We are getting ready to install our flooring and just bought several rolls of GMC asphalt saturated 15# felt paper. There is a warning on the felt paper that there are cancer causing chemicals (I am assuming the asphalt) used in the production of the felt paper. Since we have little children in the house, I was concerned whether this is a problem, whether we should let it gas off outside for a while or whether there is a greener alternative? Or is this the norm and I should be less paranoid?

Thanks for any opinions on this....

Check into AQUABAR. We dont use it, but it may be safer for your application. The other guys on this site are more familiar with the felt, and the aquabar. Up here we just use wax coated paper.

Probably a little paranoid. It's definitely the norm, and just like anything produced nowadays, you can find "carcinogens" if you look hard enough. The amount of exposure required is normally off the chart, and then you have to vaporize it or get it airborne somehow. Just a company protecting itself because everyone looks for a reason to sue anymore.

That only applies to fumes if it is super heated or catches fire due to the bitumen content. By then your house will most likey be burnt to the ground. See page 4.

http://www.gmcpaper.com/resources/MSDS+-+ASTM+Felt.pdf

Thank you for the information. I just looked up Aquabar B and the datasheets says it's suitable for hardwood flooring underlayment and cleaner to use. Plus our local home depot stocks it. Does anyone have any experience using it as hardwood floor underlayment?

Thanks.

I use it from time to time. It works well. You should have no problems with it.

Thanks!