There is nothing more exciting than to start your dream home remodel but at the same time nothing scarier than installing a toxic material in your home. After all, it houses the air you breathe in and the floors you walk on.
While you are choosing new cabinets, wall designs, and flooring materials, you should never lose sight of what’s safe for you and your loved ones. A similar concern has been brought to you to this post. Is epoxy safe for your home?
With years of experience, an unmatched dedication to the safety and comfort of our clients, and professional expertise at our disposal, we can provide you with a reliable answer. After consultation from the industry professionals and a few noted scientists, the following is a brief guide for you.
What Is Epoxy Chemically?
In order to make the right decision, you must know the chemical nature of epoxy. Epoxy solutions are made up of epoxy resins and hardeners. These miscible substances are used in particular concentrations to obtain different types of epoxy flooring solutions.
The epoxy resins are basically comprised of prepolymers and polymers. Another name for epoxy resins is polyoxides. Whereas hardener can be any chemical that chemically binds with resins to solidify. Even on themselves, the constituents of epoxy floors are considered non-toxic. They can be harmful only in very high quantities.
Are Epoxy Floors Toxic or Not?
An epoxy solution is not safe for oral ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. The vapors and dust coming from the uncured epoxy solution can be harmful to the workers. The epoxy floors can be toxic or harmful only during the installation phase. That’s the reason it is highly recommended to equip yourself with personal safety gear before installing epoxy floors. Your body must be completely covered when you are working with epoxy.
The epoxy fumes can be toxic to the respiratory system. The symptoms of epoxy poisoning include inflammation of the nose, throat, and lungs, and irritation. Exposure to high amounts of uncured epoxy can also cause asthma. But once the floors cure for about 72 hours and are thoroughly cleaned, they are no longer toxic.
Is It Safe to Install Epoxy Coating Over Concrete Floors?
Did you know epoxy flooring is a little different from epoxy coating? In most cases, concrete floors are sealed with a thin layer of epoxy which is also called epoxy coating. Whereas epoxy floors are made up of thicker layers of epoxy solutions.
Many homeowners struggle to decide whether the epoxy coating is safe or not. As the chemical composition of the epoxy solution remains the same, the same risks apply to the epoxy coating as the epoxy floors. The best way to avoid the risks is to ventilate the room during the epoxy curing process and let it dry for about 72 hours.
Can Epoxy Flooring Be Carcinogenic?
Some chemicals used in epoxy solutions are known to be cancerous or carcinogenic. These solvents and diluents have either been removed or used in very little harmless quantities in the newer epoxy solutions. Once their risks were detected their usage has been widely limited.
Previously used carcinogenic chemicals include epichlorohydrin and diamino diphenyl sulfone (DDS). We ensure that none of the epoxy flooring solutions we use contain any of these harmful contaminants. Our experts recommend conducting proper research about these particular chemicals before purchasing epoxy materials. The safest way is to hire a legal complaint epoxy flooring company to minimize the risks and liabilities.
Pros And Cons of Epoxy Flooring for Your Home
Epoxy floors are extremely difficult to install and you need experienced professionals to handle the task. If you want to finish the process without making a mess, you have to do the hard work of finding reliable contractors. But that is the only downside of epoxy floors. Once properly installed and cured, epoxy floors offer a wide range of benefits.
The best feature of epoxy floors is that it is extremely easy to clean and lasts long. It can withstand impact, weathering, and high traffic. It stays intact at a wide range of temperatures and creates a modern and sleek look.
The Verdict
If installed under strict guidelines and properly cured, epoxy indoor flooring is totally safe for your home. Almost all of the epoxy resin sold today is considered safe for residential use. Inhalation or skin contact is unlikely to cause any irritation as there are little to no volatile organic compounds. The safest approach is not to inhale any of the fumes during installation and ensure proper installation until it completes cures.
Epoxy floors are gaining popularity day by day and that’s mostly because their pros outweigh the cons. Be a little more precautious during installation and it is perfectly safe for you and your loved ones.
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