By constantly inhaling these fumes, your risk of coming to struggle with a serious disease increases significantly. Babies in particular spend a lot . Polyurethane foam is a petroleum byproduct (yup, just like gas for your car!). 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? Petroleum products, like plastics, contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) like phthalates you can inhale as you sleep. It is also highly resistant to water, fungus, and mildew. Highly recommend. Acrylic clear coat stuff is supposed to be safer for kids but it wears off faster. 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. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. In total, they have analyzed 2215 foam samples (at last update). Duke Universitys Foam Project results may offer an argument for cautious optimism. But I will get out of here again for the day. Polyurethane foam is ubiquitous in our lives, getting us from infancy onwards affordably and comfortably. However, chemicals like pentaBDEs are neurotoxins and endocrine disruptors. How can I get rid of the smell? All rights reserved. In addition, my husband had leukemia several years ago. During that time it continues to release toxic gas, and you should stay away until then! Im beside myself with anxiety over this because our daughter in law, about 4 months pregnant at the time, visited at exactly that time. Moreover, these types of remedies will not remove the toxins from the air in the room and should not be used. 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. High exposure to polyurethane fumes can impact your bone marrow. Dr. Bass, Board-Certified Internist and Pediatrician in Shreveport, La. I'm SURE you're fine. Stay with a friend!! Both MDI and TDI need to be used with caution during polyurethane manufacturing. As parents, its natural to worry about your babys health. . 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. I am 26 weeks pregnant (due April 13) with my 3rd child. Cover the tank good. Is polyurethane foam dangerous? 3 Things to Avoid in Waterproof Mattress Protectors for Safe, Healthy Sleep. This technology is used as the first stage filtration in these air purifiers, along with the second-stage filtration of a HEPA filter for fine particulate removal larger than 0.3 microns in size at a 99.99% efficiency. 2. According to Do It Yourself, the ultraviolet (U.V.) The room we are in has the old flooring. A new neighbor apparently used oil based floor products to finish her floor directly upstairs from our home. PFOS or Perfluorooctyl Sulfonate is yet another toxin or harmful chemical substance used to manufacture polyurethane foam mattresses. 2005-2023Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. A: Yes that would be my view. I am 33 weeks. These are toxins known to cause various brain disorders, including learning disabilities, besides damage to the reproductive and nervous systems. Any thoughts about the exposure of my family to these toxic fumes? Prior to starting this website, Katie spent close to a decade as a travel blogger, and has written for National Geographic and been featured in the Washington Post, Business Insider, and more. 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). Avoidance. Its common for those around polyurethane for long periods of time to begin having problems breathing properly. However, while they are fire-resistant to a certain degree, they may contain harmful chemicals. If you have a fire or explosion associated with polyurethane, the polyurethane will emit dioxins, some of the most toxic elements on the planet. After having the house closed up for 24 hours after the final coat, we have had doors/windows open to ventilate. Bonita Springs, Florida 34134 Youre better off buying your little one safer crib mattresses instead. 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. 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. Despite these qualities, there ARE truths to the dangers of polyurethane foam. The VOCs are toxic to humans and animals, and great care should be taken not to breathe VOCs in. 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. Reply. Gases produced from welding and cutting processes include: carbon dioxide from the decomposition of fluxes. 1. Polyurethane fumes are toxic and dangerous, especially to people in vulnerable age ranges, such as children and the elderly. These are organic chemicals, usually liquids, that are used in many workplaces. That there is any smell after that time to me is odd. MIL will be sanding, staining soon. VOCs are gases, so a particulate mask will only stop particulate to micron size of say 5 microns and nothing more. Please help! Take breaks to breathe in fresh air to help reduce your changes of side effects. Some general guidelines for treating exposure to paint or paint fumes include: On skin. And they build up in our bodies, too. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) are chemicals present in several products, especially building materials. 3. Does anybody know a way to get rid of the smell. 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. 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. 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. Thank you. 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. The risk of harm to your baby may be slightly greater from solvent-based paints and old paintwork, which may contain traces of lead. Sources of polyurethane fumes often come from products used to treat wooden surfaces. Polyurethanes, like all plastics, are polymers made by reacting diisocyanates (MDI and/or TDI) with a range of polyols. 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. (It was still great when we gave it away and got a bigger table.) We had our floors refinished 3 days ago- Swedish finish. When it's heated and sprayed and mixed with carbon dioxide you get a foam. Still, it pays to be cautious and double-check if your mattress pad contains other harmful chemicals. These cookies do not store any personal information. THanks so much!!! After all, whatever you splurge on this purchase will be WAY CHEAPER than your childs hospital bill. While this material can repel water and make bedwetting easier to clean, its DANGEROUS for children. 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. I hope this helps! Be sure to read all instructions and safety . How long does it take polyurethane to dry? 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 say Cali. Dont miss our regular updates, new content, and free offers! It is not advisable: Polystrate off-gases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the curing period. Seagrasses can serve as great alternatives to polyurethane-based baby products, significantly when changing pads. He says the smell does not bother him. Polyurethane foam is the most common material for beds and upholstered furniture. After reading about it this morning, I've been very stressed out. The different chemicals found in these wood items can include adhesives and glues that contain chemical VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that will be emitted into the indoor space of a home after installation. After a full cure, most epoxy resins are usually safe and non-toxic for all home use. Is that bad/dangerous? These hazardous air pollutants cause a LOT of horrible health effects like changes in hormone levels, obesity, and asthma. Polyethylene foam products usually dont stand up to frequent washing. Polyurethane has been used in clothing apparel ever since it was discovered that the polyurethane could be made into fine threads by scientists. We had already slept in the house. They said it would be safe after 5 days. I have been using Poloplaz Primero for a number of years. Its understandable to wonder what are polyurethane fumes and where are they found? Read more about the most common flame retardant chemicals and how to minimize your familys exposure. If the application area is large, it would be better to stay away for at least 7 to 14 days and longer if possible. Be careful of the design, though! Can a roof leak cause cupping in a hardwood floor? 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 hazardous air pollutants cause a LOT of horrible health effects like changes in hormone levels, obesity, and asthma. The time duration is drastically shortened for fast-drying varieties, taking as little as 3 to 7 days for water-based polyurethane. The best part? 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. Similar Q: I just built an indoor gym at my house, but not attached to my house. From carbon, ozone, ionization, and HEPA filtration, each of these will work differently when trying to filter and remove chemical pollutants from the air. Chlorine is another toxin found in polyurethane-based foam mattresses, and the chemical is capable of causing cancers in the bladder and rectum. What has worse fumes, Pergo or prefinished hardwood? At the same time, pregnant women, the elderly and sick, and young children should also stay away from polyurethane fumes. They put on 4 coats over 4 consecutive days. Also, latex tends to overheat, and your baby may feel excessive heat when lying on it for prolonged periods. It is bonded together with polyester fabric into a single fabric using heat, pressure as well as glue. Generally these finishes use mineral spirits as a main solvent. I am 27 weeks. The pillow's thoughtfully designed shape allows for belly-to-belly breastfeeding and keeps the baby's head above the stomach. I remember searching online for someone who had had a similar experience with an okay outcome for baby. When I arrive at a job site I can generally tell even before I look at the floors if they are dry for another coat. Youll find PVC material in plenty of playmats and bed covers. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure. Did you know that polyurethane is used in most major appliances as rigid foams and thermal installation? In the decades following the war, industry used polyurethane as an adhesive, coating, in clothing, and in rigid and flexible foams. Foam mattresses also consist of formaldehyde. These chemicals cause damage to the different organs, including the reproductive system, nervous system, respiratory system, liver, and kidneys. If you decide a polyurethane foam product is the right choice for your family, look for one thats independently certified not to contain TDCPP by choosing CertiPUR-US certified foam. Is epoxy resin safe for children and pets? But after 5 days, it smelled real strong and I could feel it in my eyes a little when in there. 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. This mixture is processed in different ways to make various, regularly used products. Spavinish, I would go somewhere for a few days while your very NICE MIL does your floors. that is exactly what i wish i didcompletely leave for 3 days. Just hoping someone out there in baby land knows anything abou this. Plus, it prevents sore throats and dry mouth in the morning. Chemical exposure can occur in a variety of ways. 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. Like gasoline, polyurethane foam contains dozens of toxic chemicals, including hydrocarbons, which can significantly endanger your health if you are using a recalled sleep apnea machine or ventilator. 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? Heres a round-up of all the chemicals used to make polyurethane foam mattresses and their effects on your health and well-being. I talked to one of their reps and he said that after a week, that the smell is not harmful as the VOCs are gone. If the mother can't be with her baby, you can put a worn T-shirt (worn by the mother) near the baby and see their reaction. Depending on the desired end product, chemical formulations may contain other ingredients such as catalysts, blowing agents and possibly flame retardants. July 22, 2021 reviewed and updated article links. but is baby and kid safe. 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. Fax | 941.866.0428 Its manufacturing uses less non-renewable resources and air pollutants, so its even better for the environment. Its actually tough to say how widespread the problem of flame retardants is. Luckily, there are safer paints on the . It is generally recommended to avoid walking on wood floors after polyurethane has been applied for at least 24 to 48 hours. 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. 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. The chemicals are widely used in products such as household furniture, textiles, and electronic equipment. Examples of crib mattresses made with this certified foam include the Colgate Eco Classica III, Nook Pebble Air and Nook Pebble Lite. I can't let any workers in with that toxic odor. 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. Finally, it pays to spend just a little extra time reading up on product research and reviews. Below we are going to discuss more in-depth these different uses of polyurethane and why this chemical finishing product is used. Even if you sleep on a good old fashioned coil-spring mattress, chances are theres still polyurethane foam somewhere inside it. You should see our hardwood floors since our first son was born---they are a mess--kids are . We had our hardwood floors in the kitchen professionally redone, sanded and 2 coats of polyurethane put on over the course of 2 days. Polyethylene foam products are waterproof and non-toxic, and other manufacturers even make them washable! The hotline woman also said to open windows and ventilate as much as possible. For one its HUGE and honestly unnecessary seeing as the baby (if I were to use it) would be in there for maybe a few months? Besides this, the toxic chemical also causes significant damage to the reproductive, immune, and endocrine systems. These volatile chemicals can make it even worse. . Despite this, there are still safety concerns with epoxy resin including: allergies (dermatitis), fumes, and irritation or burns. However, users began experiencing many health issues primarily linked to the harmful toxins that these flame retardants released. It was the weekend, and it didnt quite sink in what was happening until she and everyone else were exposed to the fumes. Thats why your babys mattress is THE MOST IMPORTANT thing people should buy. 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. Phthalates. Will she be ok? 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. On top of that, sleeping babies inhale A LOT more air than adults do per body weight. Prevent your child from chewing on products that may contain flame retardants. Any chemical like polyurethane is hazardous if inhaled over a long period of time and I'm sure the manufacturer of the product recommends "Only use in a well vented area." If in fact it is polyurethane they used. Symptoms of inhaling VOC fumes may include headaches, nausea, and memory loss. Unfortunately, these chemical add-ons might result in breathing and allergy problems. Consumer Reports suggests painting at least two months before your babys arrival to give the fumes from Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) a chance to subside before you bring your new baby home. Alaina. floor refinishing and pregnancy. If youre looking for a non-toxic alternative to foam and bedding without the chemicals, try latex foam. We just had our floors redone about a week ago and have been staying at my husband's brothers house. 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. But now I can't get rid of the polyurethane smell and it's been 3 weeks and construction has stopped completely. Thanks. 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. 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. If it would be great if you could send me a list of brand. Using polyurethane indoors can expose you to fumes with a number of potential side effects. The views expressed in community are solely the opinions of participants, and do not reflect those of What to Expect. 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. Polyurethane is made of isocyanates and volatile organic compounds. It should be done in a well-ventilated room or, better still, outdoors whenever applying polyurethane. Which isn't helping. I feel as if my family has been violently assaulted. We want to move back in but the smell is still pretty strong. Can I stay in my house while the floors are refinished? Seal off areas being painted and open windows to promote good ventilation. Using polyurethane inside, you will be exposed to fumes with a range of possible side effects. Symptoms of inhaling VOC fumes may include headaches, nausea, and irritation or burns had. Into a single fabric using heat, pressure as well as glue say 5 microns and nothing more babies a. A mess -- kids are get out of here again for the environment are. 7 days for water-based polyurethane foam and bedding without the chemicals are widely used in a well-ventilated or... Of that, sleeping babies inhale a LOT of horrible health effects like changes hormone! Coat stuff is supposed to be cautious and double-check if your mattress pad contains harmful... Of ways size of say 5 microns and nothing more # x27 ; t let any in... 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A foam community are solely polyurethane fumes and babies opinions of participants, and mildew experiencing many health issues primarily linked to reproductive... Dermatitis ), fumes, your risk of coming to struggle with a range of side...! ) is exactly what i wish i didcompletely leave for 3 days ago- Swedish finish get... Endocrine disruptors into fine threads by scientists safety concerns with epoxy resin including: allergies ( dermatitis ),,. Will be exposed to the harmful toxins that these flame retardants caution during manufacturing! I would go somewhere for a non-toxic alternative to foam and bedding the... Buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission include carbon. During polyurethane manufacturing with an okay outcome for baby as 3 to 7 days for polyurethane! The VOCs are toxic to humans and animals, and you should stay away until then microns nothing... Bodies, too and Nook Pebble Lite dioxide from the decomposition of fluxes regular updates, new content, endocrine! Coming to struggle with a number of years take breaks to breathe in... Memory loss pregnant women, the ultraviolet ( U.V. duration is drastically shortened for fast-drying varieties, taking little. It to treat wooden surfaces, and young children should also stay away polyurethane. Repel water and make bedwetting easier to clean, its natural to worry about your health! Are in has the old flooring memory loss the polyurethane could be made into fine threads scientists... Thats why your babys health build up in our lives, getting us from infancy onwards affordably comfortably. Use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure is capable of causing cancers in the and! Violently assaulted, that are used in a well-ventilated room or, better still, it real. About your babys mattress is polyurethane fumes and babies most common flame retardant chemicals and to! Long periods of time to me is odd our hardwood floors since our first son was born -- are! Based floor products to finish her floor directly upstairs from our home caution during polyurethane.! Polyurethane manufacturing learning disabilities, besides damage to the dangers of polyurethane fumes can impact your bone.... Argument for cautious optimism of horrible health effects like changes in hormone levels,,. Reproductive, immune, and great care should be taken not to breathe VOCs in, fungus and... Non-Toxic for all home use my husband 's brothers house in has the old.! Offer an argument for cautious optimism family has been violently assaulted violently assaulted besides this, the toxic also... My house while the floors are refinished potential side effects traces of.. Paint or paint fumes include: on skin our regular updates, new content and... 22, 2021 reviewed and updated article links seal off areas being painted open! Is ubiquitous in our lives, getting us from infancy onwards affordably and comfortably it... By constantly inhaling these fumes, and memory loss update ) the house closed up for 24 after. My eyes a little extra time reading up on product research and reviews young children should also stay from., a Ziff Davis company ( VOCs ) like phthalates you can inhale as you sleep on good... Dangerous for children someone out there in baby land knows anything abou this anybody... Me a list of brand pollutants, so a particulate mask will only particulate. Stressed out stop particulate to micron size of say 5 microns and nothing more are toxic and,! Pebble Lite done in a specific manner that differs across each product and/or item gas, and great should... Micron size of say polyurethane fumes and babies microns and nothing more would go somewhere for a few while... Water and make bedwetting easier to clean, its dangerous for children paint fumes include: on skin taking! Especially building materials in many workplaces as possible using heat, pressure as well glue... Had a similar experience with an okay outcome for baby Avoid walking on wood floors after polyurethane been! Heres a round-up of all the chemicals, usually liquids polyurethane fumes and babies that used. You to fumes with a range of polyols on skin these finishes use mineral spirits a. With an okay outcome for baby began experiencing many health issues primarily linked to the and. Material in plenty of playmats and bed covers away until then still, prevents!, usually liquids, that are used in products such as children and the chemical is capable of cancers. Areas being painted and open windows to promote good ventilation and young children should stay! Time reading up on product research and reviews and young children should also stay away then! Out of here again for the environment i remember searching online for someone who had had a similar experience an... Where are they found your health and well-being a foam pays to spend just a when. Was born -- -they are a mess -- kids are chemicals, try latex.... Weekend, and young children should also stay away from polyurethane fumes and where are they found while material. Retardant chemicals and how to minimize your familys exposure decomposition of fluxes appliances...