Low VOCs and Radiant Health Saunas: What You Need to Know

Radiant Health saunas are crafted to deliver pure warmth, without introducing unnecessary chemicals into your sauna environment. Every sauna is built with unfinished Canadian hemlock inside, water-based clear finishes only on the exterior, and non-off-gassing materials for the heater system and floor. Because heat can amplify emissions, we select and test materials designed to maintain virtually undetectable VOC levels under sauna conditions. Our saunas conform to an A+ rating for French VOC standards. In short, the wood and finishes we use are chosen not just for beauty and durability—but for your comfort, air quality, and peace of mind.

What We Use, And Why It Matters

Interior Wood: Unfinished Canadian Hemlock

Radiant Health uses furniture-grade Canadian hemlock, kiln-dried to 6–8% moisture for long-term stability. The interior wood is left unfinished, meaning no stains, lacquers, or coatings are applied inside the sauna. This prevents any solvent-based odors and helps maintain a clean, natural environment.

Exterior Finish: Water-Based and Clear

The exterior receives a water-based protective finish to safeguard the wood’s surface.

Heater Fabric, Floor System, and Adhesives

Heater fabric: Nylon-blend cover designed for high heat resistance.
Floor system: Metal-composite structure tested in a heated environment to confirm no detectable off-gassing.
Adhesives: Minimal use of non-toxic, water-based adhesives.

Understanding VOC Thresholds

At Radiant Health, we take a precise approach to how we describe low VOC and no VOC materials. These terms can refer to either what’s in a material or what it emits over time, two different but related standards.

Content Standards (What’s in the Material)

France regulates VOCs in construction and interior products under the Émissions dans l’air intérieur labeling system. Materials used in finished products such as saunas are evaluated based on their potential to emit volatile organic compounds, including formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and other regulated VOCs. Products that qualify for an A+ rating must be formulated and assembled using materials that do not contribute to elevated indoor air pollution when installed in enclosed living spaces.

Emission Standards (What the Finished Product Releases Over Time)

The French A+ label focuses on measured emissions, not just material composition. After 28 days of chamber testing under standardized indoor conditions, an A+-rated product must meet the most stringent emission limits defined by the French Ministry of Ecology. These thresholds apply to the entire assembled product, not individual components tested in isolation.

When Radiant Health references compliance with French A+ standards, it means the finished sauna meets or falls below these real-world emission limits under controlled testing conditions, reflecting what people actually breathe over time, even in warm, enclosed environments like saunas.

Why This Matters for You

Clean Air in a Warm Environment: Unfinished interior wood and tested non-off-gassing materials ensure your sauna air remains pure, even at high temperatures.
Comfort Without Odor: Water-based finishes and low-emission components prevent lingering chemical smells.
Transparency You Can Trust: Our claims are based on measurable standards, not marketing language—so you always know what’s behind your sauna’s clean air promise.

FAQs

What Wood Do You Use and Why?
We use Canadian hemlock, kiln-dried and left unfinished on the inside to minimize potential VOC sources.
Does Heat Increase Emissions?
Yes, heat can amplify off-gassing. That’s why we use materials specifically tested for thermal stability and low emissions in heated environments.
Are Water-Based Finishes Always Zero VOC?
Not always—some water-based coatings still contain trace VOCs. We limit their use to the exterior only, where heat exposure is minimal.
How Can I Keep My Sauna Air Clean?
Keep your sauna area well-ventilated, avoid strong-scented cleaners, and use only mild, unscented soap and water for maintenance.