Old Wood
Tuesday, July 5th, 2011Old Wood
What Everyone Should Know About Safe Alternatives To Toxic Wood Floor Finishes
Not long ago, a case study conducted by researchers at the Silent Spring Institute in the United States found that some homes with wood flooring were contaminated with PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls). PCBs are persistent organic pollutants, meaning they do not easily biodegrade. Due to their toxicity and cancer-causing properties they were banned in the 1970s, but the use of products containing PCBs prior to the ban can have lingering effects.
The Threat Underfoot
The Silent Spring study found that current exposure from old wood floor finishes were possibly impacting some homeowners' health more than their diet.The researchers discovered that the most likely culprit for the PCB contamination was a wood finish known as Fabulon, which had widespread use in the 1950s and 1960s. Those who lived in homes where the product had been used had elevated amounts of PCBs in their blood as a result of the toxins being present in the household air and dust.
The Answer
Thankfully, having a hardwood floor in the home doesn't have to result in a health threat any longer. Wood oils and hard wax oils are available on the market that consist of all-natural and environmentally safe ingredients, making them so safe they can even be used on children's toys.
Osmo Polyx Oil
Recognised as the original hard wax oil, Osmo created their product six years ago. Osmo Polyx Oil does not contain biocides or preservatives, making it safe for humans, animals and plants when dry. The product also complies with German DIN 53160 (meaning it is colourfast to perspiration and saliva) and EURO-NORM EN 71 (indicating it's safe for use on children's toys).
Osmo's commitment to manufacturing and supplying only products that are safe and environmentally-friendly resulted in successful certification according to DIN EN ISO 9001:2000 (quality management) and DIN EN ISO 14001 (environmental management).
Fiddes Hard Wax Oil
A slightly cheaper alternative is Fiddes Hard Wax Oil. Its make-up is probably 98% similar to Osmo Polyx Oil, and also provides a tough finish for high-traffic areas.
Fiddes has been tested in accordance with BS3900 G5 and BS 3900 E15 standards, meaning it is highly-resistant to liquids and wear. Also, like Osmo's product, Fiddes Hard Wax Oil has passed the EN 71 Toy Safety Test, making it suitable for application onto children's toys.
In Conclusion
Due to numerous choices being available, it's a good idea to purchase a sample of a finish for testing, but your family's health no longer need be such a major concern when it comes to something as basic as finishing your wood floor. No matter which product is chosen, wood flooring (and any household natural wood surfaces) will benefit greatly from hard wax oil's protective properties.Most importantly, these finishes are completely non-toxic and safe for any manner of application.
About the Author
Dave "Woody" Woods is well-known for his expertise in the art of wood finishing and getting the best out of natural wood surfaces in the home. Friends and clients affectionately refer to him as "The Wizard of Wood".
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2 Old Antique Worn Wood Wooden Spoons Primitive |  |
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Lot 27 Old Wood Wooden Checkers Checker King Crown | |
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OLD PRIMATIVE ANTIQUE CIRCLE DOUBLE SIDED WOOD GAME BOARD | |
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Primitive Country Old World Santa Stained Wood Paper Plate Holder Handmade | |
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US $19.75 | 3h 41m |
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ANTIQUE WOODEN BOX WITH IRON LATCH WOOD CHEST OLD VINTAGE GENERAL STORE | |
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Antique Old Vintage Wood Printers Type Tray Drawer | |
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OLD WOOD HAT STAND | |
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GREAT OLD WOOD CARVING OF LION OF LUCERNE | |
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Vintage All Wood Barn Pulley Primitive Old Farm Tool Rustic Decor | |
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antique victorian WOOD WEIS FILE BOX jointed OLDEARLY LIBRARY INDEXRECIPE CARD | |
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OLd Wood Dough BOWLAntique Cupboard BLACKBarn Red SPOONPrimitive Decor | |
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Antique c1800s Turned Wood Masher w Distinctive Handle Old Farm Kitchen Tool | |
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LOT OF OLD WOOD HANDLED KITCHEN UTENSILS BUTTER PAT CHOPPERS MASHERS | |
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antique vintage wood primitive sock darner adult child shoe stretcher repair old | |
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LOT OF OLD WOOD HANDLED KITCHEN UTENSILES GREEN HANDLES KITCHEN UTENSILS | |
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LOT OF OLD WOOD HANDLED KITCHEN UTENSILES | |
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Primitive Lot 6 Rare Old Wooden Parrish Dough Bowls Painted Wood Bowls | |
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109 year old barn wood bearded wood aged antique lumber board home decor | 6 Bids | US $5.50 | 9h 45m |
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OLD WOODEN BUTTER PADDLE ANTIQUE STYLE PRIMITIVE WOOD KITCHEN UTENSIL BOWL FILL | |
0 Bid | US $8.75 | 12h 51m |
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VINTAGE WOODEN ABACUS OLD STYLE WOOD CALCULATOR COOL MATH ASAIN ARITHMETIC ABACI | |
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antique primitive hand carved Nandi wood statue old toy cow animal | |
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WINE CELLAR Wood Sign Old Barnwood 22x 5 | |
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Primitive Wood Box Corn Sheller Farm Tool Antique Black Hawk 1903 VERY OLD | |
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VINTAGE ANTIQUE HAY HOOK WITH WOOD HANDLE GREAT COLLECTABLE OLD | |
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Primitive Riser Made from Old Tin Cooker Door Weatherd Wood | 0 Bid | US $19.99 | 1d 4h 21m |
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old vintage antique wood molding planer tool straight edge | |
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old vintage antique wood molding planer tool angled blade w wood handle | |
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old vintage antique wood molding planer tool w fluted narrow blade | |
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Old Rusty Metal and Wood Nail Keg Barrell Rustic Farmhouse Barn Decor | |
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old vintage antique wood molding planer tool w arced blade blade | |
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Old WOOD Butter Mold DOVETAILED | |
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Primitive Carved Wood Washboard Vintage Antique Country Wooden Ware Old | |
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1864 antique VICTORIAN CHILD SOCK FORM prim WOOD OLD | |
0 Bid | US $124.95 | 1d 6h 4m |
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OLd Wood Pantry BOWLAntique BITTERSWEETPrimitive Farmhouse Decor Candle Holder | |
7 Bids | US $19.05 | 1d 6h 52m |
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Old Primitive HANDCRAFTED BOX or Small Chest Carved from single pc of wood | |
0 Bid | US $35.00 | 1d 7h 9m |
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Antique Primitive Myers Wood Cast Iron Pulley Old Farm Hay Barn Trolley Decor | |
7 Bids | US $32.00 | 1d 7h 13m |
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Primitive Wooden Old Cutting Board Wood | |
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Antique Primitive Staved Wood Barrel Old Paint Folk Art LARGE | |
6 Bids | US $15.50 | 1d 7h 25m |
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VINTAGE HAND MADE WOOD BENCH OR TABLE RAISER GREAT OLD PATINA OLD STOOL | |
1 Bid | US $9.95 | 1d 7h 28m |
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Primitive Wooden Old Large Butchers Block Cutting Board Wood | |
1 Bid | US $24.00 | 1d 7h 29m |
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