Most laypeople are unaware of the off-gases released from traditional floors. For instance, recently poured concrete has a natural release of several gases. In all cases of poured cement with different admixtures and concrete had some levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were released.
The concrete industry is the third-largest producer of carbon dioxide emissions after China and the U.S. These emissions are produced through the manufacturing processes use of energy and the processing used to break up the calcium carbonate or the limestone.
To stop the gases from escaping from a recently poured floor, homeowners should protect the floor with breathable floor protection. Similar protection should cover recently laid wood floors as well.
No VOCs are emitted from the production of wood flooring or engineered wood flooring. Wood floors emit VOCs from the glues used to install them: Urea-formaldehyde glue and phenol-formaldehyde glue. Refinished wood floors can release emissions from the benzene applied to the floor. The benzene known as methylene chloride is converted by the body into carbon monoxide. In all these situations, the homeowner should apply an added step in ensuring the safety of his or her family.
That added step is breathable floor protection. With the application of breathable protection, the floor will not produce cure lines or cause the appearance of the floor to be destroyed in any way. This type of added protection is ideally used after newly installed wood floors are laid or after the concrete is poured and any decoration is applied.
The recently laid or poured floors, counters, or stairs are protected with the protection and they keep the space free from VOCs. There are several brands of floor protection. Some materials are rubber mats, thick plastic, corrugated sheets, and cardboard. All these products offer a breathable surface for curing your floors so that the product is free from unwanted markings and destruction.
This type of floor protection is temporary and should be left in place no longer than 1 month with constant traffic, longer if the floor gets only intermittent traffic. It’s important that the head of the household is aware of the negative effect of VOCs. They can cause eye skin, nose, and throat irritation. People affected by VOCs can have headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness, and suffer fatigue. By using floor protection, you can eliminate the occurrence of VOCs in your home or building and prevent all the health dangers before they even start.
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