Polyurethane Finish On Hardwood Floors Toxic

Conventional floor sealers finishes and stains are a source of indoor pollution.

Polyurethane finish on hardwood floors toxic. This is because they contain high levels of volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde toluene and various other solvents. All of these materials off gas at normal room temperature leading to dizziness eye. Polyurethane is actually the most durable hardwood floor finish. Products related to this post.

Polyurethane is available in two types water and. These vocs are often termed as greenhouse gases and toxic to your health. Some vocs in hardwood floor refinishing products include benzene formaldehyde toulen xylene and arsenic. While both polyurethane and polycrylic can be applied over water based or oil based paints and finishes you may find that polycrylic doesn t dry quickly over matte latex paint due to additives in.

We rate this product as the best polyurethane for floors thanks to its many reliable features. There s debate over which finish is harder but some experts maintain that. Learn more about ecos paints water based varnishes. Bona mega wood floor finish satin 1 gallon our best overall product.

Although polyurethane gives natural wood floors a beautiful long lasting sheen it is also a toxic chemical and should be used with caution. Prior to the development of polyurethane finishes in the 1960s wax was the hardwood floor finish of choice and had been so for hundreds of years. Unfortunately polyurethane is very flammable and toxic. Some of these compounds are problematic when they come into contact with the skin and some are harmful when they re inhaled.

Simply breathing in or coming into contact with this product can trigger asthma attacks eye and skin irritation as well as cause a string of respiratory problems. As a result homeowners are turning to environment friendly natural and less toxic polyurethane alternatives. Here are our expert tips for applying polyurethane.