I have been using Polyurethane for many years with no issues with prolonged off gassing. I've also used Varathane, water based, but I don't like using it as a first coat due to it raising the grain but it has worked great as follow up coats with a Poly first coat. I still prefer the "warmth" of a Poly finish over the "cooler" look of the Varathane.

To get better penetration on the first coat of Poly I cut it 50/50 with thinner. This allows the Poly to get deeper into the wood prepping it for follow up coats. This is also a good tip if you choose to stain pine whether solid wood or pine plywoods. Pine is notorious for not taking stains evenly but this preseal coat eliminates that.

After the sealer coat I sand lightly, vacuum off any dust and follow up with 2-3 coats of straight Poly with sanding and vacuuming between coats. I then allow it to cure and off gas for a week in a warm area.
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BigT
There is a difference between ignorance and stupidity. The ignorant can be taught, stupidity is beyond our control.
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