"75 evacuated from Office Building – 24 May 06
SEVENTY-five people were evacuated from a Sydney CBD building after fumes from a timber solvent overcame a third of them.
Authorities said about 25 of the workers evacuated from the building on the corner of George Street and Martin Place about 4.30pm (AEST) were treated at the scene by ambulance officers after suffering nausea and vomiting.
A New South Wales Fire Brigades spokesman said the fumes originated from a polyurethane solvent that was being applied to timber on the third floor.
The fumes spread throughout the four-storey building, causing workers to feel ill.
Hazardous material workers were at the scene and would determine when the building was safe to re-enter."
Article courtesy of www.heraldsun.com.au
Solvents used in the production of solvent based polyurethane contain isocyanates which are extremely toxic to both humans and pets.
Non-toxic alternatives to solvent based polyurethanes are:
- Water based polyurethane
- Tung Oil Modified Polyurethane or
- Hardwax Oils.
Click here for a Comparison Chart of the features and benefits of these finishes..>
Here is what floor polishers have to say about solvent based polyurethane.
”I have seven guys working for me, so it’s an O,H and S issue and a major health concern for me and my guys. If someone wants to use solvent-based polyurethane on their floors, I’ll walk away rather than do the job. You get smashed off your head. High as a kite. It increases your heart rate. Your body temperature goes up. Your nose runs and your eyes water. Breathing is difficult and you can't drive after using it.” Bob Morris
”It is not good for you. It contains heaps of isocyanates. With internal rooms with no ventilation the toxicity after drying time is ridiculous. It can cause emphysema and dermatitis. I don't know why it is still being used, it should be banned. I have heard of budgies and cats dying. We had a customer in Melbourne who wanted to sleep in the house. She ended up so sick she went to hospital. To coat with poly we should have a full respirator which costs about $2500 to buy. I hate using poly especially since my daughter was born 18 months ago. I hate going home to her smelling of poly.’” Shane Archer
“I gave up floor sanding a couple of years ago because of health problems from using poly (solvent based polyurethane). After using it, I couldn't breathe. And couldn't sleep.” Mike Christiansen
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TIMBER FLOOR FINISHES
COMPARISON CHART |
Solvent-based Polyurethane |
Water-based Polyurethane |
Tung Oil modified Polyurethane |
Treatex Hard Wax |
| Highly toxic & a known carcinogen |
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| Non-toxic |
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| Non-toxic & made from sustainable, natural raw materials |
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| Forms a plastic-like skin on the surface |
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| Forms an lustrous, natural, silky finish that penetrates & nurtures timbers |
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| Will scratch over time, if not looked after• |
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| Prone to cracking & peeling. Once skin is broken then moisture can cause discolouration & rotting of timber |
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| Will not crack or peel if applied correctly. Wax forms a protective water-proof barrier that penetrates timber to prevent discolouration & rot. |
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| Will yellow over time |
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| Can leave timber looking milky |
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| Non-yellowing & enhances the natural colour & feature in the timber |
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| Static in application & finish & attracts dust |
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| Non-static in application & finish & does not attract dust |
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| Does not allow timber to breathe |
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| Allows timber to breathe & move seasonally |
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| Is not repairable |
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| Successfully repairable & will not de-laminate or peel |
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| Product manufacturing & disposal of waste material after re-sanding harmful to the environment |
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| Non-toxic but also non-biodegradable waste after re-sanding.• |
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| Environmentally friendly manufacturing & safe disposal of used wax after re-sanding |
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| Re-sanding & re-coating results in loss of thickness of timber of approximately 2mm |
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| Re-sanding & re-coating results in no loss of thickness of timber• |
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Whittle Waxes supplies a comprehensive range of eco-friendly natural waxes for interior and exterior timber applications.
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