Varnish, also referred to as lacquer, is applied to the surface of wooden and helps bring out its pure magnificence. And whereas varnish can enhance and protect wooden merchandise, it additionally has some dangers. When it continues to be wet, varnish is combustible. Varnish typically comprises formaldehyde, which poses a severe well being risk and can cause cancer, in keeping with the U.S. Environmental Safety Agency. The March of Dimes states that the solvents used in varnish might also cause start defects.

Poisonous

Extremely toxic, cabinet varnish poses a poisoning risk. Varnishes contain hydrocarbons, a mixture of hydrogen and carbon, which causes poisoning if ingested. Anyone who accidentally swallows varnish should seek medical remedy immediately. Ingestion causes a gastrointestinal disturbance and nervous system disorders. The sufferer might vomit, have abdominal ache, burning of the esophagus, bloody stools, low blood strain, heart failure, sleepiness, coma, brain damage and attainable death, states MedlinePlus.

Inhalation

Always put on a respirator and eye safety when applying varnish to a cabinet or sanding varnish covered cabinets. Sanding varnished cabinets creates mud that can also trigger well being and respiratory problems if inhaled. Inhaling the fumes or mud of varnish can lead to respiratory distress and pulmonary edema. It also can cause nostril, eye and mouth ache. The throat might swell, and respiratory might turn into troublesome.

Extra Dangers

Varnishes typically comprise benzene. Exposure to benzene can result in a buildup of the chemical in the bone marrow, fats and liver, in keeping with the North Carlina State Cooperative Extension Service’s webpage. The Centers for Illness Control and Prevention states that exposure to options that contain benzene may cause cancers reminiscent of leukemia to happen. Benzene in varnish additionally helps make the answer highly combustible. Always put on protecting clothes and gloves when making use of varnish to a cabinet as a result of it could cause skin irritation or burning.

Atmosphere

Some varnishes used on cabinets include petroleum-derived and artificial solvents. They pose a big danger to the surroundings by emitting high ranges of VOCs (unstable organic compounds). The World Well being Organization states that VOCs trigger smog to happen; they also have hostile effects on animals, plants, the water and soil. Some environmentally pleasant varnishes provide low-VOCs of 350 grams per liter. The manufacture of varnish that accommodates VOCs additionally poses a menace to the surroundings by emitting the chemicals into the environment.