New home concerns..help!

[Bluebell]

My husband and I are moving into a new built home very soon. It still has the new home smell from the construction, etc. I've been ventilating as much as I can, but it is winter so the temps are not as high as summer will be when it can get into the 100's and high humidity that can bring about higher release of fumes from new construction. I have 3 pet birds...two cats and a bun..all indoor babies. I love my birds and want to make sure it is a safe place for them. I will not move them until I am sure it is safe. Questions: How can I be sure it is safe and its time to move them? Does anyone have ideas on how to ventilate quickly? How long should I keep them away? I can't really find answers on the internet. I am very worried and wish we had tried to find a more eco-friendly home! Well its after the fact. Help please!

 

[weco]

As you said, after the fact may be difficult, but it is doable.....generally easier if you had the home built.....

Find out the brands of paints used, whether oil based paints were used or just latex...if any paneling was used; if you have carpeting, what brand & what chemicals was it treated with...was it Scotch Guarded? Was any OSB used in the interior of the house? Maybe for subflooring?

Paneling and OSB (oriented Strand Board) will offgas formaldehyde, stain resistant chemicals like Scotch Guard often contain toxic chemicals that will offgas for weeks.....

If your job requires that you have your clothes dry cleaned, be sure to stay away from your birds in any dry cleaned clothing and keep them out of any closet you hang/store your dry cleaned clothes in...the cleaning solution and its fumes are toxic to our feathered friends.....

I would think that since you have yet to move in, maybe turn the heat up to 80-85 degrees and let things burn off, so to speak, for a day or two, then open windows and air the place out.....all this before you populate your new house with your pets.....