Creating a Chemical-Free Nursery

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).

By Debra Smiley Holtzman

Have you ever walked into a room that had been freshly painted or newly carpeted and said, “The room smells new”? For someone who has no chemical sensitivities, this can be construed as a good thing – something like enjoying a “new car” smell. However, 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). VOCs are a range of chemicals, many of which are hazardous. Some are carcinogenic and can irritate our lungs. Formaldehyde is a VOC with a pungent odor. (You may remember this smell from your high-school biology lab.) It is a widely used chemical in household products.

A child is more susceptible to the adverse effects of toxins than an adult because children’s lungs are smaller, and children breathe more rapidly. Consequently, they inhale more pollutants per pound of body weight than adults. If that air is contaminated, they will inhale more pollutants. Infants are particularly vulnerable. Because an infant’s nervous and immune systems are in the earliest stages of development, he cannot detoxify chemicals efficiently. For that matter, it is extremely important to pay attention to the well-being of pregnant women; fumes inhaled by the mother can pass through the placenta.

Although we are focusing on the nursery, use the same precautions in other rooms in the house that you may consider refurbishing with fresh paint or new carpets, drapes or furniture. Wherever a baby or mom-to-be will breathe, the emission of chemicals can be harmful.


So when is the best time to apply fresh paint or install new carpet or furniture?

Ideally it is before you even start a family. If this is not possible, it is important to take precautions. A pregnant mom should not paint or be involved with any designing project that will potentially expose her to toxins. She should avoid any recently painted room until the fumes have completely disappeared. If a painting project in the nursery begins or continues after the baby is at home, keep her in your bedroom for a few weeks in a safety-approved crib or bassinet, so she won’t be inhaling air pollutants.

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