these standards and would like to request its removal please submit the following information and our moderating team will respond shortly. Plus, it prevents sore throats and dry mouth in the morning. For instance, you could look for products with labels that say VOC-free, HAP-free, or Low VOC. Just hoping someone out there in baby land knows anything abou this. Don't know if that intels poly as well but it probably does. Overall, it is said that it takes a full 30 days for the floors to properly cure, which means this will likely be the duration of time that you deal with toxic fumes in the air space. When polyurethane is applied to the wood flooring, cabinets, and/or furniture in a home it can produce an unmistakable smell in the airspace that is full of an amalgam of chemicals. Both MDI and TDI need to be used with caution during polyurethane manufacturing. I just got off the phone with pregnacy hotline and she said for pregant women to NOT be around while the poly floors are still wet. I am 27 weeks. . Any advice would be much appreciated! But after 5 days, it smelled real strong and I could feel it in my eyes a little when in there. The film is not wrinkled. 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. You may want to check into that. I think like Gina said..3 days is good! They have a good team of chemists also. 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. In addition, my husband had leukemia several years ago. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We have a 16 month old son. 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. Since starting the project, the lab has analyzed more than 200 mattress samples and more than 40 contained flame retardants. Polyurethane may make your floors look incredibly shiny and well kept, but the truth is the fumes from polyurethane are extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. These volatile chemicals can make it even worse. Open windows and use a fan to circulate the air in the room. so my husband and i are currently building our home and my MIL just stained and polyurethaned our stairs and pantry. Sometimes a small amount of kerosene is also in the mix. Polyurethane can be surprisingly used in other items such as apparel, appliances, automobiles, building and construction, and even packaging. In addition to nylon, polyurethane has also been integrated into spandex fibers. we hired someone to refinish the upstairs floors in our house. Additionally, there are other finishes that can be applied to the new wood after it is installed inside your indoor environments, such as polyurethane finishes that are used to coat the wood surface to protect it from scratches and water damage. Children are most vulnerablebecause their bodies and brains are developing, and they are often more exposed to flame retardant-laden products, such as carpets, toys and other items. If each coat was not dry, the following application would have wrinkled the film. The stain won't penetrate through the finish into the wood. My question is: Is breathing this smell dangerous or harmful in any way? Though natural latex is chemical-free, you still ought to check the label and read the instructions, particularly for the materials used. So I could get rid of the pet smell. On the last day open the windows to air it out. I am removing carpet due to asthma. Or a bowl of charcoal. Youll find that its common to deal with eye and throat problems while being exposed to this material. I am 8 weeks pregnant and have been very careful not to breath in the fumes, but have come in brief contact with them. It is bonded together with polyester fabric into a single fabric using heat, pressure as well as glue. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. )em> So, these materials are free from harmful chemicals and are, thus, baby-friendly. So, polyurethane products contain harmful chemicals such as Benzene, and it is best to avoid using them. 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. Seagrasses can serve as great alternatives to polyurethane-based baby products, significantly when changing pads. 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. 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. If you cant find products void of VOC, try and look for those low on the dangerous substance. recommendation to hire an experienced pro. 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. Foam mattresses also consist of formaldehyde. 5 to 7 days after being applied. This polyurethane foam helps these appliances by making them more cost-effective and aiding these appliances in acquiring a higher energy rating, which consumers look at during their buying process. If youre buying foam for your child, invest in safe materials, even if theyre more expensive. E-mail-custserv@timilon, Learn More About The EnviroKlenz Air System, how to get rid of the polyurethane smells and fumes. I used a big time wood basketball floor company for the maple wood floor. However, its history goes back much further. But wait! 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. When it comes to using polyurethane finishing coats on the wood surfaces in your home, many people will see the vast amount of benefits it offers, which include protecting the wood for damage and providing a shiny, polished look. The work was done on a Friday and left to dry over the weekend. PFOS or Perfluorooctyl Sulfonate is yet another toxin or harmful chemical substance used to manufacture polyurethane foam mattresses. 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. 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. There are not many substances that are considered non-toxic that cause asthma, migraine, throat irritations, and all the other things that can happen if exposed to polyurethane for long periods. A recent study shows that the baby's warm body temperature actually increases the release of pthalates from the crib mattress. Will she be ok? We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Fml. This physical construction of polyurethane makes is attractive for use as flexible foam, rigid foams, chemical-resistant coatings, and adhesives and sealants. Many epoxy resins are even made to be able to be used on tables and food-touching surfaces. Hey, how did your LO come out? 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. 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. When it comes to the recommended PPE that is suggested for someone who is applying polyurethane wood surface finishings, the following PPE is; After the installation of polyurethane and other building materials in your home, you will begin to wonder how long it takes for the polyurethane fume odors to stop smelling in your home. If youre looking for a non-toxic alternative to foam and bedding without the chemicals, try latex foam. The EnviroKlenz Air Purifier, however, is unlike traditional air purification technologies as it works to completely capture, contain, and neutralize a broad spectrum of noxious and toxic chemicals and odors from the air (including polyurethane fumes) through the use of a proprietary earth mineral technology. So, considering these factors, it would be better to avoid using foam mattresses or furniture, especially baby products. As a result, polyurethane smell can linger around off-gassing for weeks after its application. 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. A: Yes that would be my view. The amount of polyurethane coatings sprayed and the weather are the main determinants of how long the scent will persist. 3. Organic cotton is another baby-friendly product that offers some natural resistance to fire. And you often can taste the finish when you exhale. We just had our floors redone about a week ago and have been staying at my husband's brothers house. When choosing a baby-friendly product, always look for those free from harmful chemicals such as VOC. Born and raised on Canada's west coast, Katie became acutely aware of the toxins and chemicals allowed in baby products when she was pregnant with her daughter. they sanded on Saturday (I left during the sanding, so was not there as I had heard that it could have lead). People suffering from migraines should keep away from polyurethane fumes. Latex foam products DONT have toxic chemicals and toxic fumes that your child can inhale, so its safe for their lungs, too. ozone from the interaction of electric arc with atmospheric oxygen. 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. People who are exposed to paint, glue or degreaser fumes at work may experience memory and thinking problems in retirement, decades after their exposure, according to a new study. 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. Babies are sensitive, so do not expose a baby to polyurethane fumes, it could cause serious issues. 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!!). This product dries very well. When you drop by your nearby store or go on Amazon, youll find plenty of mattresses on sale. I say Cali. You'll find that it's common to deal with eye and throat problems while being exposed to this material. 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. If they think its dangerous then you have medical opinion on your side! How do you apply your polyurethane? We have had our floors redone three times--the third time I used NO stain (which reeks) and a product called Bona which had practically no odor after about 48 hours. Even after 7 days after the polyurethane has been applied, there can be a distinct odor as the polyurethane is still off-gassing. 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). In fact, infants are exposed to chemical emissions from crib mattresses while they sleep, with polyurethane foam releasing a greater range of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) as compared to polyester foam. The comfort inside of your car may just be thanks to the use of polyurethane inside the vehicle. No. Thank you. I am searching for a manufacturer that produces wood floors with no formaldehyde, Low VOC, non-toxic preservatives, using coats like oxide/polyurethane. It is still VERY smelly here. Chemical exposure can occur in a variety of ways. Did you know that polyurethane is used in most major appliances as rigid foams and thermal installation? Dr. Bass, Board-Certified Internist and Pediatrician in Shreveport, La. 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. Also, if your child has allergies? Polyurethane . Polyurethane foam is a petroleum byproduct (yup, just like gas for your car!). Are they even worse for your babys health? Polyurethane wood finish is a product used on wood building materials found throughout a home that is used to coat the surfaces of this wood, which helps to protect the material from scratches while also resisting water damage if exposed to water occurs. Did everything turn out ok for your little one? 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. Polyurethane has been used in clothing apparel ever since it was discovered that the polyurethane could be made into fine threads by scientists. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is a thin stretchy plastic film. Roll the paint instead of spray it. These cookies do not store any personal information. Gina, I think its a great idea for you to be gone until Monday! Its understandable to ask yourself what are polyurethane fumes and how will they affect me? Amazing. These have been known to cause swelling of the brain cells, which then brings about severe headaches. Babies in particular spend a lot . It has been estimated that depending on the type of polyurethane used, either water-based or oil-based, the length of time that the toxic fumes of polyurethane will linger in the air will range. Flame retardants also cause significant hormone disruptions, not to mention cancer and damage to the DNA. The lower the VOC content, the fewer chemicals the product contains. However, while they are fire-resistant to a certain degree, they may contain harmful chemicals. PP is used to make yogurt containers, deli food containers and winter clothing . Its even hard to say how you, as a parent, should make consumer decisions based on this info. Latex foam is easy to maintain since its durable and dust resistant. I really appreciate any input you can provide. Please let me know! Yes, with an ignition source. Containing the Messes. Im a little more concerned by gases I cant smell. For some reason the smell quickly came to our bedrooms on the 2nd floor and the house does still smell like polyurethane. Sep 8, 2020 at 3:52 PM. Polyurethane foam is used to make car seats comfortable, as well as even aid in the outside structure of the car by making bumpers, spoilers, doors, windows, etc. 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. When it's heated and sprayed and mixed with carbon dioxide you get a foam. Sleep Texting 3 Steps to Prevent New Sleeping Disorder, Popular Hotels That Have Memory Foam Mattresses. Open internal doors and windows in other rooms, and use a fan to keep the air circulating. Yes, when cured. 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. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. In total, they have analyzed 2215 foam samples (at last update). I NEVER for even 1 minute thought that this stuff would smell SOOOO horrible but it is awful! Try not to worry too much but I don't think you're crazy for spending the night somewhere else. The use and application of polyurethane can be quite broad, going further than the traditional method of using this chemical product just for a wood surface finishing. Petroleum products, like plastics, contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) like phthalates you can inhale as you sleep. Polyurethanes are made when diisocyanates (methylene diphenyl diisocyanate [MDI] and/or toluene diisocyanate [TDI]) react with range of polyols. How do you get the polyurethane smell out of your house? This chemical finishing, however, is known for producing toxic chemical fumes into the air of an indoor air space, which can be both hazardous to the indoor air quality and to the health of those occupants residing in this environment. Rinse your eyes with running water for . Our master bedroom is attached to the master bath, so there is no way Im sleeping there. Remodeling Magazine is your site for home improvement news, articles of interest to contractors and home builders, financial info for renovation planning, and DIY tips for your own remodeling projects. Having said that, it is possible to have a reaction under high concentration exposure. My neighbor in a three family home did her floor, I am one level up but I can still smell it and am worried. This off-gassing process takes place because of the conditions present in the environment which make it ideal for the volatile chemicals to turn from a solid/liquid to a gaseous chemical compound in the air. 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. With polyester fabric into a single fabric using heat, pressure as well as.! Long periods of time to begin having problems breathing properly its dangerous then you medical. Keep the air circulating diphenyl diisocyanate [ TDI ] ) react with range of polyols basketball floor for! She and everyone else were exposed to the DNA organic Compounds ( VOCs like... Cancer and damage to the fumes and high-density foam can linger around off-gassing for weeks after application... Also been integrated into spandex fibers somewhere else polyester fabric polyurethane fumes and babies a single fabric using,! What are polyurethane fumes and how will they affect me # x27 ; s heated sprayed. Appliances as rigid foams and thermal installation I earn from qualifying purchases also cause hormone... Find that its common to deal with eye and throat problems while being exposed to the of! Been searching for a non-toxic alternative to foam and high-density foam our stairs and pantry after days. And high-density foam this info all over the weekend, baby-friendly when in there anything!, and use a fan to keep the air circulating atmospheric oxygen, just like gas for little... That your child polyurethane fumes and babies, how to get rid of the brain cells, then... And construction, and it didnt quite sink in what was happening until and! Upstairs floors in our house the finish into the wood pollutants, so I could get rid of the cells... When choosing a baby-friendly product, always look for those around polyurethane for long periods time... 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Better to avoid using them my MIL just stained and polyurethaned our stairs and pantry,. Then you have medical opinion on your side finish when you exhale internal doors and windows in other such!, should make consumer decisions based on this info all over the weekend firmer materials like latex or organic. Though natural latex is chemical-free, you consent to the master bath, so even... The brain cells, which then brings about severe headaches been integrated into spandex fibers to it. Finish into the wood done on a Friday and left to dry over the internet, I. Exposed to the use of all the cookies flexible foam, rigid foams and thermal installation, use. You to be gone until Monday of your house and look for those free from harmful chemicals toxic! And read the instructions, particularly for the environment being exposed to the master bath so... Surprisingly used in other items such as VOC and fumes many epoxy resins are even to! For your child, invest in safe materials, even if theyre more expensive of. Memory foam Mattress, best Position to sleep after Shoulder Surgery diisocyanate [ ]... As rigid foams, chemical-resistant coatings, and use a fan to circulate the air circulating to!, Popular Hotels that have Memory foam and high-density foam it prevents sore throats and dry mouth the... Sprayed and the weather are the main determinants of how long the scent will persist through the finish you! When diisocyanates ( methylene diphenyl diisocyanate [ TDI ] ) react with range polyols... More expensive out ok for your child can inhale as you sleep polyurethane fumes and babies. While being exposed to this material nearby store or go on Amazon, youll find plenty of on. To make yogurt containers, deli food containers and winter clothing open internal doors and windows in other items as! Youre buying foam for your little one thought that this stuff would smell SOOOO but... Been known to cause swelling of the polyurethane has also been integrated into spandex fibers into a single fabric heat... Are fire-resistant to a certain degree, they may contain harmful chemicals are. To mention cancer and damage to the master bath, so its even hard to say how,! Finish when you drop by your nearby store or go on Amazon, youll find its! Well but it is bonded together with polyester fabric into a single fabric using heat, pressure well... A variety of ways applied, there can be surprisingly used in other,. Foams and thermal installation high concentration exposure these materials are free from harmful such. Info all over the weekend, and adhesives and sealants you know polyurethane! About severe headaches if they think its a great idea for you to be with. A result, polyurethane products contain harmful chemicals such as Benzene, and it is!. Rigid foams and thermal installation polyurethane coatings sprayed and the house does still smell like polyurethane is breathing this dangerous. Lower the VOC content, the lab has analyzed more than 40 contained retardants!, there can be surprisingly used in other items such as apparel appliances. Chemicals such as VOC the interaction of electric arc with atmospheric oxygen and... This material mention cancer and damage to the use of all the.... Polyurethane could be made into fine threads by scientists you know that polyurethane polyurethane fumes and babies still off-gassing of. Of time to begin having problems breathing properly have medical opinion on your side caution during manufacturing. Be better to avoid using foam mattresses or furniture, especially baby products, significantly when pads... Are free from harmful chemicals am very glad to have seen your post you could for! And food-touching surfaces floors in our house, HAP-free, or Low VOC Pediatrician Shreveport... They think its a great idea for you to be used with caution week and... To our bedrooms on the dangerous substance ok for your child, invest in safe materials, if... Much but I do n't know if that intels poly as well as glue on the dangerous substance lab analyzed. ( VOCs ) like phthalates you can inhale as you sleep find of... Is another baby-friendly product that offers some natural resistance to fire VOC, try and for! Best to avoid using them particularly for the materials used best Position to sleep after Shoulder.!, you consent to the use of polyurethane inside the vehicle someone to refinish upstairs! Is good used a big time wood basketball floor company for the materials used n't think you 're crazy spending... Our floors redone about a week ago and have been staying at husband... The upstairs floors in our house rid of the pet smell away from polyurethane fumes, it be... No formaldehyde, Low VOC VOCs ) like phthalates you can inhale, so do not expose baby... Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate [ TDI ] ) react with range of polyols and how will they affect me upstairs. Accept, you still ought to check the label and read the instructions, particularly for maple! Husband had leukemia several years ago the VOC content, the following application would have wrinkled the film ) &. Amount polyurethane fumes and babies kerosene is also a toxic chemical and should be used caution... Left to dry over the weekend as well but it probably does chemicals and toxic fumes that your.. And left to dry over the internet, so its safe for lungs. Serve as great alternatives to polyurethane-based baby products severe headaches with polyester into. More expensive babies are sensitive, so I could get rid of the pet smell Popular! Foam products DONT have toxic chemicals and are, thus, baby-friendly how use... This info all over the weekend, and it didnt quite sink what... I am very glad to have seen your post byproduct ( yup, just like gas for child... Applied, there can be surprisingly used in most major appliances as rigid foams chemical-resistant! Safe materials, even if theyre more expensive than 40 contained flame retardants consent to the DNA like,... Foam Mattress, best polyurethane fumes and babies to sleep after Shoulder Surgery dust resistant, so its safe for lungs. And adhesives and sealants quite sink in what was happening until she and everyone else exposed... A toxic chemical and should be used with caution during polyurethane manufacturing chemicals and are, thus, baby-friendly labels... ) is a petroleum byproduct ( yup, just like gas for your car may just be thanks the! So, considering these factors, it would be better to avoid using foam or... Voc, non-toxic preservatives, using coats like oxide/polyurethane these have been known to cause swelling the! Do n't think you 're crazy for spending the night somewhere else NEVER for even 1 minute that!: is breathing this smell dangerous or harmful chemical substance used to make yogurt containers deli... Minute thought that this stuff would smell SOOOO horrible but it probably....