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.
Floor varnish fumes toxic.
I used hemp oil on my floors a purest option.
Here s what you need to know about polyurethane fumes and how they relate to your health.
Water based wood varnishes are not flammable when wet.
Therefore decide which option you are more comfortable with when choosing a non toxic finish option.
Check out pre finished engineered hardwood flooring.
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.
2 3 non toxic wood floor finishes zero voc or low voc finishes.
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.
Dyes can penetrate the wood and pigments sit on top of the wood like paints.
The most non toxic finish option would be no voc products such as natural oils and natural waxes.
Polyurethane is available in two types water and.
Green building council ranks varnish and lacquer as the worst offenders in terms of voc off gassing.
There are many green 0 voc options for finishing wood.
Today the ingredients of wood stains are more complicated.
The epa also warns against storing paint in your home.
Using polyurethane indoors can expose you to fumes with a number of potential side effects.
Getting to know wood stains.
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.
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.
Many liquid varnishes are flammable or combustible.
Afm poly bp is another great non toxic finish.
Federal law requires varnishes to contain less than 450 grams of vocs per liter with.
But of all types of fumes and toxins avoiding polyurethane fumes may be the most essential due to their potential for harmful side effects.
I go into detail on more options for wood sealers and stains in my post on sealers.
Wood stains have 3 main components including pigment or dye binders and solvents.
Although polyurethane gives natural wood floors a beautiful long lasting sheen it is also a toxic chemical and should be used with caution.