I have multiple chemical sensitivities and have recently been testing a lot of products to choose the least toxic ones to use in a house I have been building. Not all water-based polyurethanes are alike. I found two to be extremely toxic to me, and one which is not, called Polyureseal BP by AFM.

I strongly suggest that you personally test any that you are considering using before putting it on your floor. What is toxic to me may not be to you, and vice versa. The way I do it is to have someone else apply the product to a piece of bare wood of the kind you will be putting it on, then let it dry for a few days. Put the finished wood into a glass jar with a tight metal lid. On a day when you feel good, open the jar, breathe in the fumes for one minute, and reclose the jar. Observe yourself for any symptoms (see Debra's immune system article for usual symptoms). After 4 days, if you haven't experienced any strong reactions, open the jar and inhale for 5 minutes. Observe yourself. After 4 more days, open the jar and inhale for 10 minutes. Observe yourself. If you have passed all of those tests, then sleep with the finished piece of wood near you on a piece of aluminum foil (to protect your sheets from contamination). If you still have no reaction, chances are excellent that you will tolerate the finish on your floor.

Molly

I had NHance done on my kitchen floor and some of my cabinets when I was preparing my condo to sell. Any other type of refinishing was totally out of the question for me because of the dust, smell, and time.

I recommend it for the average sensitive person, but it might not be suitable for people with MCS.

There was a very small amount of dust and some odor, but nothing compared to the average home renovation project. The only dust came from where he used a brillo pad on my water-damaged cabinets. Of course, I opened the windows when he was there so the odor dissipated quickly. This generated far less odor than the low VOC paint my painter used.

You will not want to be in the house when they are doing it, but just keep the windows open and it's fine a couple of hours later. My husband said he didn't notice any smell at all.

Keep in mind that this isn't going to work miracles on your wood, and it won't last as long as traditional refinishing. I noticed some wear on my cabinets near the sink after only a few weeks. I moved out a couple of months after I had it done, so I have no idea how well the floor held up.

Hi!
I saw your question and just wanted to let you know that I work for NHANCE and I'm amazed at the product!
I have severe allergies and asthma and was really worried about working around any type of chemicals...There are NO ODORS! Ive actually learned how to do the process of renewing cabinets and not only are the results remarkable, it is totally GREEN! I recommend using NHANCE wood renewal for anyone.