Green building council ranks varnish and lacquer as the worst offenders in terms of voc off gassing.
Floor varnish fumes toxic.
However they also include toxic chemicals that pose harm to human health.
Using polyurethane indoors can expose you to fumes with a number of potential side effects.
Wood stains have 3 main components including pigment or dye binders and solvents.
But of all types of fumes and toxins avoiding polyurethane fumes may be the most essential due to their potential for harmful side effects.
The most non toxic finish option would be no voc products such as natural oils and natural waxes.
Here s what you need to know about polyurethane fumes and how they relate to your health.
Today the ingredients of wood stains are more complicated.
Afm poly bp is another great non toxic finish.
Check out pre finished engineered hardwood flooring.
The epa also warns against storing paint in your home.
Adverse health symptoms when exposed to toxic floor finish.
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.
Water based wood varnishes are not flammable when wet.
Dyes can penetrate the wood and pigments sit on top of the wood like paints.
I go into detail on more options for wood sealers and stains in my post on sealers.
There are many green 0 voc options for finishing wood.
Although polyurethane gives natural wood floors a beautiful long lasting sheen it is also a toxic chemical and should be used with caution.
Getting to know wood stains.
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.
When dried on the wood i d say pretty well all wood varnishes will burn quite well but really no better or worse than the wood they are on.
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.
2 3 non toxic wood floor finishes zero voc or low voc finishes.
However damages can happen.
Therefore decide which option you are more comfortable with when choosing a non toxic finish option.
Polyurethane is available in two types water and.
I used hemp oil on my floors a purest option.