- #1
Aerstz
- 36
- 0
I am not a chemist but do have a concern regarding a coating that is applied to a linoleum flooring product likely soon to be used in my bedroom.
Linoleum is the least toxic flooring type I could identify, suitable for the room in question. However, despite being made of 'natural' materials the manufacturer, Forbo, has unfortunately applied a protective coating to the linoleum made from synthetic materials with the brand name Topshield2.
Forbo states its linoleum product is “Lacquered with a waterborne UV cured urethane-
acrylate hybrid dispersion”. It also states that it is non-toxic, but did not describe the testing condition(s).
I have read that urethane paint and lacquer are extremely toxic and carcinogenic. My concern is that, although much safer once applied and dried, there could still be a toxicity risk from the lacquer. Under normal (linoleum flooring) use – walking, moving furniture, and so on – this coating could be agitated resulting in airborne particles which could be carcinogenic and inhaled. Is this a valid/reasonable concern?
I would be very grateful for any advice regarding the merits of my concern, or lack thereof. Is the dried lacquer a different chemical to the toxic liquid form; if so, is this 'new' substance non-toxic, and any particles of it safe to inhale in quantities likely to be released through normal use of the floor?
Thanks.
Linoleum is the least toxic flooring type I could identify, suitable for the room in question. However, despite being made of 'natural' materials the manufacturer, Forbo, has unfortunately applied a protective coating to the linoleum made from synthetic materials with the brand name Topshield2.
Forbo states its linoleum product is “Lacquered with a waterborne UV cured urethane-
acrylate hybrid dispersion”. It also states that it is non-toxic, but did not describe the testing condition(s).
I have read that urethane paint and lacquer are extremely toxic and carcinogenic. My concern is that, although much safer once applied and dried, there could still be a toxicity risk from the lacquer. Under normal (linoleum flooring) use – walking, moving furniture, and so on – this coating could be agitated resulting in airborne particles which could be carcinogenic and inhaled. Is this a valid/reasonable concern?
I would be very grateful for any advice regarding the merits of my concern, or lack thereof. Is the dried lacquer a different chemical to the toxic liquid form; if so, is this 'new' substance non-toxic, and any particles of it safe to inhale in quantities likely to be released through normal use of the floor?
Thanks.