However, several toxic chemical components go into the manufacture of polyurethane foams. I wasn't sure if the fumes were still there because I can still smell it. Follow instructions and safety labels. The chemicals are widely used in products such as household furniture, textiles, and electronic equipment. 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. Long an enthusiastic researcher and writer, she realized she could help other families make more informed, non-toxic purchases for their own families by sharing what she found. 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. Is that bad/dangerous? 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. 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. decaturbob 2 yr. ago. According to this study, softer beds increase risk of SIDS by 20 times! Probably in Mom or Dads warm embrace). Although polyurethane gives natural wood floors a beautiful, long-lasting sheen, it is also a toxic chemical and should be used with caution. Latex foam products DONT have toxic chemicals and toxic fumes that your child can inhale, so its safe for their lungs, too. 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. I just hope all is ok! Sometimes a small amount of kerosene is also in the mix. After consulting numerous doctors and trying just about every product on the market, shes made it her mission to help others sleep better!In her spare time, you can find Breanna lifting in the gym, playing with her cocker spaniel-retriever mix or experimenting in the kitchen. Any thoughts about the exposure of my family to these toxic fumes? For such a widely used product, its sensible to assume it comes without health concerns. Examples of crib mattresses made with this certified foam include the Colgate Eco Classica III, Nook Pebble Air and Nook Pebble Lite. These are organic chemicals, usually liquids, that are used in many workplaces. New wood building materials that are used in flooring, cabinets, and furniture are typically composed of an amalgam of chemical compounds that are used in the construction of the material. I am searching for a manufacturer that produces wood floors with no formaldehyde, Low VOC, non-toxic preservatives, using coats like oxide/polyurethane. Pack and Play Sheet Size: Are Pack N Play Sheets The Same Size As Crib Sheets? Find advice, support and good company (and some stuff just for fun). Plus, its soft and spongy and doesnt contain harmful chemicals, making it one of the best materials to use in pillows and mattresses. 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. so my husband and i are currently building our home and my MIL just stained and polyurethaned our stairs and pantry. PP is used to make yogurt containers, deli food containers and winter clothing . 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. This foam is EVERYWHERE! Nor does the author in any way guarantee or validate the validity, totality, or efficacy of any claims and will therefore not be held responsible for the content of any claims. Polyurethane foam is a petroleum byproduct (yup, just like gas for your car!). Many flame retardant chemicals can persist in the environment, and studies have shown that some may be hazardous to people and animals. A host of symptoms accompany chlorine poisoning, including throat swelling, a burning sensation in the mouth, stomach pain, and vomiting. 2023 All Rights Reserved by The Good Nursery, Reviewed by Franklin Marc Tarronas, M.D., MBA, Address: 2186 Jackson Keller Rd, Ste 1154, San Antonio, TX 78213. 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. 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? IF you are given the option, however, stay AWAY from the fumes, of course. Besides the chemical substances mentioned above, foam mattresses also contain a host of solvents that can be detrimental to health. 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. by amanda wooley | Jan 2, 2020 | Indoor Air Quality, Odor Removal, VOCs. 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. Some studies have shown that exposure to solvents may increase the risk of having a miscarriage, and heavy continued solvent exposure may raise the . 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. Babies spend 95% of their time lying down (and in case youre wondering, the other 5%? 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. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Studies Around Toxic Fumes and Polyurethane. So, check the label, and read the instructions, to find out if the one you bought contains chemicals detrimental to health before using it. While this sounds not so bad, its also worth noting most of the car seat foam they tested did have fire retardants. 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. Invented in the 1930s by Dr. Otto Bayer, polyurethanes became widely used during WWII. If the application area is large, it would be better to stay away for at least 7 to 14 days and longer if possible. Try not to worry too much but I don't think you're crazy for spending the night somewhere else. All rights reserved. Luckily, most states banned the sale of polyurethane foams with flame retardant chemicals. 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. It's soaked into the concrete underneath. I was exposed to a lot polyurethane fumes last night. These days, its common to see it in car seats, pack n plays, mattresses, and all sorts of other furniture. 24301 Walden Center Drive Suite 300 Dried really fast and looks gorgeous. 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. The polyurethane fumes can also cause irritation of the eye, nose and throat; vomiting; headaches; shortness of breath and dizziness. Epoxies and resins are chemicals that can form a hard, strong surface when they cure. Some people call this newer type of Polyurethane Laminate (PUL) as Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). If you start to have an allergic reaction to paint, leave the area and go where you can breathe fresh air; rinse irritated skin or eyes with water and apply . A firm bed material is best for babies because it reduces Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It is still VERY smelly here. Hope it works!! Foam mattresses also contain VOCs, and these substances cause a host of conditions related to the eyes, kidneys, liver, respiratory system, and nervous system. This product dries very well. Loose or Creaking Boards & Tight or Popping Boards. The film is not wrinkled. Polyurethanes are made when diisocyanates (methylene diphenyl diisocyanate [MDI] and/or toluene diisocyanate [TDI]) react with range of polyols. 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. 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. . Aside from the dust and fumes, refinishing your hardwood BEFORE the baby is born is a bad idea, IMO. Polyurethanes.org The polyurethane installer should warn you that breathing in the fumes from polyurethane is dangerous, and you should be advised not to stay on the property for at least 48-hours and maybe up to a week. While this material can repel water and make bedwetting easier to clean, its DANGEROUS for children. Long exposure can worsen the effects of paint fume symptoms. Take breaks while painting. This product dries very well. Flame retardants also cause significant hormone disruptions, not to mention cancer and damage to the DNA. Sugarcane fiber is also an eco-friendly, non-toxic material that you can use as part of your baby products. Especially, the foam of polyurethane is toxic to babies and people with respiratory diseases. Unfortunately, these chemical add-ons might result in breathing and allergy problems. We strive to provide you with a high quality community experience. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure. 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. Heres a round-up of all the chemicals used to make polyurethane foam mattresses and their effects on your health and well-being. In addition to diisocyanates, polyurethane foam is extremely flammable, leading manufacturers to frequently treat it with flame retardant chemicals. Thats because most memory foam contains chemical additives that improve elasticity and viscosity. Polyurethane foam is ubiquitous in our lives, getting us from infancy onwards affordably and comfortably. 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. Refinishing furniture can expose you to solvents that may have risks for your baby. Polyurethane fumes side effects When not fully cured, Polyurethane fumes have several side effects such as asthma and difficulty breathing for people with respiratory conditions. I dont believe what you are smelling is solvent which has already long left the film and dissipated. My tenant is complaining that it still smells. Please select a reason for escalating this post to the WTE moderators: Connect with our community members by starting a discussion. but there is a theory that toxic fumes from crib mattresses could be related to SIDS. A: Was this a waterborne polyurethane? These components are what's responsible for their durability as well as their harsh vapors. 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. Will she be ok? 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. Through it, consumers can mail up to five foam samples per household to the lab. A baby left to sleep in a freshly painted room can easily breath in the toxic compounds, especially if the room . We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Did you know that polyurethane may not be the safest product to use in your home, especially in large quantities? In addition to nylon, polyurethane has also been integrated into spandex fibers. The work was done on a Friday and left to dry over the weekend. Be careful of the design, though! Polyurethane is a type of plastic that is produced by combining methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and toluene diisocyanate (TDI) with polyols. However, users began experiencing many health issues primarily linked to the harmful toxins that these flame retardants released. Choose firmer materials like latex or other organic fibers to reduce the risk of SIDS in your child. floor refinishing and pregnancy. Youll find PVC material in plenty of playmats and bed covers. 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. Hey, how did your LO come out? Latex is an organic material youll find in a lot of beddings. The content is not meant to be a replacement for professional service advice. I am 27 weeks. I never noticed the smell in his room, but the next morning I noticed it. Can I stay in my house while the floors are refinished? So, polyurethane products contain harmful chemicals such as Benzene, and it is best to avoid using them. Acrylic clear coat stuff is supposed to be safer for kids but it wears off faster. To minimize the dangers of polyurethane vapors, always apply the finishes in a well-ventilated space, wear a face mask and eye protection and don't smoke. Latex is an organic material made with rubber tree sap. 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. Here is MinWax polyurethane MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) information. Unfortunately, research suggests thats not the case. At the same time, pregnant women, the elderly and sick, and young children should also stay away from polyurethane fumes. A toxic chemical and should be used with caution but the next morning i noticed it of.... This study, softer beds increase risk of SIDS by 20 times, leading to... Support and good company ( and in case youre wondering, the other 5 % use as of. Did have fire retardants PVC material in plenty of playmats and bed covers significant hormone disruptions, not worry. 'Re crazy for spending the night somewhere else TPU ) and all sorts of other furniture that used., several toxic chemical components go into the concrete underneath that these flame retardants also significant. 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