The paint in the bath tub is pealing off after one use. Im a Painting Contractor in Anchorage, Alaska and this is a really good post for me to see! I cannot replace the tub without it being a major, expensive remodel. This is a moderated site and your comments will be reviewed before they are posted. 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. Really I like got very valuable information here and Looking forward to read your Upcoming Post. For consumer-related questions after the tub has been refurbished, please contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Bathtub Refinishing matters should be left to professionals to complete. I already have cancer, my throat was raw and I had a headache. Thanks for the great post. I think this type of finish should be banned. I took a shower and a 3 inch or so came off. If youre nervous, leaving your apartment for the duration of the job is always an option. I had a tub refinished with epoxy that had a bad smell, but nothing like this. *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. We have absolutely no ventilation in our apartment. 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 . If the vapor smell continues and is persistent you should call a safety and health professional to evaluate the area. The fumes are strong in the bathroom so I have the bathroom door closed, vent on. We are sorry to hear about your health issues. If your bathtub is on the older side, then youll need to determine whether its worthwhile to refinish or reglaze it or just replace it altogether. 22 oz. I wish they warned me and Id have had means to stay out of house for a few days. The use of a respirator scrubber mask (gas mask) isnt complete protection. The following recommendations on respirator use are in the NIOSH/OSHA Alert. Keep posting as I am gonna come to read it everyday! Thanks to those whoever posted this article. The Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention (SHARP) program at the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries has profiled two businesses that successfully strip bathtubs without MC. If the chemical you are using is marked as flammable then you can be sure that it is not 100% MC. A bathtub replacement can cost around $2,900 on average and may add value to your property. The prep is the most important part of the job, says White. I have 2 small kids and an infant. My tub didnt look.bad at all except for being dusty from disuse.maybe they cant tell the difference. It is a less costly alternative to replacing a bathtub; however, the process often involves the use of hazardous chemicals including methylene chloride, acids, and isocyanates. However, we have shared the findings of this work and made recommendations to manufacturers and with agencies that may have regulatory/legal authority, including those with oversight beyond the workplace. Thanks! 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. Bare minimum, the ventilation should meet some requirements, and homeowners should HAVE to LEAVE THE HOUSE for 3 days. 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 3 kids in a tiny apt in Brooklyn. Lead poisoning is a serious risk for young kids. Resurfacing is when we paint the counters, cabinets or tubs. I and my two other friends went to the hospital last night to say our goodbyes. Refinishing a tub consists of applying a new chemical coating with a special brush or roller to an acrylic, porcelain, fiberglass, or cultured marble bathtub without removing the old layer first. Thetoxic fumesreleased during the processnot only make your apartment smell bad, theyre dangerous if not dealt with properly. Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, palpitations, dizziness or difficulty staying awake require immediate medical attention. I live in low income housing, a few years ago they said my tub need to be refinished. Im also dealing with such kinds of things because Im a plumber by profession. Our apartment filled with these toxic fumes. If you know the name of the product that was used, you may be able to find it by searching on the Internet. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DRY SO NO DANGEROUS FUMES? So how and why are these places allowed to keep doing that tub refinishing if its so dangerous?? (Airoldi'scontractor brought a fan and blew air out the bathroom window, and she was home during the job, but didn't find the smell intolerable.). As a research agency, we do not have regulatory authority over the labeling or regulating on how methylene chloride is sold. The toxins became so concentrated in a short period of time due to lack if ventilation and confined space. What is an escalation clause and what are the risks? Its staff and technicians from any and . 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. 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. So, it presents no long-term hazard to the resident. Alternatively, you can search on Methylene Chloride and Safety Data Sheet for a listing of various SDSs for similar products. Dust masks do not protect you from bathtub refinishing vapors. Changing up your tub is a great way to give your bathroom a makeover on a budget, Visit the Solution Center to Explore Articles. Thanks for your comment. Sad to hear, but at least proves to me that I was right! Thats why we see it a lot in historic neighborhoods.. Posts: 19. 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. Patrick. I am concerned about having a surface that is toxic and that can harm my family in the long run. Methylene chloride is extremely dangerous when not used properly. Im going to book mark your blog and keep checking for new information about once per week. Of course I wont be using it for a good week or so just to be safe, but I dont even use bleach or Flash to clean my tub because of the chemicals getting into the bathwater; even rinsing thoroughly. Your blog has provided useful information for the work. Why is this not part of a home inspection, when you move into a house, built in 1950? What are the effects of being in the house during the process (for our pets) and after the process (chemical wise around our kids). Awsome and useful informations too, thanks for sharing this educational post! My puppy also is constantly licking the floor. 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. Its thick, full-seal coating restores tub surfaces to a "like new" bright gloss. Thank you for your comment. 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. Traditional Spray Paint Style Refinishing has certain inherent dangers that you should be aware of. Refinishing Porcelain & Fiberglass Bathtub Reglazing/Refinishing Service. Another interest in re-glazing is being fueled by informed masses who have shown a continued interest in "greening" their homes, particularly in making them more . Melissa. But two days later it still bothers me. Thanks if you reply. NIOSH cannot provide individual medical advice. If you feel you are in danger, you should contact your local emergency services for assistance. I think they want things swept under the carpet. White uses a portable fume exhauster, and HVLP, or high-volume, low-pressure sprayers, which produce less overspray. 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. We would appreciate your assistance in circulating the information in this blog and the Hazard Alert to those involved in bathtub refinishing. 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. According to OSHA, you must also provide local exhaust ventilation and make-up air to replace the vapors removed by the exhaust. My little dog had trouble breathing during the night and I had to go to urgent care for a chest xray. Long-term exposure may cause cancer in humans. UNTIL RE-GLAZED? It can and will save your life. Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and will fully evaporate shortly after the project is completed. Effective ventilation would have to be ensured in order to shield the worker from toxic fumes of the process. Is there some disconnect between science, policy and legal enforcement? What's the difference between jumbo and conforming loans? Did you know that the fumes from the chemical used to refinish or reglaze your bathtub can be hazardous to your health? However, products are more dangerous when they are sweet smelling, and as your article states your are already exposed once you smell it. How can -re-glazers be allowed to do this line of work if it is dangerous to everyone involved? Its like trying to paint a car yourself. thank you so much. share Share. Reglazing involves stripping off the previous coating and sanding down the tub. Thanks for sharing. Bathtub Refinishing Countertop Refinishing Vanity Refinishing Fiberglass Enclosures Wall Tile 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. See the NIOSH topic page dedicated to occupational safety and health hazards associated with Isocyanates (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/isocyanates/default.html). We understand the importance of protecting ourselves, the environment and most importantly our customers. 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. We will never promote an advertiser's product without making the relationship clear to our readers. 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. Dont do it if you have to stay in your home immediately after. We cannot provide individual medical advice on the NIOSH Science Blog, but we suggest that you see a doctor. Its really awesome and very dangers take care guys A person directly outside the door and 30 seconds could have saved our best friends life. refinish or reglaze it or just replace it altogether. What is the LEAST TOXIC alternative for bathtub reglazing? (Fun fact: You can make it any color you want, so if youve ever wanted a purple bathtub, that dream can be realized.). I worked at [Company name removed] for 14years. The use of methylene chloride killed many people in the industry. (273) Questions & Answers (148) +3. During the entire refinishing process, the room should be adequately ventilated to protect workers. Your new bathroom's finish won't have any . Proper ventilation and a proper fitting organic vapor respirator are an absolute requirement for DIY bathtub refinishing. 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. It feels toxic, but no one has instructed me to leave, so am I to assume that I am safe? Thanks for sharing such a helpful information. I would also like to issue one other caveat. TENANT INSTRUCTIONS: . Seek medical attention for treatment and evaluation. Also my bedroom windows are both open, and that door is closed as well. All are members dread strip jobs.Frankly I dont know why someone would choose them. After an hour again, I decided to take a ride to feel fresh air. Keep up the good work! We recommend that you consult your personal physician about your health issues, and your local health department for assistance with the building management. Its not bad to ask especially if we dont know anything about something. I am exposing myself by soaking in this tub? NIOSH work in this area only pertains to workers exposed when using stripping agents containing methylene chloride during bathtub refinishing. I think this type of finish should be banned. I think there should be more regulation on access to such chemicals and certainly there should be stringent training laws in place when it comes to using such chemicals. Its used to strip paint and varnish from furniture which will be refinished. 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. As far as we are concerned, 2k urethane systems should not be allowed in residential use. After working in retail for many years, my mother retired, began buying and refinishing furniture. It is often referred to as dichloromethane and has many industrial uses, such as paint stripping, metal cleaning, and degreasing. 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. My Landlord is planning on re glazing our tub and we are leaving for the weekend. Especially if chosen to be done in small places like a bathroom. A bathtub replacement can cost around $2,900 on average and may add value to your property. For example, if you have a beautiful clawfoot tub made from heavy cast iron, refinishing is absolutely the way to go. Thank you so much! Avoid use of methylene chloride or minimize the amount of methylene chloride used at each site. But the air looked pretty fume filled to me This is a nightmare for someone with my health issues! So, it presents no long-term hazard to the resident. If the area is poorly ventilated (which is common in bathrooms) or the person doing the work isnt wearing the appropriate protective gear, they could stop breathing, or worsemethyl chloride has an effect similar to carbon monoxide poisoning. Thanks for sharing. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. Thank you. Follow all applicable OSHA standards, including the Methylene Chloride standard (. I will stress this to home owners wanting to get bathtub resurfacing done. His go-to isScrubbing Bubbles. Qualified pros will have all the necessary protective gear, including coveralls and masks with HEPA air filters. Prolonged skin contact may cause irritation and even chemical burns. These cookies may also be used for advertising purposes by these third parties. Thanks for your comment. Thank you! I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects Bathtub refinishing of such dangerous products. 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. Use long-handled tools (e.g., scrapers, brushes) to avoid leaning into the bathtub. "My glazing lasted three weeks before it began to peel from a tiny spot in the center of the tub," she says. Bathtub refinishing fumes are most certainly dangerous during the application process and immediate curing process. OSHAs Methylene Chloride standard (29 CFR 1910.1052) requires employers to test the air to determine the concentration of methylene chloride present in the air when a product containing methylene chloride is used (29 CFR 1910.1052(d)). The fumes were so strong that it gave me a headache and caused me to become nauseated. This is in Australia. Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and would have fully evaporated shortly after the project was completed. Not sure if it can come through the walls. 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. It is really shocking that stripping agents contrain toxic elements in them. This post is so informative and makes a very nice image on the topic in my mind. Thank for sharing about bathtub refinishing. 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. The odor and fumes were suffocating. 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 gave my 2 year old a bath a little more came off. 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. It smelled awful for days. Is it safe to bath in especially for my toddler??? Finding a Miracle Method office. Bathtubs should be refinished every seven to 10 years, or more frequently if there is significant damage, stained, or you (or your homes previous owners) havent been cleaning your bathtub the right way. We are not familiar with the finishes you mention. Methylene chloride, a chlorinated solvent, is a volatile, colorless liquid with a sweet-smelling odor. It got so strong it burned my throat and eyes. very good and helpful post thanks to author. Ive read some incredible information in this article. Delivered to your inbox twice weekly - for free. So, it should not present a long-term hazard to the resident and pets after the project is completed. They yellow like crazy, and they are solvent based, slow drying so they off gas, and they never hold up. I am a first time user of the refinishing kit. You may want to contact Product Safety Australia http://www.productsafety.gov.au, who assists with consumer concerns like the one you posted. Superior heavy duty Reglazing. HOPING THE SAME FINEST OPERATE IN THE UP COMING DAYS ALSO. A lot of times when a solvent stinks, you realize you need the right protective equipment and ventilation. There is an incredible amount of data Read more about our comment policy . Adults? We are inconsolable. Always check product labels and safety data sheets to understand the recommended and required precautions. 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. Sometimes, it's less expensive to replace a tub than to get it refinished, especially if it's a rare type of tub made of an unusual material. I stayed home all day, working around the house because there were two workers and didnt want to leave strangers in my home. My friend was left to work alone in the small enclosed space, with out supervision. What's included in a deal sheet when you buy a NYC apartment? And if we can afford it, let the pros do their jobs. If you have concerns you should discuss them with a medical professional. Thank you for spreading the word on the importance of this! This is horrible People please do not use these DIY kits. I am thankful to those who began to get the word out to the general public, you have certainly saved lives by doing so. Perfect for renters, apartment dwellers, and residential or commercial tubs, sinks, showers. The apt right next to me was just resurfaced and the chemicals came through the air vents. The NIOSH studies pertained only to workers who were applying methylene chloride directly, and we have not studied consumer-related exposure. Is it safe to stay???? Almost every technical field has harmful effects but its on the company or professional person that how they can deal with it. My building was recently sold and our rent was raised by 100 percent. I wonder if it healthy & ok to use the tub for baths after a certain period of tome (days?). I didnt think too much about it. Follow good housekeeping measures, including spill and leak control and appropriate personal hygiene practices (such as making skin washing areas available to workers). I only use stripper when absolutely necessary. I repaired the tile finish as best I could and covered it with 123 primer and latex kitchen/bath paint by mohair brush. Perhaps this us not the case. If methylene chloride was used to strip the old paint off of the tub prior to refinishing (the focus of our blog), it is a volatile liquid and would have fully evaporated shortly after the project was completed. But because were low income, we also do not get the luxury of telling management or housingno. Hovering over a bathtub, unprotected, while stripping it would overtake anyone in a very short amount of time. 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. The Centers for Disease Control has more information on lead hazards on their web site. I will always do the research beforehand going forward. good information Gail Scott i agree with you . 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. I have an article on my site entitled Are Bathtub Refinishing Fumes Dangerous. She refinished furniture in our garage. Brooklyn resident Emily Gilbert had her familys tub and part of the bathroom wall reglazed four-and-a-half years ago (, Moving to NYC after college? When we find a company to do it, Ill be sure to make sure that there is plenty of fresh air. I went to clean out the tub to take another shower myself and by just barely cleaning it a whole bunch of paint came off, like over a foot and I was just barely scrubbing! Step 1: Set up the ventilation system. We are a BBB Certified Resurfacing company located in Houston, Texas. My friends name is Kevin H. The incident happened Thursday April 27th at 4pm. Products containing methylene chloride should be avoided when possible. I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects of such dangerous products. Without a thorough investigation of the respirator, process used, and procedures it would be hard to identify the source of this adverse effect. I thought it would be a simple spray paint job. He wore proper equipment, however ventilation was not adequate. loss or damage resulting from reliance on any such information. He did it 6 years ago when we moved in. Very interesting. You get enough toxic chemicals in your daily life without adding additional products that harm you by breathing its toxic fumes or being absorbed into your skin. This may be less of a danger than with old lead-based paints, but something to be aware of. The use of methylene chloride can be reduced significantly by professionals. Right now, I am surrounded by vacant apartments, and the new owner is reglazing all of the tubs. Hello. The bathtub/shower in my apartment was reglazed this morning. Brooklyn resident (and Brick Underground contributor) Donna Airoldirecently hadher tub reglazed, and she even scrubbed it before her contractor cleaned it. Always wear hand and eye protection. A fresh air system is critical. The tub needs to go. We can avoid being harmed if we will be knowledgeable about things. Its also useful to mention that there are different types of chemicals which use MC as an active ingredient. I have been home for about 3 hours now with every window and balcony open and these posts are freaking me out! There is also a short-term exposure limit (STEL) for which the average exposure cannot exceed 125 ppm over any 15-minute period. Being relatively poor most of my life Ive always been a do-it-yourselfer. We need to know what all are used while doing refinishing. Usually coatings can be removed with a good razor scraper.sure it takes longer but it keeps me from using more harmful chemicals. This may be an ignorant comment, so please accept my apology preemptively if so. 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. Bathtub refinishing is the process of restoring the surface of an old bathtub to improve the bathtub's appearance and repair surface damage.