loss or damage resulting from reliance on any such information. Use full-face air-supplied respirators, protective gloves, and other appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) that is resistant to methylene chloride during the entire refinishing process. Let the physician or health care professional know the specific products and chemicals used and the environment you were working in. I live in Newark housing and I have been there for 11 years and every 9 months they have to paint the tub and I have to stay in the house after they paint it and it keeps messing up can you tell me what should I do. I would concenr it to home owners wanting to get bathtub resurfacing done. 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. He was found unconscious minutes later and was rushed to the emergency room, several neuro tests where done and they all concluded the same thing.. Kevin had been brain dead before he was found on the job. We are in a rental and I had to stop allowing my daughter to take baths because its everywhere. 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. Eyes, skin and residual in clothing adsorbption can also be significant and detrimental. These comments do not represent the official views of CDC, and CDC does not guarantee that any Capital region housing in edmonton is the worst. Great article. The use of methylene chloride killed many people in the industry. Which brand names or compounds should consumers ask for? I will stress this to home owners wanting to get bathtub resurfacing done. Open the bathroom door and as many . These cookies may also be used for advertising purposes by these third parties. Cookies used to make website functionality more relevant to you. Avoid or minimize spraying methylene chloride. As far as we are concerned, 2k urethane systems should not be allowed in residential use. It won't last forever, but it's a pretty good temporary fix. Alternative products and processes exist for bathtub refinishing. However, the human body can quickly become desensitized to the smell and a worker may be overexposed even if he or she can no longer smell it. When the project is complete, you can take a relaxing soak in your new tub, knowing it was refinished correctly and safely. on the dangers of isocyanates in coatings and application hazards. The fumes were in her room not mine, i didnt know until i opened the door, we had put on the fan origionally for the smell, fumes came full blown after. Our apartment building had the next apt tub realized these morons did this in winter and there was no windows open. very useful post thanks for giving this bath tub repair information. Some will work but they require 24 hours of wet saturation and even then they require a lot of hard work. Keep up the good work! Reglazing a tub doesnt actually take that long to do. I attempt to lead a very clean life and avoid many commercial products (body care products, cleaning products, sprays etc). Successful bathtub stripping with benzyl alcohol as an alternative to methylene chloride-based paint strippers For consumer-related questions after the tub has been refurbished, please contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and would have fully evaporated shortly after the project was completed. If you are referring to paint strippers (which is what methylene Chloride is used for) one consideration would be using alternative methods, such as sanding. AND DURING CLEANING. Reglazing involves stripping off the previous coating and sanding down the tub. It took me a little bit to get used to, and while it doesn't look super cool, it's clean and an upgrade from the '90s pink tile for sure.. I have blocked the drain over night but it did not eliminate the smell. i come back again this blog, any way i think Your blog has provided useful information for the work. During the entire refinishing process, the room should be adequately ventilated to protect workers. Liners can leak and create mold problems. These cookies perform functions like remembering presentation options or choices and, in some cases, delivery of web content that based on self-identified area of interests. Great Post i appreciate this thanks for sharing this post . I use it in good ventilation and, if Im going to be doing much work, I use a respirator. Thanks for your comment. The fumes were so strong that it gave me a headache and caused me to become nauseated. I went outside after he was finished. To ensure their safety, the employees should have left the room immediately after applying the methylene chloride-based stripping agent to limit exposure to methylene chloride vapors. Step 1: Set up the ventilation system. Bathtub refinishing is being used more by hotels, apartment complexes and homeowners because of a housing downturn, a mortgage-meltdown, and overall depressed and depressing economy as a way to save money in their bathroom renovation. I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects of such dangerous products. My cat was crying and jumping on the door to get out. The past three days have been the hardest in my entire life. My head and stomach hurts, and I have a bad taste in my mouth. Thank you. Kimberly Evans. I thought it was re-porcelained but have just been told that it was refinished with a polyurethane/acrylic finish. For consumer concerns such as this you may want to contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission. This study is great for warning against the potential dangers. They hold soap scum, body oils, dirt, basically everything that comes off the human body will form a paste of scum. Hello Im Derrick I used this last night now this morning Im sick as a dog headache stomachache am throwing up I didnt use a mask. Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, palpitations, dizziness or difficulty staying awake require immediate medical attention. They were wearing some gas mask type stuff while they were doing it, but I have noticed even after spraying the fumes were strong; and I was outside when they did this. I certainly will be approaching this much differently. This toxic chemical which is known to be carcinogenic is still used with no warnings of the dangers. My little dog had trouble breathing during the night and I had to go to urgent care for a chest xray. But if we get together as a group of experienced bathtub refinishers I am positive that we can come up with a simple solution that will keep us safe. Thank you for your comment. Reglazing a tub doesnt actually take that long to do. This is great information to share to hopefully make us more aware and careful. We use a spray-on compound that hardens to a polished and durable, like-new finish. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. 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. It gives me hope to see that some commenters are specialists who are trying to recreate safer and more effective processes that will phase out use of this agent. What that means is that at room temperature, methylene chloride will evaporate very rapidly, much more rapidly than water. Ms. Scott thank you for your interest in our blog Dangers of Bathtub Refinishing and your question regarding how to assess exposure to toxic vapors. Pacific Reglazing provides high quality, affordable kitchen and bathroom repair and refinishing services throughout the Greater Los Angeles area, the San Fernando Valley, Ventura, Orange County and Riverside County. After reading this post I think I can live with those scratches until I can hire a professional. Migraine, dizzy, shortness of breath. It was not difficult and required no chemicals; the refinisher evidently did a very poor job of it. It hurt to know, the four of us where in a room together for what will be the very last time. We have absolutely no ventilation in our apartment. "My glazing lasted three weeks before it began to peel from a tiny spot in the center of the tub," she says. They agreed to resurface it for me as they would not replace it. I think they want things swept under the carpet. Also, you may want to ask the installer for the products safety data sheet which may have useful information on curing times and precautions. After the surface has dried, it is 100% safe to use the bathroom fixture. Thank you so much! Usually coatings can be removed with a good razor scraper.sure it takes longer but it keeps me from using more harmful chemicals. Exposure to methylene chloride can be lethal. Is there some disconnect between science, policy and legal enforcement? Superior heavy duty Reglazing. These instruments are non-specific and will measure other VOCs present in the area in addition to methylene chloride. Brooklyn resident (and Brick Underground contributor) Donna Airoldirecently hadher tub reglazed, and she even scrubbed it before her contractor cleaned it. I have one side of my nose feeling congested and post nasal drip and a headache. And Bathtub Aliphatic Acrylic Urethane MSDS. Follow the links to the Material Data Safety Sheet (MSDS) that the search will find. As a research agency, we do not have regulatory authority over the labeling or regulating on how methylene chloride is sold. At least 14 workers have died since 2000 as a result of using stripping agents containing methylene chloride during bathtub refinishing. Consult the OSHA/NIOSH Hazard Alert for specific information regarding engineering controls, exposure levels and air monitoring, personal protective equipment, worker training and medical surveillance. Is there any danger that the enamel could have absorbed the refinishing chemicals to be released into my bath water at this later date? You must ventilate your workspace to minimize tub reglazing fumes. However, products are more dangerous when they are sweet smelling, and as your article states your are already exposed once you smell it. The fumes are stronger fumes so we do not allow anyone to be in the apartment for 8 hours. There is still a strong smell in my bathroom espicially when it is hot and humid. Alternatively, you can search on Methylene Chloride and Safety Data Sheet for a listing of various SDSs for similar products. My building was recently sold and our rent was raised by 100 percent. Thanks for the post on this. When selecting a PID care must be taken to make sure that the instrument is equipped with a lamp that has the ionization potential necessary to detect methylene chloride (11.7 eV lamp). Provide local exhaust ventilation (LEV) and fresh makeup air to exhaust vapors released from the stripping agents in the bathtub. 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? I very much agree with you, that safety and health is a very important thing in our lives, Read more about our comment policy . Being relatively poor most of my life Ive always been a do-it-yourselfer. thanks Ron Hall for such a valuable information, its horrible, why its still available in the market, it should be banned from the market. Our research focused on worker exposures from methylene chloride during the process of stripping the old paint off of the tub prior to refinishing. Thank you for your comment. My puppy also is constantly licking the floor. The toxins became so concentrated in a short period of time due to lack if ventilation and confined space. They take the dirt out but also take part of the glaze, he says. Methylene chloride is extremely dangerous when not used properly. I say this because his co workers where in the other bathroom working. We were told when we did it that it only lasts about five years and I'm finding that to betrue, she says. Tenant and all occupants in the apartment hereby release Bathtub Refinishing and Fiberglass Expert. Other uses, such as use by professionals outside industrial installations or household use by individuals is forbidden. Thank you for introducing this sensitive topic in such a way I never thought these chemicals were so dangerous. 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. It smelled awful for days. I sure wish homeowners not use those diy Kits. Personally the bathtub reglazing odor resembles the aroma of a room after it has been painted and therefore the fragrance will keep within the facility for up to 2 days, this is not body odor we are . More needs to be done to protect the workers!. Does anyone know what would cause the reglazing to peel and chip from the tub? Rents an apartment with ventilation that mixes with neighbors and brings odors from adjacent apartments, Was subjected to highly toxic fumes from maintenance being performed on a neighboring apartment Suffered from effects of those fumes, and nearly succumbing to them You can refinish a tub yourself if youre a true DIY-er, but the new finish can look painted or different than the original color or texture. My tub didnt look.bad at all except for being dusty from disuse.maybe they cant tell the difference. 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. It is amazing that I get over 100 hits per month on the article from homeowners who are fumed out during and after refinishing. Since Bathtub Refinishing can also be a consumer issue, another potential resource is Product Safety Australia http://www.productsafety.gov.au. I cannot replace the tub without it being a major, expensive remodel. According to the Centers of Disease Control, more than half a million children ages 1-5 in the U.S. have blood lead levels high enough to damage their health. He came home and seemed fine for a few days and then suddenly died. 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. We recommend that you consult your personal physician about your health issues, and your local health department for assistance with the building management. The bath was not stripped just resurfaced with a very thin layer of the napco product paint. A lot of times when a solvent stinks, you realize you need the right protective equipment and ventilation. So, it presents no long-term hazard to the resident. Absolutely agree with this article. I do home remodeling in Dallas, and many homeowners want to try to salvage some tubs, which is cost effective for some, but certainly a chemical risk for the workers and I would think the homeowners need to be made aware of this type of chemical being used in their home. Thanks. Now its already peeling. If you know the name of the product that was used, you may be able to find it by searching on the Internet. I had my cast iron tub reglazed on a very hot humid day. I am unknown form this . As owner of a tub refinishing company we have moved away from polyurethane isocyanate systems years ago because of the hazards but, for educational purposes, we provide a dedicated page with links to various articles on our website explaining the dangers of isocyanate coating use in residential markets. IT IS REALLY VERY HELPFUL FOR ME.I LIKE YOUR POST BECAUSE IT IS VERY USEFUL FOR ME AS WELL. Until the finishing dries, it is a good idea to leave the house. Find them at: http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Research/Pubs/#General The Perfect Drying Conditions You should let the tub surface to cure for 24 to 48 hours. Thank you. I had my bathroom resurfaced including the bathtub 4 weeks ago. In our blog we state that methylene chloride cannot be smelled until the level in the air is higher than OSHAs permissible exposure limits (PELs). Dust masks do not protect you from bathtub refinishing vapors. Acid is then applied to deglaze the tub and/or tile, followed by a bonding agent or primer, and finally, a urethane topcoat is applied. It is the first time I visit your blog, but I was extremely impressed. My concern is whether it is safe to take long soaks in this tub. After an hour again, I decided to take a ride to feel fresh air. Why is this not part of a home inspection, when you move into a house, built in 1950? 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. DIY Bathtub Refinish Kit with SlipGuard in White. Thanks for sharing. What's the difference between jumbo and conforming loans? I would also like to issue one other caveat. I had no choice but to return home. It seemed like this article focused more on the concerns of MC and not ISO is there a follow up article that is just based on Isocyantes? It is now peeling off. ), [Its] a great way to make a grimy, stain-ridden bathtub look new again, says Dan DiClerico, HomeAdvisor'ssmart home strategistand home expert. Agree with your perspective. Wow this is kinda hard to believe that even a thing such as messing with a bathtub can be so dangerous. The health issues that you can face immediately and also in the future are not worth the risk. Does anyone know if I should be worried? Even with treatment, lead poisoning can permanently affect a childs development. Changing up your tub is a great way to give your bathroom a makeover on a budget, Visit the Solution Center to Explore Articles. I and my two other friends went to the hospital last night to say our goodbyes. We have had a terrible experience. However, you need to keep these essential health and safety considerations in mind whether you hire a contractor to refinish your tub or do it yourself. Thank you for sharing this useful information. What that means is that at room temperature, methylene chloride will evaporate very rapidly, much more rapidly than water. Hello The vapors should subside after awhile and you should not be able to smell the strong odor. I have 3 kids in a tiny apt in Brooklyn. I have 2 small kids and an infant. Mimi OConnor has written about New York City real estate for publications that include Brick Underground, Refinery29, and Thrillist. Is it safe to bath in especially for my toddler??? Pros will have the correct gear, knowledge of how to ventilate the space and protect themselves, and familiarity with the various chemicals used so you dont need to worry about keeping yourself safe. If those working with these finishes have concerns about their health they can request a Health Hazard Evaluation from NIOSH at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/. and it was very helpful for people, In addition to the hazards of strippers, old porcelain bathtubs, sinks and tiles manufactured before the mid-1990s could also have lead in the glaze, which could leach into bathwater, or if sanded or scraped could form a dust that if ingested by young children (who touch it with bare skin) could cause lead poisoning. Thats perhaps the number one reason trying to DIY it is not advisable (kits are available, but just leave it to the professionals). Im positing now with the hope it may influence one decision. Thank you for your comment. Some healthcare providers specialize in assessing environmental exposures (see http://www.aoec.org/index.htm). Stay safe! Hover Image to Zoom. Vanity of a tub isnt worth it. This research only focused on worker methylene chloride exposures during bathtub refinishing. Maybe others reading this blog will be able to help point you in the right direction. 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. Heart attacks may occur even before any other symptoms of methylene chloride exposure occur. Employers must ensure that workers are not exposed to levels above OSHAs permissible exposure limits (PELs) of 25 parts per million (ppm) over an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) and 125 ppm over any 15-minute period (short-term exposure limit or STEL) (29 CFR 1910.1052(c)). When there is not a properly designed local exhaust ventilation system to remove vapors, the workers should have used full-face supplied-air respirators, protective gloves, and other appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) that is resistant to methylene chloride during the entire refinishing process. If you are considering refinishing your bathtub or shower, click on Find a Location or call our toll free locator number, 1-888-271-7690 . The Environmental Protection Agency provides general information and resources on indoor air quality in apartments, see https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/indoor-air-quality-apartments. We had one bathtub redone in our old house a few years ago but I think they just re-coated it. Why? 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. Wearing a dust mask should not be confused with fitting a respirator with organic cartridges. So, it presents no long-term hazard to the resident. thank you so much. Thank you for taking the time to confirm your preferences. 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. theyre dangerous if not dealt with properly. Never stay where resurfacing is being done. As a point of comparison, water boils at 212 F and has a room temperature vapor pressure of 17 mmHg. Thanks for sharing such a helpful information. So glad I read this. If you feel you are in danger, you should contact your local emergency services for assistance. We do not have any information about the paint chips that are peeling off of your refinished bathtub. Ask Sam: I saw my apartment on a listing site, but I havent received any notice from my landlord. (before we had kids). If youre nervous, leaving your apartment for the duration of the job is always an option. Bathtub Refinishing matters should be left to professionals to complete. Methylene chlorides boiling point is just over 100 F, and has a vapor pressure of 350 mmHg. The fog was so thick and i could barely take a breath even with fans on. This bathtub renovation option goes by many names resurfacing, recoating, refinishing or reglazing but has a pretty straightforward process. The home I purchased a few years ago came with cast iron bathtub and ceramic tile walls that had been covered with a 2-step epoxy finish. I live in a small one bedroom apartment and I just had my tub resurfaced. So, once workers can smell methylene chloride they are already being overexposed.. Refinishing a bathtub is a fraction of the cost to replace your bathtub (around $2,900), so if youre at all hesitant about your DIY skills, hiring a pro is a somewhat small price to pay for your health and safety. Keep posting as I am gonna come to read it everyday! I would really like some reassurance. My apartment manager refinished my bathtub about 2 1/2 years ago instead of buying a new one. But if we ever have it done again, I will definitely check to be sure its a safe process for the workers AND the homeowners. No warning that fumes would make me sick. For consumer-related questions after the tub has been refurbished, please contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission. That is really great to know. 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. We work a lot with paints and try to stay abreast of the dangers when working with chemicals, solvents and paint compounds. My heart goes out to those who lost friends and/or loved ones due to CM. I manage a home related business in Australia and we are often exposed to applications that we are unsure of what dangers we could be exposed to. I took a shower and a 3 inch or so came off. Step 2: Clean the Tub Thoroughly Step 3: Protect Areas Around the Tub Step 4: Remove the Glaze Step 5: Sand the Surface Step 6: Prep the Surface for Glaze Application They take the dirt out but also take part of the glaze, he says. I use a flexible flat blade scraper and then sand with an aggressive grit. Thank you! I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects of such dangerous products. If the job is not done right it starts to peel, he says. Are these chemicals only toxic while being applied, or can they still be harmful later as used? I stripped the lead paint off the outside of an old cast iron tub using a low-VOC paint stripper suitable for lead paint, and then primed and painted the exterior. Bathtub refinishing is very dangerous. Thank for sharing about bathtub refinishing. If proper ventilation is not possible, there needs to be a supervisor on watch in the room, or at least directly outside the door, ready to open immediately if the worker inside does not verbally respond to continuous 30 second verbal safety checks. Using methylene chloride products in a bathroom is extremely dangerous as bathrooms are often small, enclosed spaces with little or no ventilation.