Hmmm... check to see if the BLO came from China. If it has not then it probably is real BLO. I have not used BLO on my bowls however it is one of the finishes that I have the choice to use. BLO is one of the "hardening" oils that is, as a finish it does not sit on the surface of the wood rather it soaks into the grain and then begins to harden filling up the pores of the wood. BLO is people safe, easy to use, easy to store and does not generally carry any serious fumes.
DW