Thanks @SJ McCarthy. Sure hope it calms down! The Bostik GreenForce is being used everywhere (I reluctantly gave up on floating the floor, sob). But I stuck my face in the glue and didn't smell anything. Same for the planks of flooring. I smelled this odor the first day when he was first applying the leveling cement, so I'm almost positive that's it. Of course our GC and other tile guy doesn't smell anything strange (how do these people survive this stuff over time??).

I guess my fear is it's some cheap (and possibly toxic) material that wouldn't pass our strict Calif. standards. Something brought it from elsewhere. :-< Fingers crossed I'm just being paranoid!

https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/question/self-leveling-compound

Mentions a sweet, fruity smell from the SLC.

@ci_lantro, I saw that and it sparked WORRY. At least today it was a little less bothersome, more like orange perfume (still ugh). But at least my installer said it was not smuggled in from elsewhere! :)

There might be a reason why some people are able to smell this form of odour and others not. By the sounds of the it, the odour is very much like the odour produced by someone (usually a diabetic) experiencing extremely high blood sugars (ketoacidocis but it's academic name).

The ketones produce an odour which I liken to the smell of 'Tutti Fruiti' gum. It is a sweet fruity odour that can be over powering....to those who can SMELL it. Yep. There are people who CANNOT SMELL the overpowering odour of ketones. Amazing but true.

Once you can smell it, you can ALWAYS smell it. Those who cannot smell it, never can smell it. It is genetic. There is nothing you can do to 'make' yourself tune in to the odour. This explains why some people can smell the SLC's odour where the next person cannot (ie the installer).

As for the odour, remember that odour does NOT denote DANGER. Not in the traditional sense. Noxious VOCs are dangerous to everyone (some VOCs are NOT noxious...sigh...that's another chemistry lesson all together). To a chemical sensitive person, walking through the perfume department at Nordstrom's is a good reason to call an ambulance.

To a chemical sensitive person, walking through the perfume department at Nordstrom's is a good reason to call an ambulance.

That would be me! Well, not quite an ambulance call, but even as a kid, I could not get by those perfume ladies fast enough! I always enter through a different part of the store if I have to visit such a store. Thanks @SJ McCarthy, I figured there was a genetic difference, similar to light sensitivity (my DH can barely see a difference between fluorescent light and incandescent--our son seems to see and smell EVERY wavelength and nanoparticle!).

Thanks, too, for the reminder that odour does not necessarily equal danger. That is what I needed to hear! :)

Finally found out the SLC in question is Mapei Novoplan 2 Plus. Also spoke to the GM of the flooring supply store where my installer buys it. GM laughed and said the company adds a "grape smell" to the product to override the smell of calcium (? I didn't realize calcium had a scent?). I sure don't smell grape. It's rotting oranges all the way (I still taste it in the back of my mouth 18 hours later, ugh). In any case, he said he'd pass along my comments to the company.

I see the product claims two "green" certificates including one from the carpet industry (perhaps you can tell us exactly how valid these bonafides are, @SJ McCarthy? I see a whole lotta green labels being slapped on stuff these days!).

For a deeper dive, here's the product's Safety Data Sheet.

Mittens Cat...hi, did the smell ever go away?

Had same issue with this Novoplan 2 product.

Tested the room for VOC's and found high levels of Acetonitrile.

"Acetonitrile is a toxic, colorless liquid with an ether-like odor and a sweet, burnt taste. It is an extremely dangerous substance and must be handled with caution as it can cause severe health effects and/or death."

"Is acetonitrile toxic to inhale?Acute (short-term) inhalation exposure results in irritation of mucous membranes. Chronic (long-term) exposure results in central nervous system effects, such as headaches, numbness, and tremors."

Product has to be fully cured and dry before overlaying. Can take 72+ hours depending on temp. Once fully cured it should not smell anymore?. These contractors just don't wait and seems if the product stays damp under the flooring it continues to emit this smell.

Also the manufacturer is irresponsible to not fully advise of the smell issue if their laying instructions are not followed.