Hi all. This is my first post. I am a DIYer and have found this forum of great value. Thanks to all who contribute.

I am preparing to glue down 1,800 square feet of engineered product to a concrete floor. I do not know if I am allowed to mention the brand name on this site so I will not. I would like to begin soon after the new year.

My wife is pregnant and due to deliver 4/16/2006. We also have a 2 1/2 year old daughter living in the house as well. I would like to get this done before my wife delivers since we will have no free time with a new born.

I am concerned with the harmfull effects of the adhesive fumes.

1. Are adhesive fumes harmfull to a pregnant wife, fetus and 2 1/2 year old?

2. Will sealing off the room I am working in with plastic tarps (including sealing the vents) work?

3. Should my wife and child just move out? If so should they stay away until the whole project is complete or just while I finish their bedrooms?

4. Should this project be put off until after my wife delivers?

5. How long will the fumes linger once the floor has been laid?

I last laid this type of flooring around 15 years ago. The fumes were quite intense as I remember them. Have they gotten any better since then?

90% of the house will be floored in wood so my work will slowly move from room to room (continuous run). It would obviously be most convenient if we could all live at home and just stay out of the rooms that were currently being done. Having my wife and child move out just durring completion of their bedrooms would also be tollerable.

Above all I want everyone safe. No flooring is worth jepradizing the health of my family. Thanks in advance for your replies.

All manufacturers are required to provide a MSDS sheet to whomever requests one. It will list all and any potential dangers that may exist in using their products. I suggest you ask the distributor (or whomever you purchased the adhesive from) for the MSDS sheet for that adhesive. It will tell you all you need to know.

A lot of Material Safety Data Sheets aka; MSDS can be found on-line now.

Gary & Floorguy,
Thanks for the replies. The floor is engineered Robbins Passeggiata Ash and the adhesive is Armstrong ProConnect. I was able to get the MSDS off the web. Are there any specific chemicals I should look for? The heading "Hazardous Ingredients" lists either none or N/A. The "Special Precautions" states a potential adverse impact on air quality. Has anyone used these products? Thanks again.