Moreover, because methylene chloride evaporates quickly (it has a high vapor pressure), vapors can collect in the bottom of a bathtub and in the workers breathing zone when working in the bathtub. Or will we be ok?? In order to assess learn more about the products that are being used for the re-glazing, assess the air quality of your apartment, prevent exposure or remediate any hazards, seek assistance from the building owner or manager. http://retrorenovation.com/2016/05/02/understanding-potential-lead-hazards-old-porcelain-enamel-bathtubs-sinks-ceramic-tile-any-age/#ixzz47UvHcM00. $ 89 00. The NIOSH studies pertained only to workers who were applying methylene chloride directly, and we have not studied consumer-related exposure. The use of methylene chloride can be reduced significantly by professionals. The tub needs to go. Also, you may want to ask the installer for the products safety data sheet which may have useful information on curing times and precautions. Alternatively, you can search on Methylene Chloride and Safety Data Sheet for a listing of various SDSs for similar products. Hovering over a bathtub, unprotected, while stripping it would overtake anyone in a very short amount of time. Although we cant say there is any particular hazard from these paint chips, it would be prudent to prevent your toddler from eating the paint chips or bathing the toddler in water with material that is degrading from the tub into the water. I guess this is one of those occupational hazard jobs when doing bathtub refinishing. What's included in a deal sheet when you buy a NYC apartment? I like taking baths, but will not do so in this tub now knowing how unhealthy it actually is. These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. Patrick. 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. Like many cancer-causing agents, any level of exposure, even concentrations below applicable occupational exposure limits, may pose a residual cancer risk. I washed the tub thoroughly and have been using it since. She said if its not life threatening then they wont do it. discovered that the fumes were coming through the vent in her bathroom. Brooklyn resident (and Brick Underground contributor) Donna Airoldirecently hadher tub reglazed, and she even scrubbed it before her contractor cleaned it. Thanks for your comment. Since Bathtub Refinishing can also be a consumer issue, another potential resource is Product Safety Australia http://www.productsafety.gov.au. What if they put a horrible smell into the product that would alert the user before overexposure. Even low income people dont deserve treatment like Ive seen and been through. I've set up fans to direct the fumes out the screen door and left the premises. The product they used is from Napco and is supposed to a lot less toxic than other products. This Northern California real estate agent is living the green Dream. Melissa. With just a day or two of work, reglazing the centerpiece of your bathroom with a durable coating and color is an easy way to give your tub a quick facelift without breaking the bank. A 2015 report by the Center for Public Integrity on U.S. deaths connected to methylene chloride noted that researchers have argued for 30 years that regulation of methylene chloride in the U.S. isnt strong enough to protect workers and that warnings on labels for consumers are insufficient. What separates a good job from a not-so-good job is not so much how it looks, its the prep. Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, palpitations, dizziness or difficulty staying awake require immediate medical attention. My question is, am I in danger using the peeling bathtub??? It hurt to know he was no longer mentality or livingly present with us in that room. I was researching because i just had a bad experience. Great Post i appreciate this thanks for sharing this post . If safety is not enough to discourage the DIY Kits then maybe aesthetics will. I use it in good ventilation and, if Im going to be doing much work, I use a respirator. You may want to contact Product Safety Australia http://www.productsafety.gov.au, who assists with consumer concerns like the one you posted. It is unsafe that s why we recomendto contact a professional to stripit for you. We slept inside the apartment after the workers did the bathtub glazing, should we go to the clinic to make sure we are fine? Some healthcare providers specialize in assessing environmental exposures (see http://www.aoec.org/index.htm). Delivered to your inbox twice weekly - for free. I used a paint scraper and razor to completely strip the tub. 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 prep is the most important part of the job, says White. Comments listed below are posted by individuals not associated with CDC, unless otherwise stated. Thanks for telling us now. Thetoxic fumesreleased during the processnot only make your apartment smell bad, theyre dangerous if not dealt with properly. NIOSH work in this area only pertains to workers exposed when using stripping agents containing methylene chloride during bathtub refinishing. very useful post thanks for giving this bath tub repair information. So, once workers can smell methylene chloride they are already being overexposed.. The epoxy coatings used to finish bathtubs can also emit dangerous vapors such as isocyanates when sprayed. How much does moving to the suburbs cost vs. staying in NYC? After reading this post I think I can live with those scratches until I can hire a professional. Do-it-yourself bathtub refinishing kits and professional refinishing products alike are not to be inhaled or absorbed by your skin. If the room where it was used is flushed with fresh air, perhaps by using a small fan, it is unlikely that any methylene chloride will be present or continue to leech out days after the re-glazing was done. 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. I just bought this old house that has this beautiful tub if only it can get restored back to new. Thank you. Thanks so much for the info! Thank you. I used this kit 6 weeks ago. I had my tub reglazed recently. Ask Sam: Will the U.S. Supreme Court end rent stabilization? Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and would have fully evaporated shortly after the project was completed. A fresh air system is critical. I personally have never heard of this being such a serious problem. Ya, very helpful articles are posted. I think this type of finish should be banned. 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. a great article! Note that humidity affects both dry time and how well the topcoat bonds to the surface, so the cool, less-humid seasons of fall or spring providethe best conditions for this type of work. 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! Ill mention it to my readers on my real estate site. The NIOSH studies pertained only to workers who were applying methylene chloride directly, and we have not studied consumer-related exposure. I cannot replace the tub without it being a major, expensive remodel. It was a cold day, so I went back inside. He also had a small fan in the bathroom window to remove the fumes, as well as towels on the floor to prevent odors from coming into the living area. 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. Hi I have very sensitive skin, and covered in psoriasis and eczema. 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. "My glazing lasted three weeks before it began to peel from a tiny spot in the center of the tub," she says. A bathtub replacement can cost around $2,900 on average and may add value to your property. 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. I have contacted the government,the union head [name removed], and the legal ombudsman but to no avail. Are these chemicals only toxic while being applied, or can they still be harmful later as used? The standard also sets a 12.5 ppm action level (AL) which triggers periodic monitoring and medical surveillance provisions. Sad to hear, but at least proves to me that I was right! If you have concerns you should discuss them with a medical professional. 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. on the dangers of isocyanates in coatings and application hazards. We are a BBB Certified Resurfacing company located in Houston, Texas. 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. I was weak though and shaking, felt faint and nauseated. IF THE GLAZED TUB IS SCRATCHED LATER DOES THAT RELEASE TOXIC FUMES? Kimberly Evans. 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. 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. Wow this is kinda hard to believe that even a thing such as messing with a bathtub can be so dangerous. Avoid use of methylene chloride or minimize the amount of methylene chloride used at each site. I hope many people will now be thinking at least thrice before making use of such chemicals. It is now 5:30 p.m., and the fumes in the apartment are too much to bear. Liners can leak and create mold problems. She wont fix it since they are going to remodel in the future. I am not an overly caution person, but I understand that in certain instances it is important to exercise caution. They take the dirt out but also take part of the glaze, he says. Thank you for your comment. I certainly will be approaching this much differently. 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 Most tubs can be reglazed if they are not overly damaged, but the process is generally recommended for steel, cast iron, or fiberglass tubs. Its in our best interest to devise a way to remove these coatings without harming ourselves or the environment. Which brand names or compounds should consumers ask for? Who cares what a bathtub looks like as long as it works? Thanks for your comment. 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. The fumes from stripping a tub of its previous coating(s) can contain methylene chloride, a colorless liquid that smells similar to chloroform and emits VOCs, aka volatile organic compounds. My landlord want to have our tub regalzed. I live in a small one bedroom apartment and I just had my tub resurfaced. If you just bought a Mercedes, would you put a rubber mat on the roof? White asks. If youre nervous, leaving your apartment for the duration of the job is always an option. I sure wish homeowners not use those diy Kits. I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects Bathtub refinishing of such dangerous products. Thanks. Surface Designers have been in business for over 20 years resurfacing bathtubs and countertops. Coatings suitable for bathtub reglazing include: You can use these materials on several surfaces, including acrylic, ceramic, porcelain, and fiberglass bathtubs. Its like trying to paint a car yourself. 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. There is an incredible amount of data Thanks for the great post. MC is not flammable on its own. It can and will save your life. For consumer concerns such as this you may want to contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission. print Print. I had to keep the windows shut with the air on all night. Extraction during the process is everything. Opening the windows is necessary, but it's certainly not enough if you're working with methylene chloride. 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. My cat was crying and jumping on the door to get out. Cookies used to enable you to share pages and content that you find interesting on CDC.gov through third party social networking and other websites. Thanks if you reply. If the room where it was used is flushed with fresh air, perhaps by using a small fan, it is unlikely that any methylene chloride will be present or continue to leech out days after the re-glazing was done. I am ok with both tub and tile appearance until I can afford a replacement/bath remodel. After collecting these samples following the NIOSH analytical method the samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis. As a result, most tenants moved. They know where people bathe. Thorough prep and and cleaning can preventbig headaches down the road. The following recommendations on respirator use are in the NIOSH/OSHA Alert. I didnt realize this was so deadly. I think there are actually regulations on workers on how long they may be subjected to this chemical during a work day. I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects of such dangerous products. (Obviously, no, but you get the idea.). I have asked for the list of chemicals they use but have not heard anything. I have read reglazing tub reviews where a few customers couldn't take the scent while others had no issue with the bathtub reglazing odor. 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. Its good to know that if you have your bathtub reglazed, you much have proper ventilation. The bath was not stripped just resurfaced with a very thin layer of the napco product paint. If they continue, you should consult your doctor. 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. I have read many articles but this is different one. Hi, this is all so helpful. And, are there any substances that are dangerous and can later leach into bath water and be absorbed by the skin? Mimi OConnor has written about New York City real estate for publications that include Brick Underground, Refinery29, and Thrillist. This is a great article. If your bathroom has a window, set a fan near it pointing outwards; this will help move air and dissipate the fumes. These comments do not represent the official views of CDC, and CDC does not guarantee that any Qualified pros will have all the necessary protective gear, including coveralls and masks with HEPA air filters. Publication number 81-8c-2013. We had one bathtub redone in our old house a few years ago but I think they just re-coated it. Simply not worth the risk. I was doing some research on tub reglazing when I found this article. 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. IT IS REALLY VERY HELPFUL FOR ME.I LIKE YOUR POST BECAUSE IT IS VERY USEFUL FOR ME AS WELL. What are the effects of being in the house during the process (for our pets) and after the process (chemical wise around our kids). I had no problems with it and thought they knew what they were doing as it happens all the time here. Lowering exposures, even below the PEL, is considered to be good industrial hygiene practice. Its better not to use methylene chloride for the safety of everybody. Works on all types of surfaces. share Share. This is horrible People please do not use these DIY kits. White advises keeping away fromcleansers likebleach oreven Soft Scrub. Bare minimum, the ventilation should meet some requirements, and homeowners should HAVE to LEAVE THE HOUSE for 3 days. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. Contact Us Today For A Free Bathtub Refinish Estimate Call [phone] or complete the contact form below for a FREE estimate! It is an odd sized bathtub so I did not even consider ordering a replacement custom-made. 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). ), [Its] a great way to make a grimy, stain-ridden bathtub look new again, says Dan DiClerico, HomeAdvisor'ssmart home strategistand home expert. I attempt to lead a very clean life and avoid many commercial products (body care products, cleaning products, sprays etc). I cant tell you how many times Ive told others in the field that are doing this to make sure they have more ventilation and to remove or re-coat the tube out of the bathroom and to at least not to do it without the proper breathing apparatus. 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. Open the bathroom door and as many . Im also dealing with such kinds of things because Im a plumber by profession. Step 1: Remove Tub Hardware Shut off the water supply to your tub and drain any water from the line before you begin. More needs to be done to protect the workers!. I am unknown form this . Perhaps this us not the case. Almost any color or appearance can be achieved, including the look of natural stone or marble. 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. I am a first time user of the refinishing kit. There are a few scratches and black marks from a previously installed shower door that was installed on the tub. But two days later it still bothers me. I am thankful to those who began to get the word out to the general public, you have certainly saved lives by doing so. Reglazing a tub doesnt actually take that long to do. My concern is whether it is safe to take long soaks in this tub. Great amazing blog post I really love such lovely blog posts. There are alternatives to using methylene chloride (MC) for bathtub stripping. What a great reminder to always plan for and wear personal protective equipment. I did not use any safety precautions, but I was in the garage with a fan and the garage door opened. DIY Bathtub Refinish Kit with SlipGuard in White. So how and why are these places allowed to keep doing that tub refinishing if its so dangerous?? 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. Thanks for sharing such a helpful information. Thanks for your comment. But it's not just about looks. Jimmy White of Staten Island-based Custom Spraying and Reglazing, who has been doing it for more than 30 years and is considered the reglazer to the starsheworked on Faye Dunaway's and Candace Bergens bathroomssays it can be done in a few hours, plus 24 hours of dry time. NIOSH cannot provide individual medical advice. So glad I read this. We use a spray-on compound that hardens to a polished and durable, like-new finish. Exposure to methylene chloride can be lethal. I also have a 6 year oldshould we leave? 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. I stayed home all day, working around the house because there were two workers and didnt want to leave strangers in my home. Its in our best interest to devise a way to remove these coatings without harming ourselves or the environment. Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you. If youve got an old bathtub(or bathroom) and youre investigating your options for giving it an upgrade, youve likely come across the term reglazingalso known as refinishing or recoating, which can revive a tiredtub or evenold bathroom tile. keep blogging~! Any other surfaces in the vicinity of the tub should be covered in protective paper and drop cloths, and you should wait a day or two to remove everything and use your bathroom and tub. I usually like to do things myself, but I think I will have to find someone to do my bathtub repair in concord ma. 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. Is it safe to bath in especially for my toddler??? Traditional Spray Paint Style Refinishing has certain inherent dangers that you should be aware of. Care must be taken to ensure that workers are not overexposed to particulates being generated during sanding operations. We do not have any information about leaching of polyurethane/acrylic bathtub finishing. Will these chemicals be leaching out of the surface, presenting a health concern from contact? My friends name is Kevin H. The incident happened Thursday April 27th at 4pm. I dont know of incidents that may have occurred, buy you can never be too careful with peoples lives. 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? We'll put an entirely new finish over the existing tub or tile in your bathroom. How to get your plans past the board, 3 NYC apartment bathroom renovation veterans on what they learned from the process, How to read a NYC co-op or condo buildings financial statement. My question is about whether it leaches during use. The odor is still very strong and I am wondering how long it will take before I can go back in that room? What is the difference between a muntin and a mullion and are they still used in windows? Methylene chloride is extremely dangerous when not used properly. Many post pictures but up close you cant see the brush strokes they leave behind. Please let me know where to seek more information, particularly in the Australian climate? It is the first time I visit your blog, but I was extremely impressed. I found out the hard way. What if your bathtub could be transformed in one day from embarrassing to your bathroom's sparkling centerpiece? Use long-handled tools (e.g., scrapers, brushes) to avoid leaning into the bathtub. There are bathtub refinishing companies out there, [company name removed] are using safe processes for refinishing your bathtub, you just have to ask the tough questions. I went outside after he was finished. The restrictions on placing on the market and use is a consequence of many incidents with lethal outcome. I have one side of my nose feeling congested and post nasal drip and a headache. AND DURING CLEANING. White uses a portable fume exhauster, and HVLP, or high-volume, low-pressure sprayers, which produce less overspray. Could you please advise, will this chemical leech into the water? I have never thought of this before! Its either not portable or cost prohibitive. The two maintenance men pulled the man off of the tub. Your local health department may also be able to provide more assistance or information. Bathtub Refinishing vs. Liner: Whats Right for Your Home. They hold soap scum, body oils, dirt, basically everything that comes off the human body will form a paste of scum. Absolutely agree with this article. Also I have asthma, and after the job was done today I cant stop wheezing. I blog often and I really appreciate your content. thanks Ron Hall for such a valuable information, its horrible, why its still available in the market, it should be banned from the market. Migraine, dizzy, shortness of breath. We can ask questions and be well-informed. The apt right next to me was just resurfaced and the chemicals came through the air vents. If this could be dangerous, government should put strict in purchasing this kind of toxic to avoid casualties for workers and even consumers. It is often referred to as dichloromethane and has many industrial uses, such as paint stripping, metal cleaning, and degreasing. This study is great for warning against the potential dangers. This is great information to share to hopefully make us more aware and careful. Making safety precautions is the priority for all kinds of work. 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. No warning that fumes would make me sick. 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. 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). 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. They were all exposed to open tanks of Methylene Chloride and cutting up bodies causing carbon monoxide. This may be an ignorant comment, so please accept my apology preemptively if so. And that tub refinishing is at top of my list besides them running heat too much. After working in retail for many years, my mother retired, began buying and refinishing furniture. Ive also learned that without experience or training, what may be simple in concept is often the opposite in practice. 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. Methyl chloride has high vapor pressure, meaning that it evaporates extremely quickly and turns into gas that can easily be inhaled, especially in a small bathroom that may not be adequately ventilated. So, it should not present a long-term hazard to the resident and pets after the project is completed. This forces a refinisher to use a very strong stripper. i come back again this blog, any way i think Your new bathroom's finish won't have any . Read more about our comment policy .
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