Living an environmentally-friendly existence has become more popular and is now widely accepted. However, most Americans have no idea about the dangerous and toxic effects of something as simple as choosing a floor finishing product.

Bona, a worldwide industry leader in hardwood floor care, is committed to developing safe and sustainable products. It is also focused on bringing awareness to the dangers of acid-cured finishes (sometimes called a “Swedish” finish). What it has often found, is homeowners and contractors simply don’t have all the information when making a refinishing decision.

“It’s important that they know they have choices, and it can go a long way in the health of the home and the longevity of the floor,” says Matt Hudson, Bona’s Regional Sales Manager for the West.

Bona was the first in the industry to offer a full system of waterborne hardwood floor finishing products which are a safer, more sustainable option to acid cured. Today, the company leads the market with their Bona Traffic HD finish, which is considered the industry standard and the core of the hardwood flooring industry.

Bona’s waterborne products are clear, colorless, and quick drying. Most importantly, it’s a safe product that doesn’t emit toxic gases, meaning a family can still live in their house while the floors are refinished. The Bona Traffic HD finish is Greenguard Certified, one of the highest sustainable and environmentally friendly ratings possible. Bona’s products have been extensively tested with results that show its waterborne finishes hold up just as well, if not better than acid-cured floor finishes.

Acid-cured finishes, by contrast, emit harmful gases and toxins. While the initial dry period is slightly faster, it can offgas into the home for anywhere from two weeks to two months. When using acid-cured finishes, families, their pets, and all food (even what’s in the refrigerator) must be moved out of the house during the refinishing process for health and safety reasons. And for those who are fond of the amber-colored finish acid-based finishes offer, Bona has safe, waterborne sealers that can achieve that same look.

Bona helps educate contractors through its Bona Certified Craftsman Program, now in its 10th year. The company seeks out the best contractors in each region—people who are the best at their craft and who keep up to date on the industry trends and standards—and offers training, education, and networking opportunities.

The program also encourages innovation for cleaner, safer, and more sustainable floor solutions. Bona teams up with its Certified Craftsmen to troubleshoot challenges they face in the field. Many of Bona’s innovations are a result of this collaboration including its dust containment system that extracts dust from the floor sanding process and eliminates the need for hanging plastic around the home.

“There’s a misconception that it’s a dusty mess to refinish floors,” says Hudson, who helped develop the program. “It’s just not true. Refinishing a floor can be easy and straightforward with minimal dust and smell. And best of all, you get a beautiful floor as a result.”

Above all, the process of refinishing a floor is an investment that lasts many years. And at the end of the day, the decision is in the consumer’s hands. Bona is empowering homeowners to be educated on the sustainable, health, and safety impacts waterborne finishes can provide that far outweigh the cost of acid-based products.

For more information visit bona.com or call 800-872-5515.