The use of a respirator scrubber mask (gas mask) isnt complete protection. Thank for sharing about bathtub refinishing. thank you so much. It's a multi-step process that involves cleaning the tub thoroughly and sanding it to remove any soap scum or other particles, and repairing cracks or worn areasall of these imperfections will affect the quality and durability of the final finishing coat. When methylene chloride enters the human body, it affects brain function, such as concentration. White advises keeping away fromcleansers likebleach oreven Soft Scrub. At Specialized Refinishing, we have a team of highly experienced, certified refinishing and reglazing technicians who can restore and revitalize a wide variety of surfaces and fixtures in your rental property or before you put a house on the market. Today, my apartment filled with fumes, and I feel sick. You should ask the installer to check that the product was applied correctly. You should always wear protective clothing and use the appropriate safety-rated equipment whenever you are doing any household repair or remodeling work, and reglazing a bathtub is no exception. Brooklyn resident (and Brick Underground contributor) Donna Airoldirecently hadher tub reglazed, and she even scrubbed it before her contractor cleaned it. Thank you for your comment. If youve been considering a bathroom remodel, then replacing an older tub might just make sense. I am a first time user of the refinishing kit. Let the physician or health care professional know the specific products and chemicals used and the environment you were working in. How do I know if this is toxic? No one deserves to go through this heartache of losing a friend, due to a situation that could have easily been avoided. Its in our best interest to devise a way to remove these coatings without harming ourselves or the environment. I thought it would be a simple spray paint job. I have so many friends that are a part of DIY pages that encourage individuals to attempt these kinds of projects on their own, unknowingly knowing some of the real dangers. We also welcome your input on the prevention practices mentioned above. When I smell the tiles I can not smell anything but with my nose close to the bathtub I can smell a sweetish sour chemical smell. The fumes had traveled through the vent into her adjacent room. What is the difference between a muntin and a mullion and are they still used in windows? These instruments are non-specific and will measure other VOCs present in the area in addition to methylene chloride. Bathtub Refinishing Fumes - How To Protect Yourself - EzineArticles If you need to go back and make any changes, you can always do so by going to our Privacy Policy page. Contact me via e-mail njtragroup@gmail.com and send me your ideas. An apartment maintenance man entered the apartment to look for the man and found him behind the closed bathroom door, unresponsive, and slumped over the tub. This toxic chemical which is known to be carcinogenic is still used with no warnings of the dangers. Using methylene chloride products in a bathroom is extremely dangerous as bathrooms are often small, enclosed spaces with little or no ventilation. Also my bedroom windows are both open, and that door is closed as well. If safety is not enough to discourage the DIY Kits then maybe aesthetics will. He came home and seemed fine for a few days and then suddenly died. The specific effects of methylene chloride exposure will vary depending on several factors, such as the amount of methylene chloride the worker is exposed to, how long the exposure lasts, and whether the worker has a higher susceptibility (for example, having a preexisting heart condition). While a new tub can cost as little as $150, labor expenses for the replacement process can easily add $1,500 or more to the bill. And that tub refinishing is at top of my list besides them running heat too much. We are sorry to hear about your symptoms. Here's how to do it, How buying real estate in NYC is unlike anywhere else, A guide to using a no-fee renovation loan from a NYC real estate firm, How to make your NYC renovation more pet-friendly, From Boerum Hill to Prospect Lefferts Gardens: After years of renting, we wanted to buy a condo with amenities, What to know about buying in Briarwood, Queens, where you may score a house with a driveway and garage. However, products are more dangerous when they are sweet smelling, and as your article states your are already exposed once you smell it. We do not tread lightly, so I think we are a good example to work off of in terms of durability., Of the overall aesthetic, particularly the walls, she says: If you look closely, it's a little weird as you see the indent of the grout lines, but it's all one texture. I usually like to do things myself, but I think I will have to find someone to do my bathtub repair in concord ma. The odor is still very strong and I am wondering how long it will take before I can go back in that room? Sometimes, you may need to refinish your bathtub which requires chemical coating with special kind of brush or roller to an acrylic, porcelain, fiberglass, or cultured marble bathtub. My friend was in the bathroom for only 4 minutes until his co workers had discovered him lying head first into the bathtub, still wearing proper mask and gloves both of which in good condition. We have absolutely no ventilation in our apartment. If you feel you are in danger, you should contact your local emergency services for assistance. They know where people bathe. He was formally pronounced brain dead at the hospital, the same day of the incident. I have been refinishing tubs for 23 years. Thanks for the great post. Adults? NIOSH work in this area only pertains to workers exposed when using stripping agents containing methylene chloride during bathtub refinishing. document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address: We take your privacy seriously. These comments do not represent the official views of CDC, and CDC does not guarantee that any I hope the fumes and the tub return to a safe level. Which brand names or compounds should consumers ask for? I regret it so much! And Bathtub Aliphatic Acrylic Urethane MSDS. Follow the links to the Material Data Safety Sheet (MSDS) that the search will find. It feels toxic, but no one has instructed me to leave, so am I to assume that I am safe? It is amazing that I get over 100 hits per month on the article from homeowners who are fumed out during and after refinishing. I am a 48 year old single woman, who tries to do everything myself, and I am really concerned about how dangerous this is. He did it 6 years ago when we moved in. Great Post i appreciate this thanks for sharing this post . I have actually replaced a dead refinisher who has lossed his life stripping a bathtub. If this could be dangerous, government should put strict in purchasing this kind of toxic to avoid casualties for workers and even consumers. I smelled that horrible smell for nearly 3 weeks after he was doneeven my cigarette smoke couldnt compete. That is pretty serious stuff. Theyll also ensure adequate ventilation during the project, if necessary deploying powerful fans with duct extensions to exhaust hazardous vapors to the outdoors, says DeClerico. 21 people who I worked with at that time have all died,one very recently with cancer. This research only focused on worker methylene chloride exposures during bathtub refinishing. Find them at: http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Research/Pubs/#General I washed the tub thoroughly and have been using it since. We have had a terrible experience. When the door is closed for a while it gets very strong and when its open one can hardly smell it but that does not mean it is not there. 22 oz. DIY Bathtub Refinish Kit with SlipGuard in White I dont think I had the right mask on. I would like to know. Need professional help with your project? After most fumes and smell went away two days later i still had muscle pain and spasms all over, headache, very sick and weak, skin burned and stung, could feel it in my lungs. https://www.publicintegrity.org/2015/09/21/17991/common-solvent-keeps-killing-workers-consumers. Thank you for spreading the word on the importance of this! We are a BBB Certified Resurfacing company located in Houston, Texas. I did two tubs in old houses yesterday. Ive asked for a materials data sheet and nothing. Ive also learned that without experience or training, what may be simple in concept is often the opposite in practice. Most tubs can be reglazed if they are not overly damaged, but the process is generally recommended for steel, cast iron, or fiberglass tubs. Please do not use a torch either The fumes will kill use. My puppy also is constantly licking the floor. So, it presents no long-term hazard to the resident. If it is an occupied apartment, they have to sign a waiver that they will be gone the required amount of time. PDF BATHTUB REFINISHING AND FIBERGLASS EXPERT - Reglazing Los Angeles It smelled awful for days. When engineering and work practice controls cannot decrease methylene chloride levels below OSHAs PELs (25 ppm over an 8-hour TWA or 125 ppm over a 15-minute period), employers must provide their workers with full-face atmosphere-supplying respirators. During the entire refinishing process, the room should be adequately ventilated to protect workers. So how and why are these places allowed to keep doing that tub refinishing if its so dangerous?? I also worry about the health of those doing this kind of work. We do have pets and have young kids. As a result, most tenants moved. No warning that fumes would make me sick. It is the first time I visit your blog, but I was extremely impressed. (Removing a tub and installing a new one can cost thousands, and if youre in an apartment building, it might even require getting your downstairs neighbor involved as it may impact plumbing beyond your apartment. print Print. Lowering exposures, even below the PEL, is considered to be good industrial hygiene practice. I have never thought of this before! Hello my name is Kris I amthe owner at Tub Klass NJ. The fog was so thick and i could barely take a breath even with fans on. I now have a colostomy, urostomy,skin cancers and CKD(chronic kidney disease)with only one kidney working and that only functions at 15%. Just wonderful post, personally i am very interested for this topic. It got so strong it burned my throat and eyes. Since methylene chloride is a volatile organic compound that will evaporate faster when sprayed, brushed, or poured, the chemical vapors can quickly build up in small spaces. You may want to contact the Environmental Protection Agency or The Consumer Product Safety Commission. Our tub was just resurfaced today I was told six hours after they got done we could return to the apartment and stay the night just cant use the tub or take the tape off for 48 hours is that safe? Perfect for renters, apartment dwellers, and residential or commercial tubs, sinks, showers. Specifically, typical mobile LEV units have a fan, flexible ductwork, and a hood near the tub that exhausts hazardous vapors to the outdoors. However, during the refinishing process, it is not possible for us to guess what the airborne concentration of methylene chloride may be in your home without knowing how the workers will be using methylene chloride and how they plan to ventilate the work area and the house. But because were low income, we also do not get the luxury of telling management or housingno. Can you give me any help in researching to determine if the polyurethane/acrylic finishes leaches? Many post pictures but up close you cant see the brush strokes they leave behind. Its either not portable or cost prohibitive. I took a shower and a 3 inch or so came off. A person directly outside the door and 30 seconds could have saved our best friends life. Quite naive of me. And if we can afford it, let the pros do their jobs. Vapors from this liquid can collect in the bottom of the tub and cause the person refinishing the tub to asphyxiate or even suffer from a heart attack because methyl chloride turns to carbon monoxide in the body, cutting off oxygen supply. Refinishing is also the best option with antique tubs that dont lend themselves to relining. He wore proper equipment, however ventilation was not adequate. Their cost is at least twice as expensive as Miracle Method refinishing and can take up to 3 to 4 weeks from ordering to installation. One of the significant risks of refinishing a bathtub is exposure to methylene chloride or dichloromethane, which strips the tub and removes the previous glaze or finish. I wish I had read this blog before the procedure. The fumes are stronger fumes so we do not allow anyone to be in the apartment for 8 hours. Even with treatment, lead poisoning can permanently affect a childs development. ), [Its] a great way to make a grimy, stain-ridden bathtub look new again, says Dan DiClerico, HomeAdvisor'ssmart home strategistand home expert. My building was recently sold and our rent was raised by 100 percent. i come back again this blog, any way i think Usually coatings can be removed with a good razor scraper.sure it takes longer but it keeps me from using more harmful chemicals. Changing ones business practices and methods can certainly be a daunting task and a big decision, but in the case of methylene chloride and bathtubs it is an important, potentially lifesaving one. Concessions return to the NYC rental market as recession fears slow leasing activity, The pros and cons of buying a penthouse apartment, Racism and the lack of diversity in the appraisal business, Making sense of the NYC real estate market with Jonathan Miller, The Brick Underground Podcast: Predators in the NYC rental market, with Hannah Levintova from Mother Jones, The Brick Underground Podcast: Protecting against fire and floods in your NYC apartment, The Brick Underground Podcast: Finding a deal as NYC landlords pull concessions and raise rents, The Brick Underground Podcast: Trading your NYC apartment for a cheap(er) vacation. I blog often and I really appreciate your content. If you've been considering a bathroom remodel, then replacing an older tub might just make sense. We tried to open our window a bit. I just bought this old house that has this beautiful tub if only it can get restored back to new. I have a chipped tub that is built in with tile walls. NIOSH cannot provide individual medical advice. The following recommendations on respirator use are in the NIOSH/OSHA Alert. Needless to say, I was shocked, I am taken aback by the statistics. For consumer-related questions after the tub has been refurbished, please contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission. ive found a majority of the time the diy kits people use never adhere well. It was not adequately explained and we should have asked more questions. Remove the overflow plate from the tub and begin the caulk removal stage.Start by removing the caulk around the tub where it meets the tile surround. At high enough levels, it can stop breathing. So, if the concentration were over the PEL, for example at 50 ppm, the workers would exceed the 25 ppm average limit in 4 hours. Bathtub refinishing is very dangerous. NIOSH analytical method 1001 is typically used to sample for methylene chloride in a workers breathing zone. Exposure to as little as six ounces of methylene chloride-based material has been enough to cause death. 22 oz. If methylene chloride is used, ensure that the room is adequately ventilated during the entire refinishing process. Wearing a dust mask should not be confused with fitting a respirator with organic cartridges. Vanity of a tub isnt worth it. She is the recipient of two awards from the National Association of Real Estate Editors for interior design and service journalism. Its highly toxic Teri. Migraine, dizzy, shortness of breath. IT IS REALLY VERY HELPFUL FOR ME.I LIKE YOUR POST BECAUSE IT IS VERY USEFUL FOR ME AS WELL. What is this stuff? It is definitely a good idea to ventilate the area as much as possible to remove the residual vapors. We will never promote an advertiser's product without making the relationship clear to our readers. Use long-handled tools (e.g., scrapers, brushes) to avoid leaning into the bathtub. I refer to this CDC article a few times a month when answering questions from customers. Publication number 81-8c-2013. Methylene chloride is extremely dangerous when not used properly. After doing research on reglazing chemicals typically used for bathtubs, we found that it's strongly suggested to (1) not be in the home for at least 48 hours after the reglazing and (2) that leaving windows open is not enough, but you must bring in some kind of ventilation gear such as hurricane fans or powered tubing to clear the area out . Coatings suitable for bathtub reglazing include: You can use these materials on several surfaces, including acrylic, ceramic, porcelain, and fiberglass bathtubs. Methylene chloride cannot be smelled until the level in the air is higher than OSHAs permissible exposure limits (PELs). After working in retail for many years, my mother retired, began buying and refinishing furniture. I guess this is one of those occupational hazard jobs when doing bathtub refinishing. I think this should not be happening after 4 weeks but dont know what to do about it. For consumer concerns such as this you may want to contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission. I started reading articles and ended up reading most of the comments in this blog. What are the effects of being in the house during the process (for our pets) and after the process (chemical wise around our kids). Material data sheets, now referred to as Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are prepared by those who sell chemical products. Please take proper safety precautions, as well as warn others of these seriously dangerous situations. I am not an overly caution person, but I understand that in certain instances it is important to exercise caution. It is an odd sized bathtub so I did not even consider ordering a replacement custom-made. Bathtub refinishing can be very dangerous indeed, I have seen many poorly trained so called bathtub refinishing specialists using dangerous chemicals to refinish bathtubs in peoples homes without the proper ventilation systems in place and without using the proper protective equipment necessary. keep blogging~! Is that smell dangerous for children? Ive spoken with many other tub resurfacing company owners and employees, and most of them do not use or even own full-face air-supplied respirators. Its really awesome and very dangers take care guys Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and would fully evaporate shortly after a project is completed. Very good info. I have asked for the list of chemicals they use but have not heard anything. At least 14 workers have died since 2000 as a result of using stripping agents containing methylene chloride during bathtub refinishing. We have for years been trying to come up with a Stripper that will remove Epoxy DIY kits that do not have the Methylene Chloride but time is an issue. They take the dirt out but also take part of the glaze, he says. My apartment complex refinished nicks in tub. His death could have been easily prevented if he had simply had a co worker outside the door to verbally check on him every 30 seconds. A lot of times when a solvent stinks, you realize you need the right protective equipment and ventilation. Some refinishing products may last longer than others, as with professional-grade finishers and DIY kits. However since Kevin was an organ donor, they kept his body on life support, in order to preserve is heart, liver, and kidneys. Seek medical attention for treatment and evaluation. on the dangers of isocyanates in coatings and application hazards. This is great information to share to hopefully make us more aware and careful. You can also use your favorite search engine and search using the following key words: Bathtub Porcelain Glaze MSDS Patrick. (Fun fact: You can make it any color you want, so if youve ever wanted a purple bathtub, that dream can be realized.). Good to see so much effort going into bringing awareness to bathtub refinishing in Waltham. Contractors who handle bathtub refinishing or reglazing are well-versed in the health risks and OSHA (the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Association) guidelines for risky jobs like these, making it an easy choice to bring in an expert for the task. For consumer-related questions after the tub has been refurbished, please contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission. My head and stomach hurts, and I have a bad taste in my mouth. Its the very first time I call at your blog, however was very impressed. I had to keep the windows shut with the air on all night. My business is in the UK, safety of workers is as important over here. Mimi OConnor has written about New York City real estate for publications that include Brick Underground, Refinery29, and Thrillist. If you just bought a Mercedes, would you put a rubber mat on the roof? White asks. We do not have any information about leaching of polyurethane/acrylic bathtub finishing. I live in low income housing, a few years ago they said my tub need to be refinished. Whether your tub is refinished or reglazed depends on whether or not the old coating was removed before putting a new layer of epoxy or another coating. good cotent, i like it. There may also be substitute stripping products or methods however, please be aware that substitute stripping products may include other harmful chemicals or hazards, so use substitutes safely. And, are there any substances that are dangerous and can later leach into bath water and be absorbed by the skin? When is the best time of year to buy or sell a NYC apartment? It can and will save your life. Its thick, full-seal coating restores tub surfaces to a "like new" bright gloss. Its like trying to paint a car yourself. Thanks for your comment. I just rented a housing association flat with an unsightly, badly marked tub. There is a lot of toxicological information available on the Internet which can be found by joining the term MSDS with as specific a description of the product about which you are interested in knowing. My friends name is Kevin H. The incident happened Thursday April 27th at 4pm. thanks Ron Hall for such a valuable information, its horrible, why its still available in the market, it should be banned from the market. This is great information to share to hopefully make us more aware and careful. Thats perhaps the number one reason trying to DIY it is not advisable (kits are available, but just leave it to the professionals). There are exposure limits, but they are not based solely on how long a worker may be exposed to the chemical. Thanks for your comment. There is an incredible amount of data The only ventilation in the hours between the reglazing and now was provided by the slatted windows in the bathroom. Thank you! How Long Does Reglazing a Tub Last and How Does it Work I think this blog is very helpful in knowing about the bad effects Bathtub refinishing of such dangerous products.We need to know what all are used while doing refinishing.Thanks a lot for sharing. Brooklyn resident Emily Gilbert had her familys tub and part of the bathroom wall reglazed four-and-a-half years ago (read more about that here), and overall, is pleased with the results. And again, dont be afraid to ask. I say this because his co workers where in the other bathroom working. I thought it was re-porcelained but have just been told that it was refinished with a polyurethane/acrylic finish. If your bathroom has a window, set a fan near it pointing outwards; this will help move air and dissipate the fumes. I have read many articles but this is different one. We pride ourselves on the work we do and strive to provide the best quality service in the refinishing and resurfacing industry. Its generally a task best performed by professionals due to the hazardous chemicals involved. Thetoxic fumesreleased during the processnot only make your apartment smell bad. Even if you hire a professional, let the area air out and keep it ventilated after the work is complete until you can no longer detect any unusual or chemical odors. I certainly will be approaching this much differently. The blog is not designed to provide personal medical or emergency information. I have 15 years experience with bathtub refinishing and stripping. Traditional Spray Paint Style Refinishing has certain inherent dangers that you should be aware of. Now Im cleaning up the interior; its not in terrible condition, but it has a few chips and the surface is not as smooth as Id like. Thank you for your comment. NIOSH has continued to try to get the word out to workers and employers about the risks of working with methylene chloride. I think regulators should be aware of these dangers. Contact Us Today For A Free Bathtub Refinish Estimate Call [phone] or complete the contact form below for a FREE estimate! Pacific Reglazing | Bathtub Reglazing Experts The fact of the matter is that using a professional that is trained and well-versed in the safety measures of bathtub refinishing; is critical, and can not only protect the owners of the property, but those performing the job! I use a flexible flat blade scraper and then sand with an aggressive grit. Thank you for your comment. 9 Easy Steps to Refinish Your Bathtub | Lowe's They were all exposed to open tanks of Methylene Chloride and cutting up bodies causing carbon monoxide. As a point of comparison, water boils at 212 F and has a room temperature vapor pressure of 17 mmHg. ECO-FRIENDLY No Odor Tub Reglazing: Fumes-free and made without harmful chemicals, Ekopel's long-lasting, oil-free glaze never peels! Does anyone know what would cause the reglazing to peel and chip from the tub? Sometimes, its less expensive to replace a tub than to get it refinished, especially if its a rare type of tub made of an unusual material. My cat and I were both really sick afterwards and my cat has now passed on.no one told us to go anywhere else, my cat was unable to be transported anyway and so was I since Im handicapped. Hi, so I had my bathtub reglazed in March. Successful bathtub stripping with benzyl alcohol as an alternative to methylene chloride-based paint strippers You may want to ask the installer for the products safety data sheet which may have useful information on curing times and precautions. Thank you so much! My husband and I have been thinking about getting our master bathtub refinished so we will have to keep this information in mind. Hello My apartment manager refinished my bathtub about 2 1/2 years ago instead of buying a new one. Theres no such thing as excessive safety precaution. White is popular, but we can do pretty much any color you have in mind. I found out the hard way. MC is not flammable on its own. I think our tub would look so much nicer if we had it refinished. Right now, I am surrounded by vacant apartments, and the new owner is reglazing all of the tubs. She said if its not life threatening then they wont do it. Im not familiar with the Australian occupational health and safety system but you might want to start with Safe Work Australia http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/SWA . While bathtub refinishing is one I havent tried, I do know that in-home work with many types of cleaners, paints and strippers and adhesives is always going to be a concern due to poor air circulation indoors, and sometimes outdoors too. Long story short, today my face is red as a tomato and I feel very unsettled and almost as if i drank 3 beer. Thank you. Thanks for your comment. It hurt to know my best friend was no longer alive but his body stayed warm and breathing only by use of machines. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DRY SO NO DANGEROUS FUMES? Thanks for sharing, Im sure it will really come in handy. Those DIY kits are not cutting it. Delivered to your inbox twice weekly - for free. There is also a short-term exposure limit (STEL) for which the average exposure cannot exceed 125 ppm over any 15-minute period. The second method uses no chemical stripper but relies instead on scraping and mechanical sanding to remove bathtub finishes. There are a few scratches and black marks from a previously installed shower door that was installed on the tub. Exposure to methylene chloride can be lethal. Thank you for your comment. I have stripped hundreds of tubs. /box. I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects of such dangerous products.I think this type of finish should be banned.This is great information to share to hopefully make us more aware and careful. All are members dread strip jobs.Frankly I dont know why someone would choose them. You may want to contact Product Safety Australia http://www.productsafety.gov.au, who assists with consumer concerns like the one you posted. We are not familiar with the finishes you mention. Great information. Myown life was almost cut short stripping a bathtub and I was using the best Equipment money can buy but machinery or equipment can fail. While NIOSH research and prevention efforts typically focus on workers, worker representatives and employers, the readers of this blog may be able to help us reach the do-it-yourself community who can face the same risks. There is apparently limited research on this issue, but there are case studies of some children getting lead poisoning from bathing in an old bathtub that was leaching lead.