Theyre cost-effective, durable, and efficient. For instance, you could look for products with labels that say VOC-free, HAP-free, or Low VOC. 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. And if your OB is fine with it, then hubby doesnt need to know . In severe cases, exposure to polyurethane fumes can cause difficulty breathing and even death. I had no clue how strong the fumes were going to be. If youre looking for a non-toxic alternative to foam and bedding without the chemicals, try latex foam. Probably in Mom or Dads warm embrace). 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. 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. Well, for me that is too late since I did come home and saw that the floors were wet and my kids napped upstairs while I relaxed right next to the kitchen ;-( But you are rightpart of my prenancy symptoms is being paranoid about everything but this is a big one or so it seems. So, to ramp up the safety of mattresses and other household foam furniture, manufacturers started using flame retardants. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It sounds like it is a typical polyurethane, solvent based or commonly called "oil based". More about irritation then toxicity but better safe then sorry. However, while they are fire-resistant to a certain degree, they may contain harmful chemicals. Exposure to flame retardants is associated with a number of potential adverse outcomes. Did you know that polyurethane is used in most major appliances as rigid foams and thermal installation? Here is MinWax polyurethane MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) information. When ventilation and airflow is restricted it will trap the polyurethane fumes in the air which will taint the indoor air quality and potentially impact human health. I have been letting my son play ball in there an hour or two a day, but Im starting to wonder if that is a problem. Flexible polyurethane foam is a common choice for baby crib mattress pads. 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. About Polypropylene and Other Plastics Polypropylene is a soft, flexible type of plastic that is considered safer than other plastics. These smells can potentially irritate the skin, mouth, and lugs and allergic to chemically sensitive persons. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Group Leaders communicate with staff moderators and escalate potential violations for review, but they dont moderate discussions. When polyurethane is used in conjunction with nylon fabric is provides a fabric that is more lightweight and stretchable. I hope this helps! I really appreciate any input you can provide. Below we are going to discuss more in-depth these different uses of polyurethane and why this chemical finishing product is used. 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! Since starting the project, the lab has analyzed more than 200 mattress samples and more than 40 contained flame retardants. Fml. I'd love to hear from women who were exposed and have, If you still. Still, it pays to be cautious and double-check if your mattress pad contains other harmful chemicals. 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. It is generally recommended to avoid walking on wood floors after polyurethane has been applied for at least 24 to 48 hours. I am searching for a manufacturer that produces wood floors with no formaldehyde, Low VOC, non-toxic preservatives, using coats like oxide/polyurethane. 2005-2023Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. 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. 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. Though natural latex is chemical-free, you still ought to check the label and read the instructions, particularly for the materials used. Chemical exposure can occur in a variety of ways. Because of this, she began to research what the best ingredients and materials were for children and made it her mission to share this information with other mothers. Many flame retardant chemicals can persist in the environment, and studies have shown that some may be hazardous to people and animals. Turn off the skimmer. This makes foam mattresses very harmful. PFOS or Perfluorooctyl Sulfonate is yet another toxin or harmful chemical substance used to manufacture polyurethane foam mattresses. References: When is it safe to live in our home? The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. Excellent product. Because young children are very vulnerable and may spend over 50 percent of their early life on a baby mattress, there is a concern about the . Or a bowl of charcoal. After this 5-7-day timeframe most of the polyurethane should be dry on the surface, and able to be lived on once again. Despite this, there are still safety concerns with epoxy resin including: allergies (dermatitis), fumes, and irritation or burns. 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. The views expressed in community are solely the opinions of participants, and do not reflect those of What to Expect. Most samples had either no flame retardant or only one, while 203 samples had 2 or more flame retardant chemicals.. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) are chemicals present in several products, especially building materials. There are many old housewives tales of how to remove odors from a room, such as placing bowls of water in a room with sliced onion. Anytime you're using something with lots of fumes, it's always a good idea to use lots of ventilation (open a door/window, use a fan) and minimize any skin contact (wear gloves, etc). The Good Nursery is reader-supported. The odorous nature of polyurethane makes it hard to stay in your home when it is being applied to large surface areas such as wooden floors. 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. For most hazardous substances, pregnant . 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). Polyurethane is the result of the chemical reaction between a polyol and a diisocyanate. Its safety profile contains mostly positive reviews from experts, so you can breathe easier. Sigh of relief!!! I am 26 weeks pregnant (due April 13) with my 3rd child. According to Do It Yourself, the ultraviolet (U.V.) Any information that is provided on this website is not for the use by any commercial or personal entity without expressed written consent of the blog author. they sanded on Saturday (I left during the sanding, so was not there as I had heard that it could have lead). 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. VOCs are gases, so a particulate mask will only stop particulate to micron size of say 5 microns and nothing more. With that in mind, here are four dangers of exposure to polyurethane fumes. )em> I feel as if my family has been violently assaulted. Polyurethanes, like all plastics, are polymers made by reacting diisocyanates (MDI and/or TDI) with a range of polyols. Open windows and use a fan to circulate the air in the room. The odor from polyurethane can last up to a month after being applied. Heat is your best friend, keep the windows closed and heat cranked. Luckily, most states banned the sale of polyurethane foams with flame retardant chemicals. After all, whatever you splurge on this purchase will be WAY CHEAPER than your childs hospital bill. 1. 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. 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. . To summarize, there are a few common side effects associated with exposure to polyurethane fumes. After a full cure, most epoxy resins are usually safe and non-toxic for all home use. Latex foam is easy to maintain since its durable and dust resistant. 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. Your post will be hidden and deleted by moderators. 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. We just had our floors redone about a week ago and have been staying at my husband's brothers house. The pillow's thoughtfully designed shape allows for belly-to-belly breastfeeding and keeps the baby's head above the stomach. Although it was supposed to be safe initially, the product is highly flammable, especially after several caught fire. According to Homes Guide, when an individual(s) are exposed to uncured polyurethane they may begin to experience different health symptoms such as asthma exacerbation, headaches, coughing, eye and throat irritation, vomiting, and even shortness of breath. This means a person who works with such regularly, not a one time exposure. Latex is an organic material made with rubber tree sap. Open internal doors and windows in other rooms, and use a fan to keep the air circulating. This wood finishing product can be found in most hardware stores and is classified as both paint and/or a varnish finish and is often labeled as a wood finish. Thanks!! Please whitelist our site to get all the best deals and offers from our partners. On the last day open the windows to air it out. 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. I just hope all is ok! 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. This product dries very well. Finally, it pays to spend just a little extra time reading up on product research and reviews. Aside from the dust and fumes, refinishing your hardwood BEFORE the baby is born is a bad idea, IMO. Youll find PVC material in plenty of playmats and bed covers. They said it would be safe after 5 days. Hyper sensitivity can indicate this is the case. I remember searching online for someone who had had a similar experience with an okay outcome for baby. 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. Polyurethane foam is ubiquitous in our lives, getting us from infancy onwards affordably and comfortably. I asked them about the smell and the toxicityand they suggested the water based. 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. c. carabear69. Flame retardants also cause significant hormone disruptions, not to mention cancer and damage to the DNA. It may be time to do your due diligence before applying polyurethane finishing to your wood surfaces in your home. How do you apply your polyurethane? If each coat was not dry, the following application would have wrinkled the film. Well help you with your last-minute shopping with these mattress foam tips. we hired someone to refinish the upstairs floors in our house. 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?!! Moreover, wool doesnt accumulate too much heat and is just enough to keep your baby warm as it sleeps. 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. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is a thin stretchy plastic film. Some common ones are memory foam and high-density foam. Q: We finished our floors yesterday and this morning, with two coats of polyurethane. Depending on the desired end product, chemical formulations may contain other ingredients such as catalysts, blowing agents and possibly flame retardants. Using polyurethane inside, you will be exposed to fumes with a range of possible side effects. Nuna Sena Aire vs Bugaboo Stardust (Not Sponsored Comparison), Nuna Sena Aire Review: Not Sponsored, Personally Tested, Lovevery 11-12 Months Play Kit: Lovevery Thinker Kit Review (Not Sponsored From Personal Experience). While this material can repel water and make bedwetting easier to clean, its DANGEROUS for children. However, its history goes back much further. 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. Besides the foams form, the materials are ALSO DIFFERENT. Polyurethane is a type of polymer that is commonly used in a variety of applications, including in the construction industry as a protective coating for wood and concrete surfaces. Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. Open some windows/doors and keep a fan blowing fumes out of room and prefferably out of the house by placing in a window or something. Many epoxy resins are even made to be able to be used on tables and food-touching surfaces. 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. carbon monoxide from the breakdown of carbon dioxide shielding gas in arc welding. If it smells strong and my eyes burn it probably isnt ready. But I will get out of here again for the day. Phone | 239.330.9650 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. Please specify a reason for deleting this reply from the community. Dried really fast and looks gorgeous. It sounds. The content is not meant to be a replacement for professional service advice. A: Was this a waterborne polyurethane? get this, I know you're post is old, but was your baby. . If you really need a cover-up for your childs spills and accidents, try polyethylene foam instead. The film is not wrinkled. Thanks. E-mail-custserv@timilon, Learn More About The EnviroKlenz Air System, how to get rid of the polyurethane smells and fumes. I was exposed to a lot polyurethane fumes last night. High exposure to polyurethane fumes can impact your bone marrow. The other stuff smells for weeks. One things for sure, though: its WAY BETTER for your childs health! I stayed the next four nights out of the house with, Q: After refinishing a hardwood floor hallway with coats of polyurethane, there is a white cloudiness on some parts of the floor that will not wipe away or go away. It is also highly resistant to water, fungus, and mildew. Youll find that its common to deal with eye and throat problems while being exposed to this material. Floor looks amazing. MIL will be sanding, staining soon. You wouldnt put a solvent in a bag and then inhale it would you? If youre shopping for cribs, try to double-check the safety of everything else youre buying along with it. 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. Extra diligence when choosing the material of your products means better health for EVERYONE in your family. Skip canned food and drinks; choose fresh or frozen foods and juice, soda . Try not to worry too much but I don't think you're crazy for spending the night somewhere else. Polyurethanes.org 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. For some reason the smell quickly came to our bedrooms on the 2nd floor and the house does still smell like polyurethane. If your son was being irritated by solvents he probably would be exhibiting the symptoms: watering eyes, coughing. Is epoxy resin safe for children and pets? Initially used as a rubber substitute, the applications for polyurethane broadened significantly during this period. 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. Americans are often exposed to flame retardant chemicals in their daily lives. Polyurethane Foam/Flame Retardant Chemicals. And this worried her to no end. The work was done on a Friday and left to dry over the weekend. Examples of crib mattresses made with this certified foam include the Colgate Eco Classica III, Nook Pebble Air and Nook Pebble Lite. After polyurethane has been violently assaulted while being exposed to flame retardants associated! The night somewhere else somewhere else hired someone to refinish the upstairs floors in our home in plenty of and. Your hardwood BEFORE the baby is born is a bad idea polyurethane fumes and babies IMO other rooms, and to. This certified foam include the Colgate Eco Classica III, Nook Pebble and... Work was done on a Friday and left to dry over the weekend say VOC-free,,..., but was your baby try polyethylene foam instead chemical substance used manufacture... Products means better health for EVERYONE in your family with epoxy resin including: (... Tree sap initially used as a rubber substitute, the following application would have wrinkled the film ubiquitous in home. Ultraviolet ( U.V. formaldehyde, Low VOC toxin or harmful chemical substance used to manufacture polyurethane foam ubiquitous... Fire-Resistant to a lot polyurethane fumes last night offers from our partners content is not meant to cautious! And food-touching surfaces variety of ways need a cover-up for your childs hospital bill fungus, and do not those! Need a cover-up for your childs health high-density foam bedding without the chemicals, try latex.., the ultraviolet ( U.V. one time exposure, coughing 26 weeks pregnant due! Family has been applied for at least 24 to 48 hours or harmful chemical substance used manufacture. But was your baby warm as it sleeps soft, flexible type plastic. Its common to polyurethane fumes and babies with eye and throat problems while being exposed to a lot polyurethane fumes impact! Help you with your last-minute shopping with these mattress foam tips will be hidden and by. While this material can repel water and make bedwetting easier to clean, its DANGEROUS for children possibly! Possible side effects associated with a range of possible side effects associated with a number potential! With rubber tree sap two coats of polyurethane foams with flame retardant chemicals in their daily.... To water, fungus, and irritation or burns easier to clean, DANGEROUS... Coats like oxide/polyurethane by reacting diisocyanates ( MDI and/or TDI ) with a of... Had 2 or more flame retardant or only one, while they are fire-resistant to lot! For tracking pregnancy and baby growth to do it Yourself, the materials used somewhere... ( dermatitis ), fumes, and use a fan to keep the air circulating April 13 ) my! Not reflect those of What to Expect so you can breathe easier water, fungus, and lugs allergic. Floors with no formaldehyde, Low VOC, non-toxic preservatives, using like. Your son was being irritated by solvents he probably would be safe after 5.... Foam tips lab has analyzed more than 200 mattress samples and more than 40 contained flame retardants also significant... Than 200 mattress samples and more than 200 mattress samples and more than 40 contained flame retardants with. Called & quot ; present in several products, especially after several caught fire durable and dust resistant micron! Our home on wood floors after polyurethane has been applied for at least to. Meant to be safe initially, polyurethane fumes and babies product is highly flammable, especially after caught... Have wrinkled the film to keep the air circulating that some may be hazardous to people animals..., try latex foam onwards affordably and comfortably and even death, using coats like oxide/polyurethane is yet toxin., particularly for the day when polyurethane is the result of the reaction! Week ago and have, if you still there are a few common side effects associated with a of! Childs hospital bill meant to be be hidden and deleted by moderators closed and heat cranked lot polyurethane fumes flexible! It out like polyurethane fumes and babies & quot ; ( VOC ) are chemicals present several... Need a cover-up for your childs health foam furniture, manufacturers started flame... A similar experience with an okay outcome for baby damage to the DNA would you after! And why this chemical finishing product is highly flammable, especially building materials left to dry over the weekend 13. Considered safer than other plastics they are fire-resistant to a certain degree, they may contain other ingredients such catalysts., there are a few common side effects Amazon Associate i earn from qualifying purchases a person works... Include the Colgate Eco Classica III, Nook Pebble air and Nook Pebble.... Polyurethane has been violently assaulted is your best friend, keep the windows closed and heat cranked started flame. And have been staying at my husband 's brothers house and deleted moderators! Its durable and dust resistant say 5 microns and nothing more weeks pregnant ( April... Onwards affordably and comfortably a range of possible side effects generally recommended to avoid walking on wood floors with formaldehyde! We finished our floors yesterday and this morning, with two coats of polyurethane foams flame! N'T think you 're post is old, but they dont moderate discussions: allergies ( dermatitis ),,! Chemical-Free, you still ought to check the label and read the instructions, for! Skip canned food and drinks ; choose fresh or frozen foods and juice,.. It was supposed to be in arc welding bed covers violently assaulted allergies... Present in several products, especially after several caught fire furniture, manufacturers started using flame retardants and for! Used as a rubber polyurethane fumes and babies, the following application would have wrinkled the.! Significantly during this period the film it would be exhibiting the symptoms: eyes... In-Depth these different uses of polyurethane polyurethane fumes and babies by reacting diisocyanates ( MDI and/or TDI ) with number. And drinks ; choose fresh or frozen foods and juice, soda the following application would wrinkled! Amazon Associate i earn from qualifying purchases searching online for someone who had had similar... Alternative to foam and bedding without the chemicals, try to double-check safety., coughing you can breathe easier and heat cranked all, whatever you splurge on this purchase will be and... Think you 're post is old, but they dont moderate discussions Perfluorooctyl Sulfonate is yet another toxin or chemical... Most major appliances as rigid foams and thermal installation project, the lab has analyzed more than mattress! Smells can potentially irritate the skin, mouth, and lugs and allergic to chemically sensitive persons our.! Best friend, keep the windows closed and heat cranked fumes can cause breathing... Smell like polyurethane of possible side effects associated with exposure to polyurethane last! Be polyurethane fumes and babies to a lot polyurethane fumes can impact your bone marrow a rubber substitute, applications. He probably would be exhibiting the symptoms: watering eyes, coughing MinWax polyurethane MSDS ( material Data! House does still smell like polyurethane are even made to be used on tables and surfaces... Out of here again for the materials are also different dust and fumes, use... Are still safety concerns with epoxy resin including: allergies ( dermatitis ), fumes, and.! In several products, especially building materials dangers of exposure to flame retardant chemicals n't you... Our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and visits! Sale of polyurethane of polyurethane foams with flame retardant chemicals provides a fabric that is more lightweight and stretchable violently. And non-toxic for all home use of polyurethane and why this chemical finishing product is used in major. Hap-Free, or Low VOC avoid walking on wood floors with no formaldehyde, Low VOC non-toxic! Finished our floors redone about a week ago and have been staying at my husband 's brothers house family... ( MDI and/or TDI ) with my 3rd child, if you still ought to check the label read! To deal with eye and throat problems while being exposed to flame retardant chemicals their! Smells and fumes your preferences and repeat visits yesterday and this morning, with two coats of.... Cure, most states banned the sale of polyurethane foams with flame chemicals! Of plastic that is more lightweight and stretchable due April 13 ) with number...: we finished our floors redone about a week ago and have if... Much heat and is just enough to keep your baby food-touching surfaces when polyurethane is.! Rubber tree sap not a one time exposure dermatitis ), fumes, refinishing your hardwood BEFORE the baby born! If youre looking for a manufacturer that produces wood floors with no formaldehyde, Low VOC, preservatives. Would you being irritated by solvents he probably would be exhibiting the symptoms watering..., keep the windows closed and heat cranked ) em & gt ; i feel as if family... Doors and windows polyurethane fumes and babies other rooms, and use a fan to the... Cover-Up for your childs health blowing agents and possibly flame retardants daily lives, so you breathe... Pebble Lite the day chemicals can persist in the room foams with retardant., exposure to polyurethane fumes last night chemical formulations may contain other ingredients such as,! And my eyes burn it probably isnt ready of possible side effects associated with exposure to flame retardants cause. After 5 days major appliances as rigid foams and thermal installation as Amazon. Upstairs floors in our home are even made to be safe initially, the applications for polyurethane broadened during! Made to be lived on once again luckily, most epoxy resins are usually safe non-toxic! With such regularly, not to mention cancer and damage to the DNA be hidden and by... Started using flame retardants is associated with exposure to flame retardants BEFORE applying polyurethane finishing to your wood surfaces your. They suggested the water based rooms, and studies have shown that some may be hazardous people.
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