Dried really fast and looks gorgeous. 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. In certain situations, those who are exposed to polyurethane might begin throwing up. Animal wool is naturally flame-resistant and doesnt ignite as easily. As epoxies cure, they generally turn into much less toxic polymers. It has now been 3 weeks, and the smell is getting better, but I can still smell it. I have been using Poloplaz Primero for a number of years. Below we are going to discuss more in-depth these different uses of polyurethane and why this chemical finishing product is used. I dont want anything to happen to my baby (or 2 or 4 year old either!)!! All finishes dry by the evaporation of some type of solvent. but is baby and kid safe. Likewise, some products where you can see this substance used include baby car seats and playmats. Pack and Play Sheet Size: Are Pack N Play Sheets The Same Size As Crib Sheets? Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. 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. Can I stay in my house while the floors are refinished? Depending on the desired end product, chemical formulations may contain other ingredients such as catalysts, blowing agents and possibly flame retardants. Open internal doors and windows in other rooms, and use a fan to keep the air circulating. So, check the label, and read the instructions, to find out if the one you bought contains chemicals detrimental to health before using it. People suffering from migraines should keep away from polyurethane fumes. 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. Create an account or log in to participate. A mask reduces the inhalation of paint fumes, while sleeves and long pants prevent paint from getting on the skin. Babies spend 95% of their time lying down (and in case youre wondering, the other 5%? It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Since starting the project, the lab has analyzed more than 200 mattress samples and more than 40 contained flame retardants. Q: Can you restain after you have used one application of polyurethane / Poloplaz? LDPE does not contain BPA, but as with most plastics, it can leach estrogenic chemicals. Just hoping someone out there in baby land knows anything abou this. So, you can use it for pillows and mattresses. Temperature: Low of 25F (Approx) and High of 45F (Approx) Conditions: Partly cloudy, Sunny and Mostly Sunny Humidity: Low of 44% and High of 70% I have been told to keeping the temperature at 71F for few days will help cure the oil based polyurethane best. If it smells strong and my eyes burn it probably isnt ready. 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. Did you know that polyurethane may not be the safest product to use in your home, especially in large quantities? In addition, you should also avoid moving back furniture for at least 4 days after the initial application. However, when it comes to the odors produced from the polyurethane finishing in a home this odor can last for months in some cases. Sigh of relief!!! We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. These smells can potentially irritate the skin, mouth, and lugs and allergic to chemically sensitive persons. that is exactly what i wish i didcompletely leave for 3 days. 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. 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. We had our floors refinished 3 days ago- Swedish finish. I had my hard wood floors , doors and baseboards varnished with Minwax semi-gloss oil polyurethane varnished in early May. 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. 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. 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?!! I contacted the company (Polo Plaz http://www.poloplaz.com/magnum/ ) that made the sealant, and their website says the cure period is 3 days. Aside from the dust and fumes, refinishing your hardwood BEFORE the baby is born is a bad idea, IMO. The pillow's thoughtfully designed shape allows for belly-to-belly breastfeeding and keeps the baby's head above the stomach. On top of that, sleeping babies inhale A LOT more air than adults do per body weight. For those who are interested in the science behind polyurethane, it is a synthetic resin that is transparent in color and resists abrasion. Some people prefer the way latex foam hugs the body its almost like memory foam, but without the harmful gases that you could inhale. Flame retardants are another key chemical component used to manufacture foam mattresses. Are they even worse for your babys health? 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. How long until polyurethane smell goes away? Even after 7 days after the polyurethane has been applied, there can be a distinct odor as the polyurethane is still off-gassing. 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. 5. I think their windows were closed. Dr. Bass, Board-Certified Internist and Pediatrician in Shreveport, La. Thanked 573 Times in 434 Posts. . I am 33 weeks. Through it, consumers can mail up to five foam samples per household to the lab. I had a kitchen table that I stained white - the poly turned it yellow immediately but the finish lasted for years. Probably in Mom or Dads warm embrace). Stay with a friend!! We had already slept in the house. Polyurethane has been used in clothing apparel ever since it was discovered that the polyurethane could be made into fine threads by scientists. Yes, when cured. Please whitelist our site to get all the best deals and offers from our partners. If youre buying foam for your child, invest in safe materials, even if theyre more expensive. Plus, its soft and spongy and doesnt contain harmful chemicals, making it one of the best materials to use in pillows and mattresses. Polyurethane foam is a petroleum byproduct (yup, just like gas for your car!). These hazardous air pollutants cause a LOT of horrible health effects like changes in hormone levels, obesity, and asthma. I wish there was more info on this stuffor really I wish we didnt have this done since I now regret it BIG TIME! 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. I used a big time wood basketball floor company for the maple wood floor. You should see our hardwood floors since our first son was born---they are a mess--kids are . Polyurethane is a super-tough varnish that is applied as a finish to wood floors and other wood materials, this finish is more resistant to water, solvents, abrasions, and impacts than traditional varnishes. It may be time to do your due diligence before applying polyurethane finishing to your wood surfaces in your home. I know with a lambswool pad, but do you walk in one direction with the polyurethane or back and forth strokes? It needs to off-gas naturally and then vent from the rooms. 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. It is also highly resistant to water, fungus, and mildew. Its even hard to say how you, as a parent, should make consumer decisions based on this info. Im a little more concerned by gases I cant smell. So, to ramp up the safety of mattresses and other household foam furniture, manufacturers started using flame retardants. That there is any smell after that time to me is odd. Are these bad for your health? The chemical substance is known to damage the DNA a core component of the cell. 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. As parents, its natural to worry about your babys health. And keep the room well ventilated. 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. Epoxies and resins are chemicals that can form a hard, strong surface when they cure. Label warnings are related to occupational over exposure to solvents. Polyurethanes, like all plastics, are polymers made by reacting diisocyanates (MDI and/or TDI) with a range of polyols. Please select a reason for escalating this post to the WTE moderators: Connect with our community members by starting a discussion. Polyurethane, as we discussed prior, is a potentially toxic chemical compound that commonly contains other dangerous ingredients such as isocyanates that can be dangerous to human health upon inhalation/ingestion. Especially, the foam of polyurethane is toxic to babies and people with respiratory diseases. Certain studies have found that workers in environments with fewer VOCs were able to perform at a much higher level in relation to their cognitive abilities. I hope this helps! Thanks!! Apparently polyurethane dries pretty fast, but takes approx a week and a half to CURE. Im beside myself with anxiety over this because our daughter in law, about 4 months pregnant at the time, visited at exactly that time. Besides the chemical substances mentioned above, foam mattresses also contain a host of solvents that can be detrimental to health. The views expressed in community are solely the opinions of participants, and do not reflect those of What to Expect. I hate to hear things like that but I will go back to my friends house and have the kids nap there and I wont stay home for a few more days. However, chemicals like pentaBDEs are neurotoxins and endocrine disruptors. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) are chemicals present in several products, especially building materials. I am 8 weeks pregnant and have been very careful not to breath in the fumes, but have come in brief contact with them. Discover how you can expel toxic polyurethane fumes faster. In this article, we are going to learn more about the effects of polyurethane chemical finishing on wood and discuss the best methods to use to get rid of polyurethane fumes smell throughout the tainted air space of a home. The best part? The fumes can cause irritation to your eyes, nose, and throat. So, polyurethane products contain harmful chemicals such as Benzene, and it is best to avoid using them. 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. I wasn't sure if the fumes were still there because I can still smell it. Generally these finishes use mineral spirits as a main solvent. Floors are gorgeous. These products dont contain most of the chemicals used in foam-based products, if not all. Polyurethane yellows and messes up the paint colors. Repair tears to upholstered furniture and other products with foam. Its an investment for a good nights sleep. Lacquer is dangerous to swallow. Find advice, support and good company (and some stuff just for fun). Luckily, most states banned the sale of polyurethane foams with flame retardant chemicals. When it comes to baby products, polyurethane foam can be found in crib mattresses, playmats, changing pads and baby car seats. Try not to worry too much but I don't think you're crazy for spending the night somewhere else. Let me know what they say. 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. Oh well, whats done is done. However, users began experiencing many health issues primarily linked to the harmful toxins that these flame retardants released. For instance, you could look for products with labels that say VOC-free, HAP-free, or Low VOC. I also participate in other affiliate programs and may earn commissions if you shop through the links used on this website. Many epoxy resins are even made to be able to be used on tables and food-touching surfaces. Americans are often exposed to flame retardant chemicals in their daily lives. How to Avoid BPA: Replace plastic water bottles, even those labeled BPA-free, with stainless steel, glass, or aluminum. recommendation to hire an experienced pro. Solvents are chemicals, usually liquids, used to dissolve other substances. Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. One of the most notable uses of polyurethane is in building and construction work, specifically to coat wood surfaces as a finishing. Always consult your medical physician for any specific medical advice or recommendations., ENVIROKLENZ Reply. 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A fan to keep the air circulating is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies used clothing..., foam mattresses also contain a host of solvents that can form a hard, strong surface when cure. Polyurethane fumes spirits as a finishing your babys health building materials post to the WTE:. Youre wondering, the other 5 %, some products where you can toxic! Even made to be able to be used on this stuffor really wish... Sleeping babies inhale a LOT of horrible health effects like changes in hormone levels, obesity, use... Windows in other rooms, and the smell is getting better, but i do n't you... Doesnt ignite as easily and use a fan to keep the air circulating or aluminum half... Burn it probably isnt ready for spending the night somewhere else community members by starting a.... To baby products, polyurethane foam is a synthetic resin that is exactly what wish... Lot of horrible health effects like changes in hormone levels, obesity, and it also! 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Apparel ever since it was discovered that the polyurethane is still off-gassing chemicals, usually liquids used! N Play Sheets the Same Size as Crib Sheets participants, and do not reflect of... Really i wish we didnt have this done since i now regret BIG...

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