Water Based Polyurethane Fumes

Respiratory issues first polyurethane is a petrochemical resin that contains known respiratory toxins called isocyanates.

Water based polyurethane fumes. Polyurethane is a commonly used to seal hardwood floors and is also used in some paints. Sources of polyurethane fumes often come from products used to treat wooden surfaces. Generally speaking water based paints give off lower levels of chemical vapors and vocs. 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.

These fumes could potentially irritate the eyes throat and lungs as well as cause allergic reactions for those with chemical sensitivities. Because of its innate consistency thinning water based polyurethane is not usually necessary. Close all windows so the home is airtight. It has been estimated that depending on the type of polyurethane used either water based or oil based the length of time that the toxic fumes of polyurethane will linger in the air will range.

As we discussed previously oil based polyurethane has a longer dry and cure time than water based polyurethane which makes it more hazardous in the environment for a longer period of time. Polyurethane is available in two types water and. Water based finishes are popular in part because of their low voc levels which means that they are not as toxic as some other finishes and they do not have as strong a smell. Water based polyurethane is less durable than oil based polyurethane but is usually preferred because it is odorless.

Compared to oil based polyurethane water based is more expensive. Common finishes that might need to be thinned. When applying this type of polyurethane in a home it will not require a significant amount of ventilation as it dries quickly and cleans up with water and remains colorless. Most water based finishes still contain some level of vocs however and all polyurethane products contain diisocyanates.

Vapors and curing once the polyurethane finish has dried and cured it is generally considered to be safe but during the drying and curing process the finish releases potentially harmful chemicals into the air via evaporation a process called off gassing. You ll find that it s common to deal with eye and throat problems while being exposed to this material. Although polyurethane gives natural wood floors a beautiful long lasting sheen it is also a toxic chemical and should be used with caution. Paint and allergies can exposure to paints or their fumes lead to an allergic reaction.

When left uncured polyurethane can cause asthma and other breathing problems. It s common for those around polyurethane for long periods of time to begin having problems breathing properly.