Floor Varnish Fumes

Federal law requires varnishes to contain less than 450 grams of vocs per liter with.

Floor varnish fumes. Lacquer is a clear or colored coating called a varnish that is often used to give wooden surfaces a glossy look. Moreover the vocs that many paint products contain can. Green building council ranks varnish and lacquer as the worst offenders in terms of voc off gassing. The solvents in varnish are extremely pungent and the fumes can cause drowsiness headaches skin irritation and dizziness.

Most paints are very safe. Water based polyurethane creates a clear finish while oil based polyurethane dries to an amber. However exposure to paint and its fumes has the potential to cause irritation of the skin eyes and throat. Both water and oil based polyurethane protect natural wood floors leaving behind a shiny coating.

The floor should be mostly cured enough to live on in the first 5 7 days but it can take up to a month for the odors to be completely gone and for the finish to reach its maximum hardness. For the first few days airing out the house should be a priority. Overall investing in a low voc or eco friendly polyurethane clear coat is the ideal treatment for hardwood floors because it s the only way to keep your home free of unnecessary toxins and fumes. Hardwood floor finishes have varying levels of ease durability even glossiness.

The finished product is a smooth glossy and durable surface that is easy to clean. Epoxy paint contains toxic chemicals known as isocyanates that help to create this effect. 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.

Epoxy paint is typically used to cover concrete floors because of its ability to keep the concrete from becoming damaged due to water absorption over time 2. Breathing in the fumes for a long period is also harmful. Lacquer is dangerous to swallow. Many varnish products contain benzene which is a known carcinogen that is highly flammable.

Do not use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure. Learn more about ecos paints water based varnishes.