Question from Melissa
Hi Debra,
We are hiring a contractor to install our new stove and to repair the surrounding cabinetry (which was damaged during attempts to repair the old stove). The contractor says that the only products he will be using are “denatured alcohol” and “odorless mineral spirits,” both of which he says are generic products (i.e., he was unable to specify brands being used).
I told him that I am chemically sensitive and that I have two young children at home, so I am concerned about what he would be using. His response was that we should not be home when the work was being done but that the fumes would dissipate in about two hours and there would be no after-effects or off-gassing. I have done some research on these products and both appear to have harmful fumes, but I have found no information about lasting effects.
What are your thoughts on these products? If you think they are bad news, do you know of any comparable and safer alternatives?
Thanks in advance,
Melissa
Debra’s Answer
You are right that both have harmful fumes, and your contractor is right that both will dissipate in a few hours.
Both of these substances are solvents, which evaporate quickly.
You leave the house while the work is being done and be sure to tell him to have all the windows open while he is using these chemicals. Fans, too, would be even better.
I don’t know the purpose for which he is using these chemicals, so I can’t suggest an alternative.
