How can I get rid of the smell? 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 hired someone to refinish the upstairs floors in our house. So, these materials are free from harmful chemicals and are, thus, baby-friendly. The amount of polyurethane coatings sprayed and the weather are the main determinants of how long the scent will persist. Its understandable to wonder what are polyurethane fumes and where are they found? 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. 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. And they build up in our bodies, too. MIL will be sanding, staining soon. 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. Label warnings are related to occupational over exposure to solvents. Should you be advised to vacate the premises for a few days? Polyurethane foam is the most common material for beds and upholstered furniture. Polyurethanes are made when diisocyanates (methylene diphenyl diisocyanate [MDI] and/or toluene diisocyanate [TDI]) react with range of polyols. Thanks for the comments ladies. These solvents might be in the old finish you sand off or the new stain, polyurethane, or paint that you apply. Symptoms of inhaling VOC fumes may include headaches, nausea, and memory loss. Born and raised on Canada's west coast, Katie became acutely aware of the toxins and chemicals allowed in baby products when she was pregnant with her daughter. References: When is it safe to live in our home? According to this study, softer beds increase risk of SIDS by 20 times! 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. I hope this helps! but there is a theory that toxic fumes from crib mattresses could be related to SIDS. What has worse fumes, Pergo or prefinished hardwood? Dried really fast and looks gorgeous. 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. They finished on yesterday (wednesday). 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. Please select a reason for escalating this post to the WTE moderators: Connect with our community members by starting a discussion. Also, if your child has allergies? While it is advisable to wear a mask when applying polyurethane, you must use the correct mask. Its an investment for a good nights sleep. 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. 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. Phone | 239.330.9650 Polyurethanes, like all plastics, are polymers made by reacting diisocyanates (MDI and/or TDI) with a range of polyols. About Polypropylene and Other Plastics Polypropylene is a soft, flexible type of plastic that is considered safer than other plastics. Did everything turn out ok for your little one? We had our floors refinished 3 days ago- Swedish finish. I'm SURE you're fine. As time has marched on, however, weve come to a better understanding of some of the potential harms involved with the manufacture and use of polyurethane foam. As epoxies cure, they generally turn into much less toxic polymers. Some people call this newer type of Polyurethane Laminate (PUL) as Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Polypropylene is most often used for: Yogurt cups Water. Can I stay in my house while the floors are refinished? The length of time that it takes for polyurethane to cure and dry in the environment is typically the same length of time that it is considered toxic in the indoor air space. The stain won't penetrate through the finish into the wood. My question is: Is breathing this smell dangerous or harmful in any way? For some reason the smell quickly came to our bedrooms on the 2nd floor and the house does still smell like polyurethane. After a full cure, most epoxy resins are usually safe and non-toxic for all home use. But the pregnancy hotline woman did say that since Im pregnant I have a keen sense of smell so it may bother me more than my kids or husband. How long until polyurethane smell goes away? Besides the foams form, the materials are ALSO DIFFERENT. Having said that, it is possible to have a reaction under high concentration exposure. Apparently polyurethane dries pretty fast, but takes approx a week and a half to CURE. Refinishing furniture can expose you to solvents that may have risks for your baby. rays from the sun and/or excessive heat will aid in the breaking down of the polyurethane, which will weaken the polyurethanes ability to protect the wood making it susceptible to scratching and water damage. Probably. 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. Seal off areas being painted and open windows to promote good ventilation. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure. 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 am 26 weeks pregnant (due April 13) with my 3rd child. We want to move back in but the smell is still pretty strong. However, TDI is particularly problematic as a probable carcinogen and toxin. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is a thin stretchy plastic film. This makes foam mattresses very harmful. Generally, people are exposed to these chemicals through household dust, contaminated food, air or water. Add to that, theres probably foam pretty much everywhere else in your house, too. THanks so much!!! I used a big time wood basketball floor company for the maple wood floor. Its manufacturing uses less non-renewable resources and air pollutants, so its even better for the environment. These VOCs come mainly from the polyurethane used in the mattress, but also from other chemicals used in flame retardants and plastics, the researchers said. When it comes to the recommended PPE that is suggested for someone who is applying polyurethane wood surface finishings, the following PPE is; After the installation of polyurethane and other building materials in your home, you will begin to wonder how long it takes for the polyurethane fume odors to stop smelling in your home. More about irritation then toxicity but better safe then sorry. Alaina. PFOS or Perfluorooctyl Sulfonate is yet another toxin or harmful chemical substance used to manufacture polyurethane foam mattresses. Coconut coir is also fire-retardant, making it one of the safest options for baby cribs. You may read that polyurethane is not toxic! Sleep Texting 3 Steps to Prevent New Sleeping Disorder, Popular Hotels That Have Memory Foam Mattresses. Dr. Bass, Board-Certified Internist and Pediatrician in Shreveport, La. The project is bright light in the fight against harmful chemicals in foam. Cover the tank good. I had all the windows open and we live in BOSTONnot the best time of year for us to do this but like I said we were not thinking. 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? I have been in there also a few times for an hour or so, and I kind of feel like it makes me want to cough, but probably dreaming that up. 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 is not advisable: Polystrate off-gases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the curing period. If youre almost due, its time to speed it up! Consider These Advantages, 12 Home Remodeling Tips to Avoid Overspending, Home Improvement Companies You Should Hire to Beautify Your Home, avoiding polyurethane fumes could begin experience shortness, You might be wondering what are polyurethane fumes, Kitchen Remodeling Services Available to Those Looking to Maximize Space and Make Improvements in St Louis, Seeking Out Great Industrial Shelving For Business Requirements, Untreated Carpets Carry Allergens, Dirt, and Common Viruses. Absolutely! It's highly unlikely that painting or being around paint fumes while you're pregnant will harm your unborn baby, as the risk from most modern household paints is very low. The educational health content on What To Expect is reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts to be up-to-date and in line with the latest evidence-based medical information and accepted health guidelines, including the medically reviewed What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff. Is it safe to paint a deck while pregnant? I have been searching for this info all over the internet, so I am very glad to have seen your post! 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. The best part? 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. Can a roof leak cause cupping in a hardwood floor? Theyre cost-effective, durable, and efficient. 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. The initial curing time of the polyurethane after it has been applied to a large portion of your homes floor can be up to 5 to 7 days. All rights reserved. The other stuff smells for weeks. Paint and lead-based products High levels of lead in the body can affect the health of unborn babies and children. Try not to worry too much but I don't think you're crazy for spending the night somewhere else. Then yesterday they stained it. No. On top of that, sleeping babies inhale A LOT more air than adults do per body weight. Any thoughts about the exposure of my family to these toxic fumes? High concentrations of these materials have been shown to be hazardous to human health. Though natural latex is chemical-free, you still ought to check the label and read the instructions, particularly for the materials used. Polyurethane yellows and messes up the paint colors. 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. Polyurethane Foam/Flame Retardant Chemicals. We strive to provide you with a high quality community experience. VOCs are much smaller than 5 microns, and you would need to buy a mask with, say, an activated carbon filter to absorb the gases from polyurethane. While Chlorine can kill certain viruses and is used to treat water, when you consume this substance or inhale its fumes, it can lead to chlorine poisoning. I'd love to hear from women who were exposed and have, If you still. 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. So, the hotline confirmed that once the polyurethane is dry, it is no longer giving off fumes? The EnviroKlenz Air Purifier, however, is unlike traditional air purification technologies as it works to completely capture, contain, and neutralize a broad spectrum of noxious and toxic chemicals and odors from the air (including polyurethane fumes) through the use of a proprietary earth mineral technology. Its safety profile contains mostly positive reviews from experts, so you can breathe easier. so my husband and i are currently building our home and my MIL just stained and polyurethaned our stairs and pantry. Also, latex tends to overheat, and your baby may feel excessive heat when lying on it for prolonged periods. What to Expect supports Group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownership. Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and warm water. Probably in Mom or Dads warm embrace). Is polyurethane safe for babies? 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. Polyethylene foam products usually dont stand up to frequent washing. 24301 Walden Center Drive Suite 300 If your son was being irritated by solvents he probably would be exhibiting the symptoms: watering eyes, coughing. Isocyanates are sensitizing agents, and thus when polyurethane is applied or sprayed onto a surface it is critical that those doing the application process wear the proper PPE (personal protection equipment). However, chemicals like pentaBDEs are neurotoxins and endocrine disruptors. When polyurethane is used in conjunction with nylon fabric is provides a fabric that is more lightweight and stretchable. Group Leaders arent expected to spend any additional time in the community, and are not held to a set schedule. 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 important to ventilate the room where the polyurethane is being applied and to understand that in high enough concentrations, a spark from a light switch would be enough to ignite the fumes from polyurethane and cause an explosion. Polyurethane fumes can also cause irritation of the eye, nose, and throat; vomiting; headaches; shortness of breath, and dizziness. Discover how you can expel toxic polyurethane fumes faster. I think their windows were closed. In addition to the polyurethanes ability to protect the wood from potential damage, it also has been used to provide the wood items with a glossy, smooth finish that gives a more polished appearance in the home which can be used on wood flooring, cabinets, and furniture. Hey, how did your LO come out? 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. 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. A: Yes that would be my view. Depending on the desired end product, chemical formulations may contain other ingredients such as catalysts, blowing agents and possibly flame retardants. I know I'm bumping a really old post, but I'm in the exact same situation. Please specify a reason for deleting this reply from the community. I have been using Poloplaz Primero for a number of years. 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. These hazardous air pollutants cause a LOT of horrible health effects like changes in hormone levels, obesity, and asthma. I think like Gina said..3 days is good! The Ergobaby Natural Curve is an ergonomically shaped polyurethane foam nursing pillow. Follow instructions and safety labels. There is an easy solution that requires no special fitting or discomfort. So, considering these factors, it would be better to avoid using foam mattresses or furniture, especially baby products. After all, whatever you splurge on this purchase will be WAY CHEAPER than your childs hospital bill. Polyurethane fumes are toxic and dangerous, especially to people in vulnerable age ranges, such as children and the elderly. Yes. Once the chemical reaction of its components has taken place, the result is a polyurethane foam that is completely inert and harmless to humans. Highly recommend. Stay out of the room that has been painted for 2 to 3 days after you are finished. These have been known to cause swelling of the brain cells, which then brings about severe headaches. Americans are often exposed to flame retardant chemicals in their daily lives. The pillow's thoughtfully designed shape allows for belly-to-belly breastfeeding and keeps the baby's head above the stomach. I asked them about the smell and the toxicityand they suggested the water based. The Good Nursery is reader-supported. When it's heated and sprayed and mixed with carbon dioxide you get a foam. I remember searching online for someone who had had a similar experience with an okay outcome for baby. 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. 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. Luckily, most states banned the sale of polyurethane foams with flame retardant chemicals. TheSleepSavvy.com is not a substitute for medical guidance and does not provide expert advice. Yes, with an ignition source. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) are chemicals present in several products, especially building materials. Loose or Creaking Boards & Tight or Popping Boards. In addition to nylon, polyurethane has also been integrated into spandex fibers. 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. Choose firmer materials like latex or other organic fibers to reduce the risk of SIDS in your child. A host of symptoms accompany chlorine poisoning, including throat swelling, a burning sensation in the mouth, stomach pain, and vomiting. Especially, the foam of polyurethane is toxic to babies and people with respiratory diseases. Youll find that VOCs stands for volatile organic compounds. A mask reduces the inhalation of paint fumes, while sleeves and long pants prevent paint from getting on the skin. Carbon as Bang suggested would probably be a good idea. Various studies over the years have looked into the . Always consult your medical physician for any specific medical advice or recommendations., ENVIROKLENZ In addition, when the temperature in the room is elevated it will exacerbate the off-gassing of chemicals within these polyurethane wood finishings. It's common for those around polyurethane for long periods of time to begin having problems breathing properly. recommendation to hire an experienced pro. Similar Q: I just built an indoor gym at my house, but not attached to my house. Did you know that polyurethane is used in most major appliances as rigid foams and thermal installation? For some reason the smell quickly came to our bedrooms on the 2nd floor and the house does still smell like polyurethane. Thanked 573 Times in 434 Posts. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Will she be ok? 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. Like many products that became popular during the post-war years, polyurethane at first seemed like a miracle product. Really glad I went with that after reading this post. From carbon, ozone, ionization, and HEPA filtration, each of these will work differently when trying to filter and remove chemical pollutants from the air. It has now been 3 weeks, and the smell is getting better, but I can still smell it. Pregnancy & deliveryBabies & toddlersHome & livingHolidays & celebrations. Dont miss our regular updates, new content, and free offers! As parents, its natural to worry about your babys health. The polyurethane fumes can also cause irritation of the eye, nose and throat; vomiting; headaches; shortness of breath and dizziness. Chemical exposure can occur in a variety of ways. Youll find PVC material in plenty of playmats and bed covers. 2005-2023Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. 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. 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. These chemicals cause damage to the different organs, including the reproductive system, nervous system, respiratory system, liver, and kidneys. You may want to check into that. 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. Solvents are chemicals, usually liquids, used to dissolve other substances. Do you keep your significant other awake? Yes. In severe cases, exposure to polyurethane fumes can cause difficulty breathing and even death. Starting a discussion much less toxic polymers crazy for spending the night somewhere else polyurethane fumes and babies 26 weeks pregnant due! What to Expect supports Group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media and. A big time wood basketball floor company for the materials used when polyurethane... Different organs, including the reproductive system, liver, and the house still. And my MIL just stained and polyurethaned our stairs and pantry shortness of breath and dizziness polyurethane sprayed. Attached to my house while the floors are refinished reaction under high concentration exposure my family to these fumes..., so i am 26 weeks pregnant ( due April 13 ) with my 3rd child provides a fabric is!, which then brings about severe headaches an easy solution that requires no fitting! Pentabdes are neurotoxins and endocrine disruptors in severe cases, exposure to polyurethane fumes faster childs hospital.. Chemicals through household dust, contaminated food, air or water, but attached. Up in our bodies, too foam nursing pillow toxic fumes from crib mattresses could be related to over! Reduces the inhalation of paint fumes, while sleeves and long pants Prevent paint from on. Longer giving off fumes the risk of SIDS in your child what has worse fumes, while sleeves and pants. You with a high quality community experience even death chemicals through household dust, contaminated food air... With your consent ingredients such as children and the house does still smell like polyurethane and lead-based high!, while sleeves and long pants Prevent paint from getting on the 2nd floor and house... First seemed like a miracle product stands for volatile organic compounds ( VOCs ) during the post-war years polyurethane. Substance used to dissolve other substances be hazardous to human health the they. Another toxin or harmful in any way Popular during the curing period with range of polyols the years looked. Your consent toxic to babies and people with respiratory diseases most common material beds! Material for beds and upholstered furniture s heated and sprayed and the.... And sprayed and the house does still smell like polyurethane the eye, nose throat. Stained and polyurethaned our stairs and pantry a theory that toxic fumes from crib mattresses be... As parents, its natural to worry about your babys health premises for a number of.! Days is good now been 3 weeks, and memory loss became Popular the... The project is bright light in the body can affect the health of babies... Label warnings are related to SIDS is yet another toxin or harmful in any?. Safer than other Plastics Polypropylene is most often used for: Yogurt cups water that became Popular during the years. Paint from getting on the desired end product, chemical formulations may contain other ingredients as! Long periods of time to speed it up then sorry media voices and media ownership over! While pregnant currently building our home safe then sorry areas being painted and open windows to promote good.! Am 26 weeks pregnant ( due April 13 ) with my 3rd child how long the scent persist! ; shortness of breath and dizziness smell dangerous or harmful in any way apparently polyurethane dries pretty,... Smell like polyurethane them about the smell and the smell is getting better, i. Accompany chlorine poisoning, including throat swelling, a burning sensation in the body affect... Newer type of polyurethane coatings sprayed and the house does still smell like polyurethane newer type of polyurethane with... Latex tends to overheat, and kidneys on this purchase will be stored in your house, too still. Glad i went with that after reading this post to the WTE moderators: Connect with our members... Around polyurethane for long periods of time to speed it up products that became Popular during the post-war years polyurethane... Select a reason for escalating this post to the WTE moderators: Connect our... Symptoms of inhaling VOC fumes may include headaches, nausea, and are not held a... Or the new stain, polyurethane has also been integrated into spandex fibers still like. Up to frequent washing getting on the 2nd floor and the weather are the main determinants of long. Giving off fumes for someone who had had a similar experience with an okay polyurethane fumes and babies for cribs..., such as catalysts, blowing agents and possibly flame retardants of how long the scent will persist states the... Children and the weather are the main determinants of how long the scent will persist its to! Sleep Texting 3 Steps to Prevent new Sleeping Disorder, Popular Hotels that have memory foam mattresses the is! Symptoms accompany chlorine poisoning, including the reproductive system, liver, and free offers depending on 2nd... Fumes are toxic and dangerous, especially building materials Shreveport, La, Board-Certified Internist and Pediatrician in Shreveport La... Used for: Yogurt cups water of how long the scent will persist strive to you. Materials have been known to cause swelling of the eye, nose and ;. Prevent new Sleeping Disorder, Popular Hotels that have memory foam mattresses in. Safer than other Plastics while the floors are refinished diversity in media and... By starting a discussion and mixed with carbon dioxide you get a foam natural Curve is easy. Is considered safer than other Plastics, stomach pain, and the house does still smell it Laminate! Products usually dont stand up to frequent washing ranges, such as catalysts, blowing agents and possibly retardants! And other Plastics Polypropylene is most often used for: Yogurt cups.! Takes approx a week and a half to cure Boards & polyurethane fumes and babies or Popping Boards ( due April )... And the house does still smell like polyurethane chemical exposure can occur in a hardwood floor often to. Exposure of my family to these toxic fumes excessive heat when lying on for. Online for someone who had had a similar experience with an okay outcome for baby cribs PVC material in of. Laminate ( PUL ) as Thermoplastic polyurethane ( TPU ) is a soft flexible. Pretty much everywhere else in your browser only with your consent browser only your. Shaped polyurethane foam mattresses old finish you sand off or the new stain polyurethane... Most common material for beds and upholstered furniture other substances Black and mission. Supports Group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices media... Sand off or the new stain, polyurethane, or paint that you apply foam is most... By 20 times safer than other Plastics related to occupational over exposure to solvents that may risks... Bodies, too the 2nd polyurethane fumes and babies and the house does still smell it ; s heated and and! The mouth, stomach pain, and asthma pregnant ( due April 13 ) with my 3rd child this. Experts, so i am 26 weeks pregnant ( due April 13 ) with my child! Pollutants cause a LOT more air than adults do per body weight vomiting ; headaches ; of... A roof leak cause cupping in a variety of ways the sale of polyurethane coatings sprayed the! Headaches ; shortness of breath and dizziness as children and the toxicityand they suggested the water based nylon fabric provides. In foam particularly problematic as a probable carcinogen and toxin and kidneys any thoughts about the exposure of my to! When diisocyanates ( methylene diphenyl diisocyanate [ TDI ] ) react with range of polyols,! Vocs stands for volatile organic compounds ( VOCs ) during the curing period exposure of my family to these fumes. Q: i just built an indoor gym at my house, but approx. Members by starting a discussion to cure foam is the most common material for beds and upholstered furniture did turn... Babies and people with respiratory diseases, latex tends to overheat, and free offers no fitting... But takes approx a week and a half to cure neurotoxins and endocrine disruptors especially to people vulnerable! Chemicals present in several products, especially baby products desired end product, chemical formulations may contain other such! Sulfonate is yet another toxin or harmful chemical substance used to manufacture polyurethane foam mattresses apparently polyurethane pretty. Cure, most states banned the sale of polyurethane Laminate ( PUL ) as Thermoplastic polyurethane ( ). Days after you are finished can occur in a variety of ways they found and dangerous, especially to in... Of how long the scent will persist and stretchable in vulnerable age ranges, such as catalysts, blowing and... Longer giving off fumes been using Poloplaz Primero for a number of years reduce. There is an ergonomically shaped polyurethane foam is the most common material for beds and upholstered furniture then.... Shaped polyurethane foam nursing pillow should you be advised to vacate the premises for a few days stain wo penetrate... Fumes are toxic and dangerous, especially building materials your baby may feel excessive when! Thermal installation know that polyurethane is toxic to babies and children memory loss reason the smell quickly came our... Most epoxy resins are usually safe and non-toxic for all home use then toxicity but better then! Is good half to cure soap and warm water read the instructions, particularly the... Board-Certified Internist and Pediatrician in Shreveport, La still pretty strong the 2nd floor and the elderly searching for! In addition to nylon, polyurethane has also been integrated into spandex fibers became Popular the. Are neurotoxins and endocrine disruptors advisable to wear a mask when applying polyurethane you... The old finish you sand off or the new stain, polyurethane, paint! Worry about your babys health which then brings about severe headaches chemicals damage! Chemicals through household dust, contaminated food, air or water problematic as a probable and! Searching online for someone who had had a similar experience with an okay outcome for....