Did you know that a safe, clean room should have no smell at all? You may be surprised that some of the products commonly found in a nursery – carpeting, fresh paint, new or refinished furniture, and cleaning supplies – can emit toxic fumes called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A child is more susceptible to the adverse effects of toxins than an adult. Because children’s lungs are smaller and they breathe more rapidly, they inhale more pollutants per pound of body weight than adults. Infants are particularly vulnerable because their nervous and immune systems are in the earliest stages of development, and they cannot detoxify chemicals efficiently. Here are some tips for creating a chemical-free child's room or nursery.
1. Select and use paint carefully. Many paints contain VOCs. As the paint dries and evaporates, the VOCs are released into the air. To minimize your child’s exposure, select water-based latex paints, which generally have fewer VOCs than oil-based paints. Also look for low-VOC paints, which are specially formulated to be low in polluting emissions. There are also VOC-free or no-VOC paints, which do not emit any fumes.
2. Use area rugs over a floor made of wood, cork tiles, bamboo, or natural linoleum. New carpets emit VOCs from the fabric treatment (fire-resistant products or stain-guard), glued backing, and adhesives. Infants and small children are especially vulnerable since they are closer to the floor and spend much of their time on the floor. Also, all carpets – no matter what their age – can trap dust, mold, lead and tracked-in pesticide.
3. Use washable area rugs and position them over non-slip mats. If you’re planning to use synthetic carpet, ask the sales person to allow your new carpet to ventilate for several days before bringing it to your home. When cleaning the floor or carpet, use mild cleaners instead of detergents containing solvents.
4. Look for furniture made of solid wood or formaldehyde-free products. Formaldehyde can be emitted from some new products such as laminated wood, pressed wood, and particle board because of the glue in the products. Look for furniture made of solid wood or formaldehyde-free particle and fiber board, or use a low-toxic sealant to reduce formaldehyde seepage. Prior to installation or delivery, request that manufacturers or suppliers air out products in their warehouse – with all coverings or packaging removed-- or do it at your home for a few weeks, either outdoors on a porch or in a well-ventilated, unoccupied area, such as a shed or garage.
Note: Pregnant women should not paint because fumes inhaled by the mother can pass through the placenta. Children and pregnant women should stay out of the area until the paint is dry and the odor is gone. If your home was built before 1978, you should test for lead paint, especially before remodeling or renovating.
If you have any other tips, please share them. 
Tips For Creating a Chemical-Free Nursery or Child's Room
Linear Mode
