Products containing methylene chloride should be avoided when possible. 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. 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. A bathtub in our old home was reglazed a few weeks ago. Tenant and all occupants in the apartment hereby release Bathtub Refinishing and Fiberglass Expert. Proper ventilation and a proper fitting organic vapor respirator are an absolute requirement for DIY bathtub refinishing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. I am Gary Goel owner of the Professional Bathtub Refinishers Association. Quite naive of me. The Health and Safety Executive is our policing force that helps prevent the tragic consequences of injuries and even fatalities in the workplace. loss or damage resulting from reliance on any such information. The bathroom was small, and the door was closed due to restricted access to the bathtub. A great thanks to you to let us know about the fact. It was a cold day, so I went back inside. During this process, the holes and cracks in the bathtub will also be repaired. NIOSH work in this area only pertains to workers exposed when using stripping agents containing methylene chloride during bathtub refinishing. Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and would fully evaporate shortly after a project is completed. I have been refinishing tubs for 23 years. Thank you. Its in our best interest to devise a way to remove these coatings without harming ourselves or the environment. Its in our best interest to devise a way to remove these coatings without harming ourselves or the environment. Are Bathtub Refinishing Fumes Dangerous? I just bought this old house that has this beautiful tub if only it can get restored back to new. White advises keeping away fromcleansers likebleach oreven Soft Scrub. So, it presents no long-term hazard to the resident. It won't last forever, but it's a pretty good temporary fix. The guy who came to do tub had a fancy breathing mask that covered his whole face and tubes attached to his belt I was concerned when I saw the precautions he took but said it was no problem. Even if they come in a spray can unless you really know how to spray a cross hatch overlap pattern then you will have dry edges. In February 2012, a worker using a product containing methylene chloride to refinish a bathtub was found dead, slumped over a bathtub in an unventilated bathroom. You also want to keep shampoo bottles and other products off the surface, aswell as a mat with suction cups. Thanks for sharing such a helpful information. Theres no such thing as excessive safety precaution. Use long-handled tools (e.g., scrapers, brushes) to avoid leaning into the bathtub. I say this because his co workers where in the other bathroom working. There are exposure limits, but they are not based solely on how long a worker may be exposed to the chemical. I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects of such dangerous products. It was not difficult and required no chemicals; the refinisher evidently did a very poor job of it. When we find a company to do it, Ill be sure to make sure that there is plenty of fresh air. They were all exposed to open tanks of Methylene Chloride and cutting up bodies causing carbon monoxide. Does anyone know if I should be worried? 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. Pacific Reglazing | Bathtub Reglazing Experts What separates a good job from a not-so-good job is not so much how it looks, its the prep. I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects Bathtub refinishing of such dangerous products. PDF Methylene Chloride Hazards for Bathtub Refinishers We were told when we did it that it only lasts about five years and I'm finding that to betrue, she says. I have 2 small kids and an infant. I have been in hat business for 20 years. The odor and fumes were suffocating. Could you please advise, will this chemical leech into the water? Resurfacing with "Noxious Fumes" - Apartment Ideas - Multifamily Insiders Bathtub Refinishing Countertop Refinishing Vanity Refinishing Fiberglass Enclosures Wall Tile Migraine, dizzy, shortness of breath. I am linking an article from the Retro Renovation blog on safety that includes links to other sources on this. When is the best time of year to buy or sell a NYC apartment? If the chemical you are using is marked as flammable then you can be sure that it is not 100% MC. I was doing some research on tub reglazing when I found this article. NIOSH research and prevention efforts focus on worker risk, so we are not able to address this kind of exposure. Please do not use a torch either The fumes will kill use. 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/. I believe in situations like these, two or more workers would be present in the bathroom, when proper ventilation is impossible. The process commonly involves removing the bathtub's existing finish before applying a new coating, usually a synthetic finish such as polyurethane or epoxy. What to know about adding skylights to your NYC brownstone or apartment, How to evaluate different types of NYC contractor bids when you're renovating, New Yorkers moving out of state save more money on housing than taxes, 5 houses for sale in Margaretville, NY, a small town in the Catskills, 5 houses for sale in Sagaponack, the most expensive zip code in NY. However since Kevin was an organ donor, they kept his body on life support, in order to preserve is heart, liver, and kidneys. I take epsom salt baths and the salts are absorbed systemically. I wish they warned me and Id have had means to stay out of house for a few days. Surely the proper checks should be taken before the products leaves the factory. [Its] a great way to make a grimy, stain-ridden bathtub look new again, says. *By signing up you agree to receive occasional emails on behalf of our sponsors, Copyright 2009-2022 by BrickUnderground | PrivacyPolicy | TermsofService | AdChoices | Login, National Association of Real Estate Editors. All are members dread strip jobs.Frankly I dont know why someone would choose them. 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 such a helpful information. I didnt know that the bathroom fans and windows wouldnt provide the right amount of ventilation. The fumes were so strong that it gave me a headache and caused me to become nauseated. Really I like got very valuable information here and Looking forward to read your Upcoming Post. Workers often spray or pour a bathtub stripping product into the basin of the bathtub and then brush the product onto the tub surface. CDC twenty four seven. Thank you for the great information. Will these chemicals be leaching out of the surface, presenting a health concern from contact? Thank you so much! Pre-leasing now launched at 595 Dean St., the newest rental development in Brooklyn's vibrant Prospect Heights, The roommate dilemma: It's much more expensive to rent an apartment in NYC all by yourself now. My building was recently sold and our rent was raised by 100 percent. The restrictions on placing on the market and use is a consequence of many incidents with lethal outcome. No warning that fumes would make me sick. They yellow like crazy, and they are solvent based, slow drying so they off gas, and they never hold up. Or will we be ok?? I very much agree with you, that safety and health is a very important thing in our lives, 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? Lead poisoning is a serious risk for young kids. Thanks for your comment. Not worth it. This Northern California real estate agent is living the green Dream. Its good to know that if you have your bathtub reglazed, you much have proper ventilation. Fumes associated with bathtub stripping chemicals have taken the lives of those that did not follow the warnings on the product. We refinish or "reglaze" bathtubs, showers, wall tile, bathroom sinks and counters as well as . Scratching the tub would not release any methylene chloride vapors. How Long Does It Take the Tub to Dry After Reglazing? My puppy also is constantly licking the floor. Products with these types of known harmful ingredients must require special labeling with clearer health and safety warnings for users. Look for an alternative to do the bathtub refinishing. Delivered to your inbox twice weekly - for free. PDF BATHTUB REFINISHING AND FIBERGLASS EXPERT - Reglazing Los Angeles You may want to contact the Environmental Protection Agency or The Consumer Product Safety Commission. Hi, this is all so helpful. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. Thanks! We are sorry to hear about your symptoms. Thanks! Long story short, today my face is red as a tomato and I feel very unsettled and almost as if i drank 3 beer. Things just happen and when its our time to go, we go. As exposure increases so do the health effects, with a potential for suffocation, loss of consciousness, coma, and sudden death. My tub was removed from my home and refinished by a company here in Portland, OR. Should you refinish, reglaze or replace your bathtub? - Today I live in low income housing, a few years ago they said my tub need to be refinished. Effective ventilation would have to be ensured in order to shield the worker from toxic fumes of the process. The odor is still very strong and I am wondering how long it will take before I can go back in that room? The standard also sets a 12.5 ppm action level (AL) which triggers periodic monitoring and medical surveillance provisions. What that means is that at room temperature, methylene chloride will evaporate very rapidly, much more rapidly than water. I have stripped hundreds of tubs. Last night I went to bed with a headache, then vomited on and off throughout the night. But I keep on hitting dead ends. Reglazing involves stripping off the previous coating and sanding down the tub. Why can strippers with this ingredient be sold to consumers in U.S. hardware stores that do _not_ sell the full-face air supplied respirators that should be worn while using it? The fumes had traveled through the vent into her adjacent room. Your local health department may be able to provide assistance. 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. Some many companies and professionals are offering their services for the people for refinishing, repairing, remodeling things. Its not bad to ask especially if we dont know anything about something. Hi I have very sensitive skin, and covered in psoriasis and eczema. Stripping products may also contain flammable solvents and flammability may be a concern. Tub Cast Ekopel 2K Bathtub Refinishing Kit - Made In The USA - Odorless Material data sheets, now referred to as Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are prepared by those who sell chemical products. 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 . In September 2011, a worker using a product containing methylene chloride to strip the glaze from a bathtub collapsed in the bathtub and later died. Hello The most dangerous part of the bathtub refinishing process is inhaling the fumes associated with the job. Instead, many homeowners have the existing tub reglazed or refinished, which typically costs $300-$600, depending on the area and process. At high enough levels, it can stop breathing. Mostly problem is that it can broken. There are a few scratches and black marks from a previously installed shower door that was installed on the tub. Refinishing Porcelain & Fiberglass Bathtub Reglazing/Refinishing Service. Always wear hand and eye protection. We tried to open our window a bit. White advises keeping away fromcleansers likebleach oreven Soft Scrub. good information Gail Scott i agree with you . Tub reglazing: What you need to know about this affordable but stinky I have contacted the government,the union head [name removed], and the legal ombudsman but to no avail. Publication number 81-8b-2012, Successful bathtub stripping using sanding as an alternative to methylene chloride PDF Acute Lung Disease from Bathtub Refinishing - University of California Most tubs can be reglazed if they are not overly damaged, but the process is generally recommended for steel, cast iron, or fiberglass tubs. Methylene chloride cannot be smelled until the level in the air is higher than OSHAs permissible exposure limits (PELs). Thanks! If methylene chloride is used, ensure that the room is adequately ventilated during the entire refinishing process. thank you. Posts: 19. Bathtub Refinishing matters should be left to professionals to complete. After an hour again, I decided to take a ride to feel fresh air. I am exposing myself by soaking in this tub? Long-term exposure may cause cancer in humans. Brick Underground articles occasionally include the expertise of, or information about, advertising partners when relevant to the story. The epoxy coatings used to finish bathtubs can also emit dangerous vapors such as isocyanates when sprayed. I am concerned about having a surface that is toxic and that can harm my family in the long run. No one deserves to go through this heartache of losing a friend, due to a situation that could have easily been avoided. I wonder if it healthy & ok to use the tub for baths after a certain period of tome (days?). This is great information to share to hopefully make us more aware and careful. I would concenr it to home owners wanting to get bathtub resurfacing done. As my two other friends and I stood there over our lost brother, we could not help but cry, tell stories of our past together, and wish that he could hear us one last time. There is not any ventilation in the bathroom either. If you've been considering a bathroom remodel, then replacing an older tub might just make sense. Is it dangerous to any or all of us? He came home and seemed fine for a few days and then suddenly died. Overwhelming toxic fumes from renovations on a neighbor's apartment Also my bedroom windows are both open, and that door is closed as well. So, it should not present a long-term hazard to the residents after the project. This study is great for warning against the potential dangers. My business is in the UK, safety of workers is as important over here. Methylene chloride is extremely dangerous when not used properly, this is an understatement, but Im glad its finally being brought to peoples attention. 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. It was a small job, and I messed up with the paint brush I used, leaving lines in the finished product. She wont fix it since they are going to remodel in the future. The maintenance man telephoned 911 and then a second maintenance man. If you have concerns you should discuss them with a medical professional. Thank you for your comment. How to Refinish A Bathtub - DIY Bathtub Refinishing Thanks for your comment. 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. Contact me via e-mail njtragroup@gmail.com and send me your ideas. I am sleeping in the living room under many blankets with the balcony door wide openis it safe? Changing up your tub is a great way to give your bathroom a makeover on a budget, Visit the Solution Center to Explore Articles. Our blog focused on the exposures from methylene chloride to workers during the process of stripping the old paint off of the tub prior to refinishing. I am not an overly caution person, but I understand that in certain instances it is important to exercise caution. NIOSH work in this area only pertains to workers exposed when using stripping agents containing methylene chloride during bathtub refinishing. And if we can afford it, let the pros do their jobs. Im a Painting Contractor in Anchorage, Alaska and this is a really good post for me to see! 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. Surface Designers have been in business for over 20 years resurfacing bathtubs and countertops. The following recommendations on respirator use are in the NIOSH/OSHA Alert. Capital region housing in edmonton is the worst. This research only focused on worker methylene chloride exposures during bathtub refinishing. Coatings suitable for bathtub reglazing include: You can use these materials on several surfaces, including acrylic, ceramic, porcelain, and fiberglass bathtubs. 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 We recommend that you consult your personal physician about your health issues, and your local health department for assistance with the building management. Exposure to as little as six ounces of methylene chloride-based material has been enough to cause death. All the tips in the post are great. They hold soap scum, body oils, dirt, basically everything that comes off the human body will form a paste of scum. Great amazing blog post I really love such lovely blog posts. During the entire refinishing process, the room should be adequately ventilated to protect workers. I was weak though and shaking, felt faint and nauseated. Workers are exposed to methylene chloride by breathing it in and by absorbing it through their skin. We need to care when the baths are refinished. Alternatively, you can search on Methylene Chloride and Safety Data Sheet for a listing of various SDSs for similar products. I thought it would be a simple spray paint job. I understand the dangers of the application process, but what about the 2/3 days following the reglazing? Agree with your perspective. In workers with heart disease, an increase in carbon monoxide may lead to early onset heart attacks and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). thank you so much. I certainly will be approaching this much differently. 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? This may be an ignorant comment, so please accept my apology preemptively if so. She her nextwalked over to-door neighbor's apartment, where a team weari ng respirators was refinishi ng the bathroom with a spray-on resurfacing material and a chemical accelerator. My tub will soon be refinished and I am glad I have read this article. You should contact 911 and move to an area with fresh air (outside), or if possible open an window to let fresh air in. Its staff and technicians from any and . I think there are actually regulations on workers on how long they may be subjected to this chemical during a work day. Since Bathtub Refinishing can also be a consumer issue, another potential resource is Product Safety Australia http://www.productsafety.gov.au. ive found a majority of the time the diy kits people use never adhere well. I know this because the epoxy finish began peeling away within a couple months of daily use. That is a shocking statistic, At least 14 workers have died since 2000 as a result of using stripping agents containing methylene chloride during bathtub refinishing. They took all precautions and said the fumes were gone, its only a smell. Bathtub refinishing is very dangerous. What a great reminder to always plan for and wear personal protective equipment. Until the finishing dries, it is a good idea to leave the house. The company who gave me 6 year warranty has disconnected the phone number. Don't Replace, Renew | Surface Renew I dont know of incidents that may have occurred, buy you can never be too careful with peoples lives. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. When working with stripper or using solvents,acid,etcas well as applying your refinishing product.ALWAYS USE A FRESH-AIR SYSTEM..NOT MASKSmasks leak so they dont give the protection you need for long term exposure.I use a mask only when Im outside mixing or gathering my equipment when the job is finished and I should be using the fresh air system while I do that.Also cover your skinsome of these chemical will get into your body through your skin.Good LuckKeep yourself safe..DO YOUR RESEARCH. Our apartment building had the next apt tub realized these morons did this in winter and there was no windows open. In Europe, the use of paint strippers containing more than 0.1 % methylene chloride is allowed only in industrial installations with adequate controls to reduce exposure. Bathtub refinishing is a necessary maintenance step if you wish to improve the appearance and structural integrity of your tub. Usually coatings can be removed with a good razor scraper.sure it takes longer but it keeps me from using more harmful chemicals. We have absolutely no ventilation in our apartment. 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). Unfortunately, manufacturers tend to play-down the immediate and especially long-term exposure risks from degassing (fumes) that occur perhaps over the next month or more. I had no choice but to return home. Winter renters lose leverage, questions for condo and co-op buyers, & more, The allure of tax abatements, a Chelsea affordable housing lottery, & more, Co-ops may have some 'splaining to do, renting a penthouse, & more. What's included in a deal sheet when you buy a NYC apartment? Please let me know where to seek more information, particularly in the Australian climate? It is really shocking that stripping agents contrain toxic elements in them. Some will work but they require 24 hours of wet saturation and even then they require a lot of hard work. How do I know if this is toxic? The tub needs to go. 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 also worry about the health of those doing this kind of work. Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you. 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. Comments listed below are posted by individuals not associated with CDC, unless otherwise stated. My friends name is Kevin H. The incident happened Thursday April 27th at 4pm. Its thick, full-seal coating restores tub surfaces to a "like new" bright gloss. Specifically, typical mobile LEV units have a fan, flexible ductwork, and a hood near the tub that exhausts hazardous vapors to the outdoors. 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. But it's not just about looks. Perhaps this us not the case. Liners can leak and create mold problems. Based on this information, I think I can live with a less-than-perfect finish until we are able to get the tub professionally refinished. I hope many people will now be thinking at least thrice before making use of such chemicals. Thats perhaps the number one reason trying to DIY it is not advisable (kits are available, but just leave it to the professionals). The whole job will take around 5 hours after which you will have a reglazed bathtub. Finding a Miracle Method office. Need professional help with your project? 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. 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. I like taking baths, but will not do so in this tub now knowing how unhealthy it actually is. The NIOSH studies pertained only to workers who were applying methylene chloride directly, and we have not studied consumer-related exposure. It was heart breaking. Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and will fully evaporate shortly after the project is completed. If your bathroom has a window, set a fan near it pointing outwards; this will help move air and dissipate the fumes. 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. discovered that the fumes were coming through the vent in her bathroom. Bathtub Refinishing 101: Tackle This DIY Project in 7 Steps Provide local exhaust ventilation (LEV) and fresh makeup air to exhaust vapors released from the stripping agents in the bathtub. (Fun fact: You can make it any color you want, so if youve ever wanted a purple bathtub, that dream can be realized.). Half-mask respirators may NOT be used because methylene chloride may cause eye irritation or damage. Using methylene chloride products in a bathroom is extremely dangerous as bathrooms are often small, enclosed spaces with little or no ventilation. I have read many articles but this is different one. We're starting to see chipped areasThey're more in the tub than on the walls. 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. ), [Its] a great way to make a grimy, stain-ridden bathtub look new again, says Dan DiClerico, HomeAdvisor'ssmart home strategistand home expert. I hope many people will now be thinking at least thrice before making use of such chemicals. Why is this not part of a home inspection, when you move into a house, built in 1950? What if they put a horrible smell into the product that would alert the user before overexposure. Saving Lives, Protecting People, Methylene Chloride Hazards for Bathtub Refinishers, http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Research/Pubs/#General, http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/SWA, http://retrorenovation.com/2016/05/02/understanding-potential-lead-hazards-old-porcelain-enamel-bathtubs-sinks-ceramic-tile-any-age/#ixzz47UvHcM00, https://www.publicintegrity.org/2015/09/21/17991/common-solvent-keeps-killing-workers-consumers, http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/isocyanates/default.html, http://jwcpropertyservices.co.uk/bathtub-refinishing-dangers/, https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/indoor-air-quality-apartments, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. As a point of comparison, water boils at 212 F and has a room temperature vapor pressure of 17 mmHg. Whenever respirators are required to be worn, the employer must establish and implement a complete respiratory protection program that meets the requirements of OSHAs Respiratory Protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134), including proper selection, usage, training and medical surveillance (OSHA/NIOSH Hazard Alert: Methylene Chloride Hazards for Bathtub Refinishers, February 2013, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication Number 2013-110 http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2013-110/ ).
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