Wood stains have 3 main components including pigment or dye, binders, and solvents. But be sure to do it properly and safely. Also, please seek medical attention if you notice more pain or problems with your vision. If you do decide to refinish furniture, take these precautions: If you're required to refinish furniture as part of your job, meet with an industrial hygienist or occupational medicine physician to talk about safe work practices, such as wearing personal protective equipment. Pregnant women should be very careful when it comes to exposure to paint fumes. Wood stain can give wood depth, enhanced color, tone, and grain appearance. It's important to keep young children away from old paint, too. Sometimes you are so eager to stain the floors of your house before thanksgiving or the arrival of a baby, only to realize that the formula produces a long-lingering and overpowering smell. . Thus, you cannot avoid breathing in and out during the staining job. Take time to enjoy it before LO is here. It also has estrogen mimicking properties. Mercury poisoning can damage you, although your bodys better equipped to cope with it. exposed to stain and polyurethane pregnancymr patel neurosurgeon cardiff 27 februari, 2023 . It can cause kidney and liver damage. Here is the questiion. do I go home this evening around 10 and sleep there, or do I rent a hotel? The process is expensive and time-consuming, but it will eliminate the products wood stain odor and dangerous off-gassing. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). Some of the most asked questions on the subject include: Oil-based wood stains have compounds such as alcohol formaldehyde, glycol ether, petroleum, and sodium hydroxide. Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, Please check and try again, Recipient's email is invalid. It's important to keep your exposure to lead as low as possible. So I'm kind of freaking out! Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to I feel so horrible for not even thinking about it. NB: Ensure that you record the victims weight, age, and condition, name of the product and ingredients, the time they swallowed the stain, and the amount as you call emergency. The effects of the staining vapor should be almost gone as far as ill effects on your pregnancy. Fish such as white tuna, shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish may seem healthy, like a good source of protein, which they are, but theyre also loaded with mercury. Cough. present. Australia. Usually pesticides used in the home and for professional pest treatments are safe. To be on the safe side, pregnant women should limit eating these species of fish to no more than once a fortnight. But if pregnant, these effects could be severe and cause major developmental defects in the fetus; not just as a result of high levels of exposure at low levels too. Realistically speaking, it is impossible to avoid oil-based stains, especially for outdoor projects. 00:25. Refinishing furniture can expose you to solvents that may have risks for your baby. Theyre not actually a specific thing not a bunch of chemicals or anything like that. Tea is another common option for improvising food-safe wood stains. But scientists have discovered that PBDEs could potentially cause developmental neurotoxicity in pregnant woman and it could affect the fetal development of the brain, and the brains of young kids too. Theyre regarded to be public enemy number one, but what exactly are they? Breathing issues. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. I did sleep in the first floor of our house last night (after they were pretty much dried and the fumes were not there, etc) and it was not the same floor. Im going to discuss the potentially harmful effects of lead in this article, in addition to a number of other materials and chemical elements, which, if youre pregnant, you should steer clear from. Then, soak a cloth into the solution and apply it to the wood. Is it safe to be exposed to wood smoke while pregnant? These fumes can certainly trigger conditions like asthma. I know this is an old post but how did everything turn out ? I finally bought the non-VOC for the main coat of baby room and kitchen (that stuff is expensive)! Have fun completing your projects with epoxy . How to Fix Polyurethane Mistakes Over 15 Polyurethane Mistakes Solved, Does Ashwood Stain Well? This way, youll avoid unpleasant surprises. Parenting books and manuals often divulge the basic some of the more obvious things, such as dont consume alcohol or smoke, things like, things which I hope are common knowledge. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, exposure to lead paint increases the likelihood of lead poisoning and mental retardation. I painted a baby rocking chair, primed baby's room and kitchen, all with the so-called 'unsafe' paint (not the non-VOC). That sent a red flag in the air for me. Group Leaders communicate with staff moderators and escalate potential violations for review, but they dont moderate discussions. Tonight I was invited to a "board and brush" event where you stain and paint a wooden item of some kind. Dizziness. I actually came home for a few minutes while my brother was putting on the layers of finish on the floor and it the fumes were OVERWHELMING! What makes a flame retardant a flame retardant? Your post will be hidden and deleted by moderators. But it will not be as serious as if you took an oil-based stain. As a result of PCB exposure, an individual might suffer from a skin condition, and have lower levels of the hormone, triiodothyronine, which pretty much has a part to play in every physiological process. But of course, some are still in commerce and pretty much everyones home or office has PBDEs. Some stains give off an overwhelming pungent smell that can lead to nausea and dizziness. Proper ventilation reduces the intensity of wood stain odors. Ensure that you also wipe off the excess stain immediately. Lead is a chemical element which is found in a number of different products used in and as a part of various different production and manufacturing processes. Website for moms seeking advice, community, and entertainment. I would stay there for the staining (can you ventilate the rooms by cracking a window and shutting the doors upstairs?) we took my cat to my brother's place for 3 days because she's very nosy and would have pranced into the rooms and probably gotten sick. Phthalates have been linked to asthma, certain types of cancers, diabetes, fertility issues, cognitive issues and a host of other problems. Petrol spills and exposure due to substances at landfill sites these are a major cause of exposure. Dont read the pregnancy books unless your using it as reference ( they scared me out of my mind). These compounds, in turn, consist of petroleum distillates, alcohol bases, polyurethanes, varnish agents, sodium hydroxide, and hydrocarbons like alkanes. Therefore, genetically predisposed persons are at a high risk of manifesting the disease. Adequate ventilation on your work area is important to reduce wood stain odors. Unless you live near a volcano, a coal-fired power plant, or a steel, caustic soda, or cement production factory, atmospheric mercury levels are unlikely to be raised to a level that will cause you or your fetus any harm. Once he starts to put the varnish and stain on the wood we will be staying at myinlaws. Also, these applications need the formula attributes to weather the storm and offer longevity. Off gassing is a process when chemicals that are found in materials are introduced into a regulated climate . Whilst your fetus is in the womb, its going through the most dangerous period of its life its where its at its most vulnerable. However, they also include toxic chemicals that pose harm to human health. These fumes can certainly trigger conditions like asthma. Therefore, you can comfortably use it for indoor staining projects. Most paint fumes are safe while youre pregnant, but there is a slightly increased risk if you use solvent-based paints or strip old paintwork as these may contain traces of lead. 2012. You can use activated charcoal or baking soda to help eliminate odor. More details in blog in siggy. If not, dont sweat it. Chlorines primary use by the water industry is as a disinfectant. So Im kind of freaking out! The risk of harm to your baby may be slightly greater from solvent-based paints and old paintwork, which may contain traces of lead. Not sure if it's the same was flooring but I just thought I'd share. Are wood stain fumes harmful? What do I do if my dog or cat eats paint/varnish or inhales paint/varnish fumes? All rights reserved. Dont use mothballs around children under 3 years and make sure theyre stored safely. The 2nd coat of staining takes much longer to dry than the 1st, but the fumes shouldn't take more than 24 hours at the most to go away (the time it takes to completely dry). In addition, studies show that higher VOC levels in childrens bedrooms increase the risk of multiple respiratory disorders. Breathing in high levels of VOCs can cause a number of short-term health problems, from headaches and dizziness to a runny nose and itchy eyes. 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. It was kind of last minute and I've never done it before so I didn't even think about the fact that I'd be inhaling fumes for 3 hours . Prolonged exposure to these products without proper ventilation can also result in wood stain poisoning. Inhaling Fumes While Pregnant: How to Ensure a Safer Pregnancy During Painting Works 1. As a pregnant woman figuring out what to eat, what to avoid, what materials and substances are safe to come into contact with and which ones to steer clear from, can be a mind field.Navigating you. Do you find this article very helpful? Can one be pregnant and still see blood stain? The 3rd one takes the longest to dry, at the most about 2-3 days. A lot of research has been done of late, and we now know that there are numerous health risks associated with exposure to phthalates. I keep all the fans on in the house (3 bathroom fans and 2 ceiling fans) so that the air is being circulated and leaving the home. What to Expect supports Group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownership. Therefore, you will not expose yourself to harm. Therefore, you will not pose a threat to your health. You may also want to absorb the wood stain odors using baking soda, activated charcoal, lemon, and white vinegar. Adequate ventilation is important. To ventilate, place the main source of the strong stain smell outside during the day. You can protect yourself and your baby by not putting food on arsenic-treated timber and washing your (and your childs) hands after they play on it. If your work involves exposure to chemicals, talk to your employer. For more information, contact Safe Work Australia. Always keep in mind that these VOCs are carcinogenic, and their impact may even be long-lasting for some individuals. Therefore, it's important to use wood stains in a well-ventilated space. Hence, youll experience rapid low blood pressure or shock, resulting in an unexpected collapse. So, the effects may be severe in some and mild in others. Even though there is nothing you can do now, let's look at the positive points.. 1) We advise women not to paint or be around paint when pregnant. If you are exposed to a toxic product while you are pregnant, dont panic. You should see our hardwood floors since our first son was born---they are a mess--kids are . I'm quite a worrier. To be safe, let someone else do that job, or wait to do the work yourself after your baby is born (although you probably don't want your newborn baby around these chemicals, either). The move even sounds quite comic! The fumes weren't so bad, but I could still smell them a little. Therefore, they may affect everyone within that environment regardless of whether they participated in the staining project or not. Next, switch on table fans, exhaust fans, and overhead fans to encourage air circulation. Long-term exposure, even at low doses could have health implications which could be long-lasting. Now-- I am nervous that might have been a mistake, but nothing I can do now. How To Get Rid Of Wood Stain Smell Begin by opening windows to allow fresh air into the house. The solvents evaporate once theyre applied and the binder works by holding the colorant. But over the years, scientists have discovered that exposure to lead during pregnancy can lead to lead poisoning, which can have disastrous effects on the health of the unborn baby. We appreciate you reading this article, and you can also share it and comment below for any questions. When we had ours done several years ago the smell was pretty intense & chemical-like. You can purchase one from a home appliance or home improvement store. In my situation, we didn't get a hotel room because we could successfully block off the area that we sanded and stained. Staining wood is a method practiced for hundreds of years. The intake may be accidental, where one gets into contact with the stain without thought. Martinez tells WebMD that if a woman takes the drug during pregnancy, there is a 30% to 35% risk for major birth defects, including complete absence of the thymus gland; serious, often lethal . People are exposed to toluene when its released into the environment from locations where its produced. Chemicals to avoid when youre pregnant or breastfeeding. Worse still, prolonged exposure can lead to wood stain poisoning. If the smell or odor still persists, replace the containers with charcoal or fresh baking soda after several days.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AN7Oo-VfHAw. Paint containing lead was used in many Australian houses before 1970, so avoid stripping old paint while youre pregnant. In addition, your wood may end up looking completely different. Go through the safety information on the stain carefully. breathing in wood stain fumes while pregnant Author: Published on: fargo school boundary changes June 8, 2022 Published in: jeffrey donovan dancing with the stars Most stains can be irritating and even when not pregnant may need to be performed with a mask or breathing apparatus, or at the least with proper vent is generally safe as long as it is done in a well ventilated space. . Moreover, youll see warnings such as mutagenic, flammable, carcinogenic, and skin irritant on the product label. In addition to affecting the fetuss development, it could increase the chances of premature birth, and if the babys born, it could be born with abnormally low birth weight. The off-gassing rate can increase or decrease depending on the temperature and humidity levels. This type of paint gives off vapors, called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), that can cause headaches, eye irritation, nausea, dizziness and fatigue. Epoxy is safe to use while pregnant, but it's always a good idea to speak with your doctor if you have any concerns. Many symptoms of being exposed to polyurethane mimic allergies. The way it exerts its effects is by effecting neuro developmental processes. Also, the fumes may alter the nervous system and lead to brain damage. Phthalates are all around us and can get into the body via ingestion, absorption and inhalation, but thankfully the U.S. have now started to ban the use of phthalates in certain products. But its a good idea to avoid them as much as possible while you are pregnant. I feel better now. The house still smells like fumes. Breathing Problems. Its even worse to read the stain label and realize that the formula is toxic. I just did the same!!! I'm not worried. Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website. Required fields are marked *. 9mos pregnant. Activated charcoal is available in drug stores and also pet supply stores. Wood stain fumes. You might be thinking, yuck, thats the same stuff they use in our swimming pools, and youre absolutely right; of course the quantity of chlorine used differs, but its the same element thats used. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. But prenatal exposure to particularly high amounts of BPA could have a neurotoxic effect. Also, the only concern would be breathing in the harmful vapors if you are not tossing the formula in your eye or drinking it. We had a lot to finish and my husband sucks at finish work so we hired a professional. The smell of wood stain will persist as it dries or cures. And dont paint ur nursery, I was already planning to have family come help me paint the nursery to avoid the fumes therenot sure why I didnt think about it tonight! Can you be around polyurethane while pregnant? In this respect its also a teratogen has a toxic effect which could cause severe malformation of the embryo or fetus. Have her stay out of the house while the stain dries and Of people will have some first trimester bleeding or spotting. Thus, youll have difficulty breathing. Theyre basically chemicals which have been dissolved in other substances. However, are wood stain fumes harmful? exposed to stain and polyurethane pregnancy. You may not interact one-on-one with the toxic formula in the can. If you have a task that involves chemicals (such as some types of cleaning), ask someone else to do it. we hired someone to refinish the upstairs floors in our house. This way, the health providers know how to begin their treatment. To be on the safe side, wear gloves and avoid breathing in fumes from products such as oven and tile cleaners. In addition, be aware of basic first aid steps as accidents happen. Did you drink the stain? More specifically, you can go for water-based formulas. Is It Safe To Varnish Wood While Pregnant? If you can go elsewhere, I would. I mean in my throat, mouth, nose, chest. Flame retardants do what they say they do; theyre used to reduce the potential devastation caused by fires. But I definitely wouldn't stay there for the poly. However, sometimes staining may be inevitable. Wood stain fumes are harmful and can cause vomiting, seizures, and respiratory problems. The fumes smell awful and it's not a good idea to be breathing it in. A by-product of the reaction between chlorine and water is chloroform and a few other chemicals. Now is the perfect time to start your Baby Registry! Whilst your hormones are going haywire during pregnancy, you dont want to consume something that could mimic hormones and disrupt the endocrine system to an even greater extent. So its best to use nail polishes that dont have formaldehyde. Get weekly updates on baby and your body. Worse still, these ingredients become volatile organic compounds as they evaporate. Well, its not so ideal in its powdered form. . Allow me to add that these ingredients are essential in helping the stains perform their role. Therefore many pregnant women know not to smoke or drink but are clueless when it comes to the other dangerous materials, and there are many. Click to visit. Unfortunately, stain fumes persist for a long, long duration, and youll end up inhaling the fumes. However, do not give a drink if the victim has symptoms that make it hard to swallow. Conversely, some cases are deliberate, especially if one intends to inflict self-harm. While most wood stains are safe for minor or interior applications, they have a very strong smell that is irritating. It's only long term exposure to that kind of stuff that may cause some worry. We are surrounded by chemicals and toxins (poisons). Support for this browser is being discontinued for this site. Some features, tools or interaction may not work correctly. Therefore, it would be best to test out the coffee stain on scrap wood before applying it to the whole surface. It could cause any number of health conditions, including seizures and stomach problems, but it mainly causes some form of intellectual disability as the brain is the most susceptible organ to the effects of lead. Similarly, you need your hands to apply the stain, and you cannot cover your ears from the fumes. You will even experience vision loss or burning in the lips, tongue, or other parts where the fumes land in the body. Varnish can contain some nasty chemicals and solvents and the safest advice being offered to pregnant women at the moment is to avoid varnishing or stripping the wood . Find alternatives, if you can for example, use products that contain low levels of chemicals, or baking soda and vinegar for cleaning. Like it or not, if you drink tap water, you will be consuming a small amount of chlorine. Thank you for sharing our content. A message has been sent to your recipient's email address with a link to the content webpage. Im taking about PCBs in the past tense because its use has been phased out in many countries. purposes. Also, it affects other parts such as the skin, nose, ears, eyes, tongue, and throat. Check out the following alternatives for your work. Phthalates are used in a variety of different products. Learn how to safely store and dispose of household chemicals, and how to respond when a person is poisoned. To learn more, please visit our. Your email address will not be published. This way, you avoid unnecessary accidents. Jan 29, 2022 at 7:53 PM. After curing, wood stains are generally considered safe and non-toxic, even . Cracked a window but should I be worried? They aid in adherence, longevity, and delivering a perfect finish. But they differ from one individual to another and depend on factors such as existing medical conditions. Today, the ingredients of wood stains are more complicated. Check out these two product types in detail. Scraping and sanding old paint should be completely avoided. This helps you breathe fresh air and lower the risk of inhaling fumes while pregnant. Strong stain fumes may cause throat swelling, which blocks the airways. And your family may end up with severe side effects that you did not expect. You can get rid of wood stain odor by ventilating the work area properly. You can also invest in eco-friendly, odor-free, and low VOC formulas. You can expect your digestive system to suffer from toxic fumes after inhaling them, especially when using the mouth. Talk to your doctor and always ask questions. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Some symptoms of this occurrence include memory loss and confusion. So my husband is remodeling our basement and painting walls and using wood stain. Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website. Drink some water or milk as you watch out for symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea. These processes may include metal smelting arsenic trioxide is a by-product of such a process. 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. Turn the fans and purifier off if the odor has faded diminished. Im in the same situation and worried. Wearing gloves would be beneficial. A one-off exposure is very unlikely to cause any harm. It has . Navigating your way through the guidebooks of parenting and how best to prepare you fetus for entering this world as a healthy baby well, its a tricky thing to do to say the least. It is only reasonable to keep your eyes wide open, and thus the fumes get into the body system through them. Of course, oil-based formulas have more harmful solvents. Copyright 2023 WoodCritique | Linsila LLC, Sometimes you are so eager to stain the floors of your house before thanksgiving or the arrival of a baby, only to realize that the formula produces a long-lingering and overpowering smell. Look for products that don't contain solvents (such as toluene) and that will clean up with water. Assessment of time to pregnancy and spontaneous abortion status following occupational exposure to organic solvents mixture. So i am 17 weeks pregnant. But if you are exposed to large quantities of chemicals for a long time, its possible your child will be at an increased risk of congenital disorders or future health problems. Another major application of fluoride is in the dental industry. Remember, its only long-term exposure to large quantities of chemicals that could potentially harm your baby. This is a no-go during pregnancy, especially early on. We all know that most products have strong smells, that even just opening a can will already give anyone a whiff of its signature scent. 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. Then tomorrow they are doing water based poly. Severe stomach and abdominal pain and cramping. In addition, researchers also suggest that exposure to fumes from oil-based stains before conception is also hazardous. Yes, off-gassing has effects, especially when you place furniture with toxic stains in a small, poorly ventilated environment. That said, please note that various stains feature different toxicity levels. Is it safe to do wood staining while pregnant? Unfortunately, the stain fumes effects do not end with the respiratory and digestive systems. In the above scenario, the best thing to do is to ensure proper ventilation. If so , how many weeks are u? The risk is higher if you come into contact with chemical solvents on a regular basis. Women who have repeated and prolonged exposure to paint fumes during pregnancy may have a higher risk of giving birth to a baby with birth defects.