For a floor to qualify as "green," having only the actual flooring be eco–friendly is usually not sufficient. All the other accessories that go along with the green flooring, like underlayment, adhesives, sealers and finishes should also be eco–friendly too.

Many floor finishes are made of ingredients that are derivatives of fossil fuels. Such products invariably off–gas VOCs, formaldehyde and benzene. The latter two are known harmful carcinogens. Try choosing a sealer with the lowest possible VOC content.

Check the composition of the sealer and try to avoid those that contain high amounts of the following:

• Aqueous ammonia which is liable to release ammonia gas which may lead to chronic damage to the kidneys and central nervous system and in some cases even death. Continued exposure to ammonia will also cause lung and eye damage.
• Zinc is often used as an ingredient that helps make a finish harder. Zinc can be hazardous and has a tendency to leach into groundwater. The US Green Building Council and many states in the US are striving to contain the use of zinc-based products because of its detrimental effects.
• Glycol ethers and Glycol Ethyl ethers are known to result in breakdown of red blood cells, cause lung and skin irritations, and could even lead to birth defects and reproductive damage.

Finally, select a flooring sealer that is packaged in a biodegradable or recyclable container.