I work in an office in a place that does a lot of wood staining/sealing. They do it in the back of the warehouse, and my office is towards the front, but the smell is really strong all the time.

Is it dangerous to my health to be around this all the time?
Should I look for a new job? Would an air purifier help?

I don't want to leave my job, but the smell really bothers me and makes me feel sick.

This might not be the right forum for my question, so please don't hate me.



Thanks in advance for your help!

Hi kimjewkes, no one will hate you for asking a good question, or bad question, here, although we do get some dandies as you can imagine.

Wood stain odors are usually not toxic, but you may want to ask your Plant Manager for confirmation of this because it should be posted somewhere in the plant. An air purifier in your own area would be a great help if you feel safer with one.

I've been reading on line that wood stains contain Volatile Organic Compounds. You can read about them here:

Volatile organic compound - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Maybe I can ask you for some other advice then.

I currently work for a very small business and the owner is open with us about his staining booth being illegal. (I believe it's not ventalated properly)

It did not pass inspection but the city made a mistake and gave him a business license anyway.

What can I do to force him into regulation?