Are the fumes from polyurethane dangerous?

When left uncured, polyurethane can cause asthma and other breathing problems. Those who spend time in rooms that have uncured polyurethane floor treatments may also experience health issues like throat and eye irritation, nausea, vomiting, headaches, coughing, and shortness of breath.

How long are polyurethane fumes dangerous?

Overall, it is said that it takes a full 30 days for the floors to properly cure, which means this will likely be the duration of time that you deal with toxic fumes in the air space.

Are fumes from hardwood floors toxic?

The fumes and odors left behind after restoring wood flooring can be a headache—literally! The off-gassing from these chemicals pose a variety of long-term and short-term health effects—from headaches and nausea to damage to the liver, kidneys and the central nervous system.

Is polyurethane wood finish toxic?

Although polyurethane gives natural wood floors a beautiful, long-lasting sheen, it is also a toxic chemical and should be used with caution. Water-based polyurethane costs twice as much as its oil-based counterpart, but it is slightly less toxic and has less of an odor.

Is the polyurethane used in wood flooring toxic?

Among the different chemicals that are commonly used in new wood flooring, polyurethane is one that is both used regularly and can produce an amalgam of toxic compounds into the air that can be extremely toxic when released in fumes into the indoor air.

Why are polyurethane Fumes Bad for the air?

When ventilation and airflow is restricted it will trap the polyurethane fumes in the air which will taint the indoor air quality and potentially impact human health. In addition, when the temperature in the room is elevated it will exacerbate the off-gassing of chemicals within these polyurethane wood finishings.

What kind of polyurethane can I use to remove fumes?

Depending on where you are in the process of refinishing, you may want to look into some of the new water-based polyurethane options. They have advanced quite a lot in the last few years, and some are starting to rival oil-based for durability, with a fraction of the fumes.

What kind of smell does polyurethane give you?

When polyurethane is applied to the wood flooring, cabinets, and/or furniture in a home it can produce an unmistakable smell in the airspace that is full of an amalgam of chemicals.