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?!! Well, for future searchers, my baby is two years old and beautifully developmentally perfect. PP: polypropylene. Also, if your child has allergies? Since 2004, by law, the U.S. requires all mattresses to be fireproof to a specific temperature point and ever since the toxicity levels in foam memory mattresses have increased. It was the weekend, and it didnt quite sink in what was happening until she and everyone else were exposed to the fumes. Since starting the project, the lab has analyzed more than 200 mattress samples and more than 40 contained flame retardants. Besides the foams form, the materials are ALSO DIFFERENT. These solvents might be in the old finish you sand off or the new stain, polyurethane, or paint that you apply. 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. For some reason the smell quickly came to our bedrooms on the 2nd floor and the house does still smell like polyurethane. What are organic solvents? Polyethylene foam products are waterproof and non-toxic, and other manufacturers even make them washable! Prevent your child from chewing on products that may contain flame retardants. I have fans running in there 24/7 and it is air conditioned. by amanda wooley | Jan 2, 2020 | Indoor Air Quality, Odor Removal, VOCs. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Foam mattresses also consist of formaldehyde. Plus, its soft and spongy and doesnt contain harmful chemicals, making it one of the best materials to use in pillows and mattresses. I am 27 weeks. So, check the label, and read the instructions, to find out if the one you bought contains chemicals detrimental to health before using it. Acrylic clear coat stuff is supposed to be safer for kids but it wears off faster. This is possibly the best way to ventilate the room while keeping the possibility of dust and debris to a minimum. Fml. And we noticed a small area thats still tacky. I dont want anything to happen to my baby (or 2 or 4 year old either!)!! 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. 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. So, considering these factors, it would be better to avoid using foam mattresses or furniture, especially baby products. 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. Group Leaders communicate with staff moderators and escalate potential violations for review, but they dont moderate discussions. But I will get out of here again for the day. decaturbob 2 yr. ago. 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. My tenant is complaining that it still smells. Latex is an organic material youll find in a lot of beddings. Studies Around Toxic Fumes and Polyurethane. Should I wear a mask while using polyurethane? Please specify a reason for deleting this reply from the community. Well help you with your last-minute shopping with these mattress foam tips. Stay out of the room that has been painted for 2 to 3 days after you are finished. VOCs are gases, so a particulate mask will only stop particulate to micron size of say 5 microns and nothing more. A: You will have to be the judge of conditions there. 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. 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. I know I'm bumping a really old post, but I'm in the exact same situation. Ahhhh. When you drop by your nearby store or go on Amazon, youll find plenty of mattresses on sale. Apparently polyurethane dries pretty fast, but takes approx a week and a half to CURE. Yes. 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. So I could get rid of the pet smell. Read more about the most common flame retardant chemicals and how to minimize your familys exposure. There is an easy solution that requires no special fitting or discomfort. And you often can taste the finish when you exhale. Flame retardants are another key chemical component used to manufacture foam mattresses. The room we are in has the old flooring. Thank you. Q: Can you restain after you have used one application of polyurethane / Poloplaz? 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. We have 2 small kids so Im stressing out. Loose or Creaking Boards & Tight or Popping Boards. But wait! Choose firmer materials like latex or other organic fibers to reduce the risk of SIDS in your child. Hope it works!! 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. Polyurethane foam is no longer deemed safe for babies, as shown . If it smells strong and my eyes burn it probably isnt ready. He says the smell does not bother him. )em> Latex foam products DONT have toxic chemicals and toxic fumes that your child can inhale, so its safe for their lungs, too. How long until polyurethane smell goes away? Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) are chemicals present in several products, especially building materials. Pregnancy & deliveryBabies & toddlersHome & livingHolidays & celebrations. While this sounds not so bad, its also worth noting most of the car seat foam they tested did have fire retardants. However, if you take precautions to mitigate the risk of igniting polyurethane vapors, you will be safe. Follow-up Q: Thanks for getting back with me. We strive to provide you with a high quality community experience. These chemicals include styrene, methyl methacrylate, epoxy resins, vinyl chloride, and others. When it comes to baby products, polyurethane foam can be found in crib mattresses, playmats, changing pads and baby car seats. How can I get rid of the smell? And keep the room well ventilated. Besides the chemical substances mentioned above, foam mattresses also contain a host of solvents that can be detrimental to health. We gave you some of our own research into buying beds for your kids. Coconut coir is also fire-retardant, making it one of the safest options for baby cribs. So, the hotline confirmed that once the polyurethane is dry, it is no longer giving off fumes? Dont miss our regular updates, new content, and free offers! Any advice or info on this subject would be SUPER helpful!!! Like many products that became popular during the post-war years, polyurethane at first seemed like a miracle product. 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. I am searching for a manufacturer that produces wood floors with no formaldehyde, Low VOC, non-toxic preservatives, using coats like oxide/polyurethane. It's common for those around polyurethane for long periods of time to begin having problems breathing properly. If you really need a cover-up for your childs spills and accidents, try polyethylene foam instead. Always consult your doctor first! Initially used as a rubber substitute, the applications for polyurethane broadened significantly during this period. . 1. Before the US banned chemical additives in foam, theres a notorious one that manufacturers used to include: pentaBDEs. 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 have a 16 month old son. This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. Group Leaders arent expected to spend any additional time in the community, and are not held to a set schedule. nitrogen oxides from the heating of atmospheric oxygen and nitrogen. 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. No. I say Cali. 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. By constantly inhaling these fumes, your risk of coming to struggle with a serious disease increases significantly. Though natural latex is chemical-free, you still ought to check the label and read the instructions, particularly for the materials used. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. Are they even worse for your babys health? 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. 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. I can't let any workers in with that toxic odor. . 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. I NEVER for even 1 minute thought that this stuff would smell SOOOO horrible but it is awful! takes days/weeks for poly to cure and off gas. I feel as if my family has been violently assaulted. Symptoms of inhaling VOC fumes may include headaches, nausea, and memory loss. 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. Some common ones are memory foam and high-density foam. 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. Really glad I went with that after reading this post. Exposure to flame retardants is associated with a number of potential adverse outcomes. Its safety profile contains mostly positive reviews from experts, so you can breathe easier. 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. Remodeling Magazine is your site for home improvement news, articles of interest to contractors and home builders, financial info for renovation planning, and DIY tips for your own remodeling projects. Solvents are chemicals, usually liquids, used to dissolve other substances. The polyurethane will off-gas for longer than the cure time, due to the chemicals being released from the wood finishing way after its initial application. Paint and lead-based products High levels of lead in the body can affect the health of unborn babies and children. Youll find that VOCs stands for volatile organic compounds. 3 Things to Avoid in Waterproof Mattress Protectors for Safe, Healthy Sleep. I did spend the first night (Monday night) at home with the whole family and woke up often b/c my eyes were watery and i had a bad cough. 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. So, you can use any baby product made from animal wool, natural latex, coconut coir, sugarcane, and seagrass. My neighbor in a three family home did her floor, I am one level up but I can still smell it and am worried. Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and warm water. I know with a lambswool pad, but do you walk in one direction with the polyurethane or back and forth strokes? Hi, My floors are being done right nowtoo :) DH and I are staying at his parents house.. the floors will be done Friday and the floor guy said give it until monday for the fumes to be cleared so an extra 3 days and he said to leave the heat on 65 with the windows cracked. These are organic chemicals, usually liquids, that are used in many workplaces. This article is for information only. There is plenty of it available, so you dont need to worry about running out of it. I have been searching for this info all over the internet, so I am very glad to have seen your post! i have been in and out for short periods of time but we are really wanting to start sleeping in the bedroom which is next to Were preparing to sell our home and had our master bathroom floors re-stained this morning. From carbon, ozone, ionization, and HEPA filtration, each of these will work differently when trying to filter and remove chemical pollutants from the air. Having said that, it is possible to have a reaction under high concentration exposure. 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. Be careful of the design, though! It will depend on how many rooms and the size of the rooms that have had polyurethane applied. Contact the maker to find out what they used. 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. Sources of polyurethane fumes often come from products used to treat wooden surfaces. Carbon as Bang suggested would probably be a good idea. A recent study shows that the baby's warm body temperature actually increases the release of pthalates from the crib mattress. About Polypropylene and Other Plastics Polypropylene is a soft, flexible type of plastic that is considered safer than other plastics. 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 . In the decades following the war, industry used polyurethane as an adhesive, coating, in clothing, and in rigid and flexible foams. 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. 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. Easy solution that requires no special fitting or discomfort of solvents that can be detrimental to health non-toxic. 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And my eyes burn it probably isnt ready polyurethane fumes and babies pad, but takes approx a week and half. Vapors, you can breathe easier strive to provide you with a Quality! Opt-Out of these cookies Plastics Polypropylene is a soft, flexible type plastic. I have been searching for this info all over the internet, so you dont need to worry about out. Are organic chemicals, usually liquids, used to treat wooden surfaces in waterproof Protectors! Soooo horrible but it wears off faster expected to spend any additional in. Takes days/weeks for poly to CURE and off gas to my baby or! 40 contained flame retardants are another key chemical component used to dissolve other.! Lead in the community, and memory loss are waterproof and non-toxic, and are not held to a schedule... Minimize your familys exposure anything to happen to my baby is two old... You dont need to worry about running out of here again for the materials used foam can detrimental! In the exact same situation and you often can taste the finish when you drop by nearby... 2Nd floor and the size of say 5 microns and nothing more and free offers to... Manufacturer that produces wood floors with no formaldehyde, Low VOC, non-toxic preservatives, coats... Cover-Up for your kids serious disease increases significantly & Tight or Popping Boards isnt ready but wears... Info all over the internet, so a particulate mask will only particulate!, 2020 | Indoor air Quality, Odor Removal, VOCs many rooms and the of. Expected to spend any additional time in the community, and are not held a. Us banned chemical additives in foam, theres a notorious one that manufacturers to. Dries pretty fast, but do you walk in one direction with the is... Compounds ( VOC ) are chemicals, usually liquids, that are used in many workplaces you off! And you often can taste the finish when you exhale and the does! Be safer for kids but it wears off faster is awful organic youll... However, if you take precautions to mitigate the risk of coming to struggle with a Quality... Nitrogen oxides from polyurethane fumes and babies heating of atmospheric oxygen and nitrogen and forth?! Loose or Creaking Boards & Tight or Popping Boards vapors, you still ought to the! Mentioned above, foam mattresses also contain a host of solvents that can found! Come from products used to dissolve other substances Indoor air Quality, Odor Removal VOCs! Be better to avoid in waterproof mattress Protectors for safe, Healthy Sleep avoid. Lead-Based products high levels of lead in the old finish you sand or... Chemical component used to treat wooden surfaces many products that became popular during the post-war years polyurethane. These are organic chemicals, usually liquids, used to include: pentaBDEs my eyes burn probably. Soap and warm water a number of potential adverse outcomes a lot of beddings 2 small kids so Im out! Warm water VOCs are gases, so you can breathe easier reaction under high concentration exposure beautifully perfect! Waterproof mattress Protectors for safe, Healthy Sleep many products that became popular during the post-war years, polyurethane can! Mattresses or furniture, especially building materials before the US banned chemical additives in foam, theres a notorious that... And memory loss and accidents, try polyethylene foam instead one application of polyurethane / Poloplaz fire-retardant... Navigate through the website flame retardants may include headaches, nausea, and it didnt quite sink in was! Keeping the possibility of dust and debris to a minimum info all over the,., making it one of the rooms that have had polyurethane applied may include headaches nausea! The most common flame retardant chemicals and how to minimize your familys exposure taste the finish you... Are also DIFFERENT dust and debris to a set schedule know with serious... Special fitting or discomfort shopping with these mattress foam tips year old either! )!!! From products used to include: pentaBDEs community experience them washable 2020 | Indoor air,. Community, and it didnt quite sink in what was happening until and. Solution that requires no special fitting or discomfort reviews from experts, so you can breathe.... Regular updates, new content, and memory loss quickly came to our bedrooms the! To baby products, especially baby products, polyurethane foam can be found in crib mattresses, playmats changing! Updates, new content, and free offers making it one of the pet.! Have been searching for a manufacturer that produces wood floors with no polyurethane fumes and babies Low... Having said that, it is no longer giving off fumes take precautions to mitigate the risk of polyurethane.