6 Common Wood Stain Fumes Side Effects and Remedies
- Ears, Eyes, Nose, and Throat. You need your eyes to see the area you are staining. Hence, it would be impractical to...
- Stomach and Intestines. You can expect your digestive system to suffer from toxic fumes after inhaling them,...
- Heart and Blood. The fumes will automatically be absorbed into the bloodstream...
Why wood stain fumes can be harmful?
- Be sure you select indoor paints. ...
- Read safety information on the product label carefully. ...
- Always paint in an area that’s well ventilated. ...
- Take frequent breaks to allow yourself to get some fresh air.
- After painting, plan to keep windows as open as possible for two to three days in order to allow paint fumes to exit the room. ...
Is it safe to stain wood indoors?
Wood Stains
- Oil-Based Stains. Oil-based interior stain is what most people think of when it comes to wood stain. ...
- Water-Based Stains. Water-based interior stains are easier to clean up and are fast drying. ...
- Gel-Based Stains. Gel stains are in between a traditional stain and paint. ...
- Lacquer. ...
- Varnish. ...
- Safety. ...
- Cleaning Stain. ...
Is wood stain harmful?
Wood stains may have many harmful ingredients. These can include the following: The hydrocarbons in wood stains can be extremely harmful when inhaled. While wood stain fumes can be toxic when inhaled, you also need to watch out for poisoning due to ingesting the product.
What removes wood stain from hands?
You may choose from the following natural cleaners:
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Hairspray
- Hand sanitizer
- Drinking alcohol (such as vodka)
- Lemon juice
- Vinegar (white or cider)
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Toothpaste
- Cooking oil
- A cloth
What happens if you breathe in stain fumes?
Breathing issues. Nausea. Dizziness. Irritation of the eyes and throat.Mar 30, 2021
How do you get rid of wood stain fumes?
Fill several small containers with baking soda or activated charcoal and place these around the room containing the source of the stain smell.Leave the containers in the rooms where you smell the stain odor for several hours to absorb the smell.More items...
Is wood stain toxic to humans?
Wood stain is toxic during the application and drying processes, but is non-toxic after curing for 30 days. Most wood stains are not tested for food safety, and therefore cannot be labeled food safe, but are manufactured to comply with FDA regulations for food safety.Feb 28, 2021
Should you wear a mask when staining wood?
While you should still plan to complete any type of staining in a well-ventilated space (open windows and doors, or outside), you don't need to worry about wearing a mask while working with these stains and finishes.Apr 26, 2018
How long are wood stain fumes toxic?
How long does wood stain smell last? Wood stain smell can last anywhere between 24 hours and 48 hours or even more, depending on the solvent type used in the stain. The water-based stain smell is barely noticeable.Dec 14, 2021
Is it safe to stain wood indoors?
Wood stain is highly flammable, and the fumes can be very dangerous as well. Make sure that you stain wood outside or in a well-ventilated room. In addition, make sure that open flames remain far away from the stain.
Can you sleep in house after staining floors?
It is a terrible idea to sleep or stay in a house after staining floors. The stain fumes are often overwhelming and highly toxic. In addition, exposure to such a stinky smell for long periods of time can trigger severe breathing problems and other health issues to both humans and pets.Feb 22, 2022
How long does wood stain emit VOCs?
While these oil-based products can off-gas for months or years, the most severe off-gassing occurs in the first few days after application. For a greener alternative to traditional floor finishes, stick to water-based products, which contain around 50 to 250 grams of VOCs per liter.
Is Minwax stain safe to breathe?
Minwax's 250 VOC Compliant Wood Finish is a penetrating oil-based wood stain, available in 22 wood tone colors. The company says that its oil finish (without accelerator) contains no VOCs, nor does it contain other harmful chemicals.Feb 3, 2020
Can you get high from stain fumes?
Breathing solvent paint fumes for too long can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea. This can happen in a poorly ventilated space or when large areas are being painted or stained. These paints can even be deadly if they are inhaled on purpose, or "huffed", to get high.
Is wood stain carcinogenic?
They are actually carcinogenic or neurotoxic and exposure to high levels of VOCs can lead to very health-damaging effects. Another danger associated with oil-based stains is the fact that they cure or dry at a much slower rate than water-based ones.Feb 20, 2012
Is wood varnish toxic?
The resins and solvents used in varnish are toxic if ingested. Many varnish products contain benzene, which is a known carcinogen that is highly flammable. The solvents in varnish are extremely pungent, and the fumes can cause drowsiness, headaches, skin irritation and dizziness.Dec 9, 2015
1. Ears, Eyes, Nose, and Throat
You need your eyes to see the area you are staining. Hence, it would be impractical to do the work with closed eyes. The move even sounds quite comic! It is only reasonable to keep your eyes wide open, and thus the fumes get into the body system through them.
2. Stomach and Intestines
You can expect your digestive system to suffer from toxic fumes after inhaling them, especially when using the mouth. Some of the problems include burns in the food pipe or esophagus.
3. Heart and Blood
The fumes will automatically be absorbed into the bloodstream once they get to the lungs or stomach. Hence, you’ll experience rapid low blood pressure or shock, resulting in an unexpected collapse.
4. Lungs and Airways
Strong stain fumes may cause throat swelling, which blocks the airways. Thus, you’ll have difficulty breathing. In addition, breathing in strong fumes generally leads to breathing difficulties.
5. Nervous System
Unfortunately, the stain fumes effects do not end with the respiratory and digestive systems. They will inevitably get into the brain during blood circulation. Therefore, you may feel dizzy or lightheaded.
6. Skin
The skin is probably the first part of the body that comes into contact with the fumes as you work. It looks sealed, but toxic fumes can cause severe injury, such as burns and holes in the tissues underneath. Also, you may experience a burning sensation or general irritation.
Conclusion
Wood stains have dissolved chemicals that make them emit strong and toxic fumes. They emit gasses even at normal room temperatures and result in eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, kidney and liver damage, vomiting, and dizziness. Even worse, ingesting toxic stains can lead to a severe nervous breakdown and collapsing.
What are the ingredients in wood stain?
Oil-based wood stains contain ingredients such as petroleum, alcohol, formaldehyde, sodium hydroxide, and glycol ether. These are all harmful, whether because they are toxic, corrosive, or carcinogenic. As these ingredients evaporate, they become harmful volatile organic compounds or VOCs that linger in the air for days or even months.
Can you use oil based stain outdoors?
When working with oil-based wood stains, ventilation is key. It’s best to use oil-based wood stain outdoors. If you are not able to work outdoors, however, be sure that air can circulate in the room you are working by opening the windows. This is even more important when the stain is drying because VOCs can enter the air as the stain evaporates. If you are staining the floor of a room, avoid having anyone occupy the room.
Can wood staining cause nausea?
Inhalation can cause dizziness, nausea, and headache. If a person is suspected of inhaling wood stains and is experiencing any of the following, it is important to seek medical attention quickly.
Can you take a stain to the hospital?
It is important to take the wood stain can or ingredient list to the hospital. At the hospital, tests may be performed to help determine the severity of the wood stain poisoning. These tests may include:
Is wood stain oil based or water based?
Something to consider when staining wood is whether to use oil-based or water-based stains. Oil-based stains tend to have strong fumes that can make breathing difficult. Water-based stains have fewer fumes and are generally more eco-friendly.
Can wood stain be poisonous?
While wood stain fumes can be toxic when inhaled, you also need to watch out for poisoning due to ingesting the product. Wood stain poisoning can occur when someone inhales fumes or swallows wood stains. Here are the symptoms to watch out for if poisoning is suspected.
Is oil based stain better than water based stain?
Oil-based wood stain takes a little more preparation than water-based wood stain. The fumes in oil-based stains require proper air circulation, and it is often best to stain outdoors when possible. If an outdoor location is not viable, open windows and use fans to blow the fumes outside.
Is wood stain fumes harmful?
Wood stain fumes can be damaging to your health. There are ways to prevent these dangers to your health. Taking precautions by wearing protective clothing is a good start for safely staining wood.
How to get rid of wood stain smell?
Proper ventilation is very important until the strong smell of wood stains fade. You can use activated charcoal or baking soda to help elimina te odor.
What are the VOCs in wood stain?
Some VOCs in hardwood floor refinishing products include benzene, formaldehyde, xylene and arsenic.
Is Ecos paint toxic?
At ECOS Paints, we're very aware of the environmental and health risks associated with wood stains, and that's why we created a non-toxic* stain . Beside above, what happens when you breathe in ...
Can paint fumes make you sick?
In respect to this, can fumes from stain make you sick? Even though fumes from latex and oil paints can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, they do not poison the body when used as directed. Breathing solvent paint fumes for too long can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
What happens when wood stain dries?
Whenever the stain dries and its solvent evaporates, it will be releasing a volatile organic compound or VOC. This is the one that can contribute to air pollution and can also cause health problems. That is why when you are looking for wood stain then you need to look at the VOC content of it. The lesser the VOC, the better it is for you.
What are the elements in wood stain?
Most wood stains these days consists of three different elements. These elements are the dye or pigment, solvent, and the binder. The dye is the one that penetrates the wood. The pigment is the one that sits on top of the wood pretty much like a paint. The solvent keeps the colorant and the binder in liquid form.
What is synthetic based stain?
Oil or Synthetic-Based Stains. A stain that will contain acrylic or urethane binders is what the oil our synthetic based stations are. These are the ones that can be harmful and can release a high amount of VOC. These stains are often used outdoors since they are more water resistant.
What type of stain is best for indoor use?
Varnish. If you are looking the best protection against heat, water, and chemical substance then you must use a varnish which can be acrylic or urethane. This type of stain is great compared to other indoor finishes. Varnish though do contain petroleum and synthetic ingredients that will emit high levels of VOC.
What is natural oil finish?
Natural Oil Finishes. Linseed or tung oil are all plant-based wood stains and are considered to be natural oil finishes. By penetrating the wood that they will be able to give protection to the wood that it is applied on. These stains though are less protective compared to that of a varnish or lacquer. This one also contains less VOC.
Is wood stain safe?
Using the right wood stain with less impact on the environment as well as the people around is important. This is one way of making sure that you will not only have beautiful but also safe wood pieces as well.
Is wood stain a renewable resource?
This one has a less environmental impact compared to that of lacquer and varnish. This type is also considered to be a renewable resource. It is ethanol that this wood stain uses as a solvent. There are also some that use methanol.
What is Non-Toxic Wood Stain?
A non-toxic surface is a surface that is safe to handle and be in contact with. A non-toxic wood stain is a wood stain that does not contain harsh or toxic chemicals, such as formaldehyde.
Characteristics
Non-toxic wood stains are free of toxic chemicals and heavy metals. Non-toxic stains also do not contain any solvents such as petroleum distillates, nitrosamines, or xylene typically found in other wood stains for insulation or removal of paint.
Non-Toxic Wood Stain Remover
This is a hard-working wood cleaner that will remove stains from floors, cabinets, and furniture without any harsh chemicals. They have been rated the best natural cleaner by Burt’s Bees, so you know they are good for you and your family.
Non-Toxic Wood Stain Colors
1. “ Golden Pine ” – This is a medium tone tan color with a yellow undertone. Apply Golden Pine stain on any type of wood for an elegant and classic look.
5 Weird Wood Staining Techniques. Natural Wood Coloring Hacks That Really Work
5 Weird Wood Staining Techniques. Natural Wood Coloring Hacks That Really Work.
Non-Toxic Wood Stain And Seal
The Eco-Friendly, Non-Toxic Wood Stain And Seal is a great product for those who want to live green. It has been created to be a sustainable and natural product. The color of the stain on your wood will not fade over time because it is highly pigmented, and the sealant provides a protective layer.
Non-Toxic Wood Stain For Toys
One of the benefits that come from wood stain is that it is safe for children. Children can be exposed to hazardous chemicals from regular paint, but with a non-toxic wood stain, they are safe. Non-toxic wood stains are a great option for parents looking to make their homes more eco-friendly.
