Because of the harmful side effects of solvent-based interior stains and finishes, manufacturers have dramatically reduced the amount of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) their products offgas over the past several years. As a result, there are now quite a few water-based solvents available, qualifying for LEED points in the EQ Credit 4.2: Low-Emitting Materials: Paints & Coatings category.
If you are building a new home and are looking for a green interior floor finish, here are a couple of products available. These have low VOC levels, are made from natural materials, are biodegradable, and are exceptionally durable.
BioShield Paint has floor oils and sealants that are solvent-free and low-VOC, low odor.
High Solid Floor Oil: solvent-free finish
- Protective wood-enhancing finish, dries to a satin-matte sheen
- Resists staining from water, milk, juice, beer, and wine within a certain time frame
- Made with linseed oil, tung oil, linseed stand oil, silicic acid, beeswax, candelilla wax, lead-free dryer
Hard Oil #9: low-VOC, low-odor hard oil
- Breathable and elastic coating with superior water-resistant characteristics
- Deeply penetrating finish for high-moisture and high-traffic areas
- Suitable for hardwood and softwood floors
- Made with linseed oil, tung oil, colophonium resin, castor stand oil, isoaliphatics, lead-free dryers, and oximes
Source: http://timberframeblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/green-floor-finishes.html
