Therefore decide which option you are more comfortable with when choosing a non toxic finish option.
Floor varnish fumes toxic.
There are many green 0 voc options for finishing wood.
If your floor is being finished by a professional and it s possible for you to leave the home it s best to stay away long enough for the finish to cure and the odor to disperse which usually takes about 48 hours.
I go into detail on more options for wood sealers and stains in my post on sealers.
However they also include toxic chemicals that pose harm to human health.
But of all types of fumes and toxins avoiding polyurethane fumes may be the most essential due to their potential for harmful side effects.
Federal law requires varnishes to contain less than 450 grams of vocs per liter with.
Dyes can penetrate the wood and pigments sit on top of the wood like paints.
Wood stains have 3 main components including pigment or dye binders and solvents.
However damages can happen.
The most non toxic finish option would be no voc products such as natural oils and natural waxes.
Although polyurethane gives natural wood floors a beautiful long lasting sheen it is also a toxic chemical and should be used with caution.
The epa also warns against storing paint in your home.
Avoid living in your home if you or family members experience headaches brain fog lethargy wheezing eye nose or throat irritation until proper diagnosing of the air quality regarding potentially toxic chemicals and lung damaging particulates.
Today the ingredients of wood stains are more complicated.
Paint cans may release chemicals gases or fumes even if they re closed and so a basement or closet full of old paint cans is bad news.
Using polyurethane indoors can expose you to fumes with a number of potential side effects.
Check out pre finished engineered hardwood flooring.
Adverse health symptoms when exposed to toxic floor finish.
To minimize the dangers of polyurethane vapors always apply the finishes in a well ventilated space wear a face mask and eye protection and don t smoke.
Afm poly bp is another great non toxic finish.
Polyurethane is available in two types water and.
Many liquid varnishes are flammable or combustible.
Getting to know wood stains.
Water based wood varnishes are not flammable when wet.
Green building council ranks varnish and lacquer as the worst offenders in terms of voc off gassing.
I used hemp oil on my floors a purest option.