Hi John, thanks for your question about the continued release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in wood finishes.

You are correct, VOCs continue to be released from paints and wood finishes even after they dry. In fact, because of the hyperbolic nature of VOC concentration (approaches zero, but never quite gets there) in any substance, trace amounts will always be in the sealant, no matter how long you wait. The release rate depends on many factors, such as temperature, humidity, concentration of VOCs already in the air, etc.

Home Ventilation: Reducing the VOC Emissions in Your House

According to many reputable environmental health information organizations, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the most effective way to reduce indoor VOCs is by using good ventilation and air filtering systems.

One effective way to get fresh air moving through your home is to simply open all of the windows. If you have a forced air system, turn on the fan in the system. Alternatively, you can set up several fans, which will push the air out the windows. Obviously, it isn’t ideal to do this in the dead of winter or heat of summer, but it's great to do this at least once in spring and fall.

Replacing Paints and Wood Finishes with Low VOCs

If you're experiencing symptoms of VOC exposure (eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, fatigue, loss of coordination, allergic skin reactions, nausea, memory impairment, etc.), I would suggest that you take the furniture in question out of your home, strip off the high-VOC sealant and re-seal it with a low-VOC coating.

I haven't found any clear sealants that claim to eliminate VOC offgassing from lower layers of sealants, so your best bet would be to get rid of the culprit altogether. Doing this work outside, or in an extremely well ventilated area, is essential to reducing your exposure to VOCs.

Also, keep the refinished furniture in a very well ventilated area for at least a week after drying. This will significantly reduce the negative effects of VOC inhalation.

Best of luck to you in your battle with VOCs!

Related Advice:

• Chemical Sensitivities: Can I Seal High VOC Paint with Low VOC Paint?



• Low VOC Paint: Can Painting with it Stop High VOC Paint Offgassing?



• VOC Removal: Five Plants that Clean the Air and Remove VOCs