Is polyurethane toxic after it dries?

Polyurethane is generally considered non-toxic after it fully dries and cures, which is why it is widely used on floors, furniture, and children's toys. Once the solvents have evaporated and the polymer has crosslinked, it forms an inert plastic film that does not release significant amounts of harmful chemicals under normal conditions. Oil-based polyurethane takes about 30 days to fully cure, while water-based polyurethane takes about 7 to 21 days to fully cure. After that, it is safe to touch, walk on, and live with. However, during drying but before full cure, it can still off-gas volatile organic compounds and have a strong odor that can irritate eyes and lungs, so it is not completely non-toxic immediately after it feels dry to touch. Dry to touch does not equal fully cured. Sanding dried but not fully cured polyurethane can still release dust that irritates lungs. Once fully cured, Minwax and other brands state their polyurethane is compliant with FDA regulations for indirect food contact, meaning a dining table with cured polyurethane is safe if food briefly touches it. It is not toxic to wear as faux leather either. So after full cure, polyurethane is not toxic, but you should ventilate during drying and wait for full cure before heavy use.