Serving Size: 4.84 MB Servings Per Container: 1 In Your Body On Your Body For Your Home For Your Family Seeking Medical Treatment How to Detoxify Your Body Guide to Symptoms A Healthy House Values, Vision & Mission Background & History Staff & Advisors News & Upcoming Events Join Our Mailing List Contact Us Recommended Resources Index of Terms Works Cited This product contains 100% natural ingredients. Easy Pay Pal Donations TNTP Grade A Brain-food More Special Features Back to Index of Terms The product Finishes / Sealers (for floors & furniture) is in the following categories: Home Decor Finishes / Sealers (for Floors & Furniture) CHEMICALS CONTAINED: Conventional finishes and sealers contain polyurethane and other potentially toxic compounds that can give off volatile organic chemicals (VOCs); organic chemicals that are easily released to the air at room temperature. VOCs and other chemicals in sealers and finishes are released when the products are applied and as they cure (which can take days, weeks, or months). Smaller amounts continue to be released over time. Some chemicals that may be found in these products include acetone, methanol, pentachlorophenol, phthalates, heavy metals, and formaldehyde, to name just a few. Polyurethane also contains and releases isocyanates and diisocyanates, including but not limited to toluene diisocyanate (TDI). These are collectively referred to as NCO. HEALTH CONCERNS: VOCs can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, throat, respiratory tract, lungs, as well as more serious effects. The chemicals found in finishes and sealers can cause headaches and more serious neurological effects, and organ and tissue damage. Isocyanates and diisocyanates (NCO) can cause mild to severe respiratory problems, including disruption of lung function, aggravation/triggering of asthma, dermatitis, and chemical sensitivation. These chemicals have been established as the cause of occupational health problems and diseases for years, but exposure from consumer products has been considered minimal to nonexistent. More recent research questions this assumption and has indicated that people may be exposed to levels of NCO from the wide variety of consumer products that polyurethane is found in (hard and soft foams, plastics, finishes and sealers, adhesives) that can cause health effects—including asthma, elevated immune response, other respiratory problems, and dermatitis. TDI is specifically classified as a Group B possible human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). TIPS & ALTERNATIVES: Look for sealers and finishes made from plant-based materials, such as wood oils and waxes. Avoid products containing polyurethane. Some companies are coming out with synthetic finishes that are low in VOCs and other toxics. These products are effective AND less toxic. No matter what type of finish you choose, make sure that your work area is well-ventilated (not just open windows—use fans and respirators). Back to Index of Terms