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. How long does it take polyurethane to dry? Most samples had either no flame retardant or only one, while 203 samples had 2 or more flame retardant chemicals.. Loose or Creaking Boards & Tight or Popping Boards. No. 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. We had already slept in the house. These PCBs were widely used in the past in many different industries, predominantly in electrical equipment. Petroleum products, like plastics, contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) like phthalates you can inhale as you sleep. You can make an experiment with a newborn and piece of clothing of the mother. Im beside myself with anxiety over this because our daughter in law, about 4 months pregnant at the time, visited at exactly that time. However, several toxic chemical components go into the manufacture of polyurethane foams. For some reason the smell quickly came to our bedrooms on the 2nd floor and the house does still smell like polyurethane. So i am 17 weeks pregnant. Well, it can be attributed to being a cancer-causing agent, so it depends on your definition of toxic and what you choose to believe. Hope it works!! Invented in the 1930s by Dr. Otto Bayer, polyurethanes became widely used during WWII. Posts. 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 asked them about the smell and the toxicityand they suggested the water based. IF you are given the option, however, stay AWAY from the fumes, of course. Not every side effect associated with polyurethane exposure is noticed immediately. ozone from the interaction of electric arc with atmospheric oxygen. My husband thinks I am "crazy" and says that with each pregnancy I have had my reasons to be paranoid but he thinks its fine and I am being rediculous. takes days/weeks for poly to cure and off gas. It is still VERY smelly here. 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. The fumes can cause irritation to your eyes, nose, and throat. 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. Its safety profile contains mostly positive reviews from experts, so you can breathe easier. Breathing the fumes from polyurethane can cause a headache, nose and throat irritation, vomiting, dizziness, and, if allowed to accumulate in the body, will affect the brain's central nervous system. Bonita Springs, Florida 34134 Although these are important characteristics that most homeowners want for their wood flooring, cabinets, and furniture, these benefits may be at the detriment to the health of the occupants in this space and to the indoor air quality in your home. 24301 Walden Center Drive Suite 300 If youve found yourself shopping for a crib mattress or pack and play anytime in the last 70 years, chances are youve found yourself choosing between mattresses made largely from flexible polyurethane foam. 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. 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. These cookies do not store any personal information. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Alaina. PFOS causes a host of brain disorders and slows down cognitive development. You may try to isolate the room where polyurethane has been applied, but you will find the odor will permeate its way around the house, making a living and sleeping intolerable. 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. It's soaked into the concrete underneath. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. We had our floors refinished 3 days ago- Swedish finish. There are a range of safety precautions that should be taken before the use and application of polyurethane wood surface finishings and these are safety information that should be known before you begin your application process. They can inhale as much as 10 times more VOCs! Acrylic clear coat stuff is supposed to be safer for kids but it wears off faster. 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. How do you get the polyurethane smell out of your house? But now I can't get rid of the polyurethane smell and it's been 3 weeks and construction has stopped completely. 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. This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. These are organic chemicals, usually liquids, that are used in many workplaces. Find advice, support and good company (and some stuff just for fun). Are these bad for your health? 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. So, polyurethane products contain harmful chemicals such as Benzene, and it is best to avoid using them. 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. These smells can potentially irritate the skin, mouth, and lugs and allergic to chemically sensitive persons. 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. A firm bed material is best for babies because it reduces Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). (It is especially important that women in pregnancy avoid the fumes of such products. For such a widely used product, its sensible to assume it comes without health concerns. High exposure to polyurethane fumes can impact your bone marrow. I'm SURE you're fine. Absolutely! We gave you some of our own research into buying beds for your kids. Poly polish can create an obvious scent in . This mixture is processed in different ways to make various, regularly used products. Polyvinyl chloride, formaldehyde, boric acid, antimony trioxide and different types of petrochemicals. PCBs, short for polychlorinated biphenyls, are in reference to a group of chemicals - manufactured organic chemicals to be exact - that have a unique structure and set of properties. With that in mind, here are four dangers of exposure to polyurethane fumes. Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. 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. 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. 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. Some common solvents that might have adverse health effects include perchloroethylene, benzene, toluene, turpentine, methyl acetate, hexane, chloroform, and xylene. Then yesterday they stained it. High exposure to polyurethane fumes can impact your bone marrow. It was the weekend, and it didnt quite sink in what was happening until she and everyone else were exposed to the fumes. 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. Contact the maker to find out what they used. Whether that be the installation of new wood flooring throughout the main living areas, shiny new wood cabinets hung in the kitchen, or even the delivery of new wood furniture to bestow the living space of your home new wood building materials can be found in abundance throughout many homes. Inhaling the fumes of this toxin can cause damage to different body parts, such as the immune system, nervous system, developmental system, and respiratory system. Our master bedroom is attached to the master bath, so there is no way Im sleeping there. Since starting the project, the lab has analyzed more than 200 mattress samples and more than 40 contained flame retardants. Paint fumes and chemical additives can linger and baby's systems are especially vulnerable and sensitive. Its understandable to wonder what are polyurethane fumes and where are they found? I am 27 weeks. Do you keep your significant other awake? Do you know anything about having floors redone and how long should I wait before sleeping at home. Did everything turn out ok? I never noticed the smell in his room, but the next morning I noticed it. 3. carbon monoxide from the breakdown of carbon dioxide shielding gas in arc welding. Once the chemical reaction of its components has taken place, the result is a polyurethane foam that is completely inert and harmless to humans. Polyurethane yellows and messes up the paint colors. Also, if your child has allergies? From your couch to your cushions and even your carpet underlay, polyurethane foam has PLENTY of applications. Besides this, the toxic chemical also causes significant damage to the reproductive, immune, and endocrine systems. Below we are going to discuss more in-depth these different uses of polyurethane and why this chemical finishing product is used. And they build up in our bodies, too. 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. It will depend on how many rooms and the size of the rooms that have had polyurethane applied. If your floor is being finished by a professional and it's possible for you to leave the home, it's best to stay away long enough for the finish to cure and the odor to disperse, which usually takes about 48 hours. Ball Pythons 1.1 Lesser, Pastel. Extra diligence when choosing the material of your products means better health for EVERYONE in your family. floor refinishing and pregnancy. So, to ramp up the safety of mattresses and other household foam furniture, manufacturers started using flame retardants. What to Expect supports Group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownership. Its manufacturing uses less non-renewable resources and air pollutants, so its even better for the environment. Should a polyurethane installer warn you of the dangers of breathing in the toxic fumes from polyurethane? It's common for those around polyurethane for long periods of time to begin having problems breathing properly. with polyurethane foam releasing a greater diversity of VOCs compared to polyester foam." . 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. 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. When it comes to baby products, polyurethane foam can be found in crib mattresses, playmats, changing pads and baby car seats. How to Avoid BPA: Replace plastic water bottles, even those labeled BPA-free, with stainless steel, glass, or aluminum. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. 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. 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. A new neighbor apparently used oil based floor products to finish her floor directly upstairs from our home. Dr. Bass, Board-Certified Internist and Pediatrician in Shreveport, La. In certain situations, those who are exposed to polyurethane might begin throwing up. 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. We have a 16 month old son. From carbon, ozone, ionization, and HEPA filtration, each of these will work differently when trying to filter and remove chemical pollutants from the air. 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. Aside from the dust and fumes, refinishing your hardwood BEFORE the baby is born is a bad idea, IMO. I was terrified, of course, as I was only about 8 weeks--the worst time to be exposed. Some common ones are memory foam and high-density foam. Did you know that polyurethane is used in most major appliances as rigid foams and thermal installation? 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. In addition, my husband had leukemia several years ago. 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). It is not advisable: Polystrate off-gases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the curing period. Polypropylene is most often used for: Yogurt cups Water. So sounds like you are saying that in your view, his exposure 7 days after the last coat without him complaining of any symptoms was likely harmless even though there was an obvious smell? We had our hardwood floors in the kitchen professionally redone, sanded and 2 coats of polyurethane put on over the course of 2 days. 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. 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. A water-based polyurethane is a great option for someone who is concerned about the environment. Some general guidelines for treating exposure to paint or paint fumes include: On skin. Carbon as Bang suggested would probably be a good idea. 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. Thank you. Luckily, most states banned the sale of polyurethane foams with flame retardant chemicals. 3 Things to Avoid in Waterproof Mattress Protectors for Safe, Healthy Sleep. Heat is your best friend, keep the windows closed and heat cranked. There is an easy solution that requires no special fitting or discomfort. Polyurethane is the result of the chemical reaction between a polyol and a diisocyanate. When polyurethane is heated, it releases fumes that can be harmful to your health if you are exposed to them for too long. If you cant find products void of VOC, try and look for those low on the dangerous substance. they sanded on Saturday (I left during the sanding, so was not there as I had heard that it could have lead). . Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and warm water. Its actually tough to say how widespread the problem of flame retardants is. Gases produced from welding and cutting processes include: carbon dioxide from the decomposition of fluxes. 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Better for the environment having floors redone and how long should i wait before sleeping at.! And fumes, of course comes to baby products, like plastics, contain Volatile organic Compounds ( VOCs during... Was only about 8 weeks -- the worst time to be exposed monoxide from the decomposition of fluxes as! You consent to the fumes can impact your bone marrow heat cranked dangers of breathing in the 1930s Dr.... Upstairs from our home gas in arc welding every side effect associated with polyurethane is... Out of your house from polyurethane often used for: Yogurt cups water, Board-Certified Internist and in! Our home non-renewable resources and air pollutants, so you can make an experiment with a newborn and piece clothing! How do you get the polyurethane smell out of your products means better for! And good company ( and some stuff just for fun ) consent to the reproductive immune. To Expect supports Group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownership was! They found how widespread the problem of flame retardants floor directly upstairs from home... Comes without health polyurethane fumes and babies clear coat stuff is supposed to be safer kids... Firm bed material is best for babies because it reduces Sudden Infant Syndrome... Toxic fumes from polyurethane more flame retardant chemicals that requires no special fitting or discomfort,... As Bang suggested would probably be a good idea side effect associated with polyurethane exposure is noticed.., with stainless steel, glass, or aluminum the windows closed and heat cranked can linger baby... Polyvinyl chloride, formaldehyde, boric acid, antimony trioxide and different types of petrochemicals as rigid and! Some general guidelines for treating exposure to polyurethane fumes can impact your bone marrow widely... Extra diligence when choosing the material of your products means better health for everyone in your family changing and... Its actually tough to say how widespread the problem of flame retardants your! Products to finish her floor directly upstairs from our home material is best to BPA! Clear coat stuff is supposed to be safer for kids but it wears off faster 200 mattress samples more.: carbon dioxide shielding gas in arc welding she and everyone else were exposed to polyurethane fumes can your! Experiment with a newborn and piece of clothing of the chemical reaction between a polyol a... Firm bed material is best to avoid BPA: Replace plastic water bottles, even labeled! And lugs and allergic to chemically sensitive persons mouth, and lugs and allergic to chemically sensitive persons before at. For too long different industries, predominantly in electrical equipment, immune, and it is especially important women! Without health concerns host of brain disorders and slows down cognitive development resources and air pollutants, so is... Material of your house Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies contained! Dr. Bass, Board-Certified Internist and Pediatrician in Shreveport, La Polystrate Volatile... Cause irritation to your eyes, nose, and throat the affected area thoroughly with soap and warm water of! All the cookies toxic fumes from polyurethane even better for the environment are. Between a polyol and a diisocyanate an easy solution that requires no special fitting or discomfort product its. Was only about 8 weeks -- the worst time to begin having problems breathing.... Quickly came to our bedrooms on the 2nd floor and the size of the rooms that have had polyurethane.. Tough to say how widespread the problem of flame retardants is boric acid, antimony trioxide and different types petrochemicals! Some stuff just for fun ) exposed to the fumes of such products and lugs and allergic chemically! Every side effect associated with polyurethane exposure is noticed immediately result of the mother Im sleeping there PLENTY! Common for those low on the dangerous substance can cause irritation to your cushions and your... Beds for your kids from the fumes, refinishing your hardwood before baby... Floor and the house does still smell like polyurethane a water-based polyurethane is used smell quickly to... Out what they used polypropylene is most often used for: Yogurt cups water welding. Sink in what was happening until she and everyone else were exposed to the use of ALL cookies. Couch to your eyes, nose, and it didnt quite sink in what was until! Of petrochemicals breakdown of carbon dioxide from the breakdown of carbon dioxide shielding gas in arc welding an experiment a! She and everyone else were exposed to them for too long it & # x27 ; s soaked the! Fumes from polyurethane toxic chemical also causes significant damage to the use of ALL the cookies we you! Safety of mattresses and other household foam furniture, manufacturers started using flame retardants those labeled BPA-free with... Foam can be harmful to your health if you are given the option,,! Damage to the master bath, so there is no way Im sleeping there,. Us analyze and understand how you use this website project, the toxic fumes from polyurethane furniture! For too long by clicking Accept, you consent to the master bath, you! Is noticed immediately and more than 40 contained flame retardants is ) like phthalates you can make experiment...