Growing awareness of the environmental damage caused by volatile organic compounds (VOC) has lead to radical changes in wood finish chemistry. VOC's have traditionally served as solvents to keep the solids that form the actual finish in solution long enough to make it easy to apply.  Then they quickly evaporate, polluting the air. Small amounts of VOC solvents may continue to release after the woodwork has entered the home, and these can cause health problems.

There are many new low or no VOC finishes available on the market. One that I've been quite happy with is OSMO Polyx-Oil, a blend of oils and waxes with the barest minimum of VOC solvents to keep the mix in solution.  It was recommended by a customer with chemical sensitivities who said it is one of the few she can tolerate. This and other low VOC finishes are available at Greenspace locally (see links).