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Aluminum oxide finished flooring, it sounds scary and harmful, but really, it’s both very safe and durable! That’s because flooring with an aluminum oxide finish has a hard, scratch resistant layer and is often well-tolerated, even by chemically sensitive people.
Is aluminum oxide flooring toxic?
Aluminum oxide is a popular finish choice for hardwood floors. The truth is that aluminum oxide can be toxic and not a proper choice for a hardwood floor finish. However, depending on the circumstances, it could also be a totally safe choice.
Is aluminum oxide a good floor finish?
Aluminum oxide is a naturally occurring mineral that forms a hard coating which protects wood floors from damage. It’s the best choice for high-traffic areas because it’s resistant to scratches, dents, and scuffs.
Is aluminum oxide toxic to humans?
Aluminium oxides rank amongst the less toxic substances and only exhibit toxic effects in high concentrations. Inhalation of aluminium oxide dust should be avoided, but there is no evidence of significant harm to the lungs associated with the inhalation of aluminium oxide dust.
What does aluminum do to the brain?
Aluminum, as a known neurotoxicant, contributes to cognitive dysfunction and may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. The important reason is that aluminum can enter and be deposited in the brain. There have been three routes by which aluminum could enter the brain from systemic circulation or the site of absorption.
Is Breathing in aluminum dust bad?
Exposure to aluminum is usually not harmful, but exposure to high levels can affect your health. Workers who breathe large amounts of aluminum dusts can have lung problems, such as coughing or abnormal chest X-rays.
What are the dangers of aluminum oxide?
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Aluminum oxide fume. Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eyes. Symptoms of Exposure: May cause chills, flushing, fatigue, muscle and stomach aches, dyspnea, and nausea if fumes are inhaled. Dusts may irritate skin and eyes.
Are wood floors toxic?
Solid hardwood is a natural material and it is non toxic. However, its protective finish can be toxic. After installation of hardwood, hardwood flooring is given a protective finish. A protective finish can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when it is being applied and while it is drying and curing.
Does aluminum oxide cause Alzheimer’s?
There is no consistent or compelling evidence to associate aluminum with Alzheimer’s disease. Although a few studies have found associations between aluminum levels and Alzheimer’s risk, many others found no such associations.
What finish is best for wood floors?
What is the Best Finish for Hardwood Floors? Polyurethane is the most popular finish for floors. It’s tough enough to handle constant traffic and is resistant to almost everything. There are two types of polyurethane finish: oil-based (solvent borne) and water-based (waterborne).
Is aluminum oxide better than polyurethane?
Aluminum oxide is very similar to polyurethane finish, though it is more durable and lasts much longer. While polyurethane finish can last only about 10 years, aluminum oxide can not only outlast it by more than double the years, it is more resilient against scratches.
Is aluminum a carcinogen?
Aluminium has not been classified with respect to carcinogenicity; however, “aluminium production” has been classified as carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) (for further explanation, please see Effects on Humans, Effects from Occupational Exposure, Cancer).
What is the most durable wood floor finish?
Polyurethane is actually the most durable hardwood floor finish.
Can aluminum oxide floors be refinished?
Removing aluminum oxide finish is a difficult task, and is something that you will have to do when trying to refinish prefinished flooring. This type of finish is typically UV-cured in the factory and has usually 5-7 coats of very hard finish.
How does Aluminium affect the human body?
Previous studies have linked frequent exposure to high levels of aluminum to neurotoxicity (adverse health effects on the central or peripheral nervous system or both), Alzheimer’s disease, and breast cancer.
Is aluminum oxide safe to breathe?
HAZARD SUMMARY * Aluminum Oxide can affect you when breathed in. * Exposure to Aluminum Oxide can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. * Repeated exposure to high levels of Aluminum Oxide dust may cause scarring of the lungs (“pulmonary fibrosis”) with shortness of breath. This condition can be fatal.
Can you put polyurethane over aluminum oxide?
By balancing particle size and quantity as well as when aluminum oxide is applied, we’re able to achieve a visual equal to polyurethane with the added benefits of aluminum oxide.” He added Armstrong’s nano topcoat offers a wide array of benefits, most notably its resistance to staining and topical scratches.
What is the best polyurethane for floors?
Best Water Based Polyurethanes for Floors in September, 2021 Polyurethane 1 Bona Mega Wood Floor Finish Editor’s Choice Check Price 2 Varathane Crystal Clear Floor Finish Check Price 3 Minwax Water Based Poly Check Price 4 ZAR Aqua Check Price.
Can aluminum oxide make you sick?
Although aluminum oxide is certainly abrasive, it is also a skin irritant with a very questionably safety record. In any case, it is unquestionably unpleasant. If it gets into your eyes, it can scratch your cornea. Aluminum accumulation in the brain has been medically linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
What is aluminum oxide best used for?
Industrial application: Because aluminium oxide is chemically inert, it is the perfect filler for bricks, plastics, and heavy clayware. It is also often used as the abrasive component of sandpaper, and an economical replacement for industrial diamonds.
What are the signs of aluminum poisoning?
Symptoms Confusion. Muscle weakness. Bone pain, deformities, and fractures. Seizures. Speech problems. Slow growth—in children.
How do you clean aluminum oxide finish on hardwood floors?
Use a dust mop to remove the surface dust, dirt, hair and debris. Repeat this process once a week to keep your hardwood floors looking their best. Apply a cleaner approved for aluminum oxide coated hardwood floors to a soft cloth. Purchase a pH neutral cleaner that is approved for prefinished hardwood floors.
How do you clean a 40 year old wood floor?
Spray a small amount of hardwood cleaner directly onto the floor, then wipe the floor down with a dry terry cloth mop. Remember to go with mineral spirits if your finish is unsound. Avoid using a wet mop and always use as little moisture as possible when cleaning your hardwood floors.
What level of aluminum is toxic?
Levels above 60 µg/L indicate increased absorption, serum levels above 100 µg/L are potentially toxic, and serum levels above 200 µg/L are usually associated with clinical symptoms and signs of toxicity.
