The smell of hardwood floor finish comes from VOCs, or Volitile Organic Compounds. VOCs are nasty carbon-based chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature – including xylene, toulene and even formaldehyde. Oil-based finishes are full of VOCs, and these chemicals continue to fill your house for months, even years after refinishing. DLV Flooring recommends environmentally friendly, water-based Bona Traffic finishes They're so safe that they've been certified by GreenGuard to be used in schools. While there is a slight odor, it is much less than an oil-based finish, and perfectly safe for people and pets.