Question from Debra S.
Dear Debra:
My husband and I had our hard wood floors refinished in February of this year. Harco Polyurethane 350 VOC was used. My husband pointed out some imperfections in the finish and the contractor came back and did something which increased the fumes (we found cans of Harco and paint thinner in the garbage).
It is now July and we can still smell chemicals. We moved into the bedroom where the flooring was redone at the beginning of July. Coincidentally, or maybe not, I have not been feeling well. My face is broken out. My nose and eyes are burning. My throat is burning. I’ve been dizzy, sick to my stomach, fatigued, having difficulty concentrating and generally feeling poorly.
Do you have any idea what may have happened and what can be done? I hope we haven’t suffered any permanent ill effects.
Debra S.
Debra’s Answer
I went to the Harco website and found that the product you use is an oil-based finish, which contains more toxic solvents than a water-based finish. I tried to get the MSDS sheet from Harco, but their automatied email system didn’t work, so I can’t tell you exactly what’s in it. But oil-based finishes can outgass toxic chemicals for months. So I’m not surprised you are not feeling well.
The solution is to apply heat to burn off the chemicals more quickly. I suggest not sleeping in this room immediately. And close the door so the fumes don’t get into the rest of the house. Then get a space heater and put it in the closed room. Let it bake for a few days, then air it out by opening the windows. Repeat this as many times as you need to until you feel well in the room.
As to permanent effects, the body is amazingly resisilent and is always tending to health. Stay away from toxic chemicals and it will begin to regenerate itself.
