Very helpful and will definitely be one of the things to look out for on my rehabs.. Great article. So, once workers can smell methylene chloride they are already being overexposed. I dont know of incidents that may have occurred, buy you can never be too careful with peoples lives. He did it 6 years ago when we moved in. Thank you. This is poor. I also had diarrhea several times this morning. 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. Thank you for this post. 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. There are a few scratches and black marks from a previously installed shower door that was installed on the tub. Thats why we see it a lot in historic neighborhoods.. Please let me know where to seek more information, particularly in the Australian climate? You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. It got so strong it burned my throat and eyes. It was not adequately explained and we should have asked more questions. I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects Bathtub refinishing of such dangerous products. I opted in for your Feed too. We face inspections every year where lots of tubs are refinished in this building.but no precautions are ever taken to protect the residents and their animals. My tub was removed from my home and refinished by a company here in Portland, OR. Read more about our comment policy . I am thankful that I found this article before I made a final decision on whether or not to purchase a DIY kit for my tub interior. The past three days have been the hardest in my entire life. They were all exposed to open tanks of Methylene Chloride and cutting up bodies causing carbon monoxide. Some many companies and professionals are offering their services for the people for refinishing, repairing, remodeling things. A lot of times when a solvent stinks, you realize you need the right protective equipment and ventilation. 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? What that means is that at room temperature, methylene chloride will evaporate very rapidly, much more rapidly than water. I stayed home all day, working around the house because there were two workers and didnt want to leave strangers in my home. I live in a small one bedroom apartment and I just had my tub resurfaced. TENANT INSTRUCTIONS: . The use of methylene chloride can be reduced significantly by professionals. I thought it was re-porcelained but have just been told that it was refinished with a polyurethane/acrylic finish. I gave my 2 year old a bath a little more came off. 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/ ). Bathtub refinishing fumes are dangerous and you do not want yourself or anyone in the home breathing them. I sure wish homeowners not use those diy Kits. Reglazing involves stripping off the previous coating and sanding down the tub. I dont think I had the right mask on. Using methylene chloride products in a bathroom is extremely dangerous as bathrooms are often small, enclosed spaces with little or no ventilation. I regret it so much now and want the tub out of the house. Now its already peeling. The health issues that you can face immediately and also in the future are not worth the risk. An expert starts by sanding down the tub's. 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. 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. 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. White is popular, but we can do pretty much any color you have in mind. Follow good housekeeping measures, including spill and leak control and appropriate personal hygiene practices (such as making skin washing areas available to workers). 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. I started reading articles and ended up reading most of the comments in this blog. MC is not flammable on its own. We also welcome your input on the prevention practices mentioned above. Look for an alternative to do the bathtub refinishing. Great article. Keep up the good work! After reading this post I think I can live with those scratches until I can hire a professional. Stay safe! This Northern California real estate agent is living the green Dream. Thanks for the great post. Bathtub refinishing can be very dangerous indeed, I have seen many poorly trained so called bathtub refinishing specialists using dangerous chemicals to refinish bathtubs in peoples homes without the proper ventilation systems in place and without using the proper protective equipment necessary. HomeAdvisors True Cost Guide puts the average cost to refinish a bathtub at about $450, while installing a new one runs about $3,000. 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 . Being relatively poor most of my life Ive always been a do-it-yourselfer. Every 10 minutes or so I would have to leave and go outside because my eyes burning so bad. Wearing a dust mask should not be confused with fitting a respirator with organic cartridges. Its in our best interest to devise a way to remove these coatings without harming ourselves or the environment. Sometimes, you may need to refinish your bathtub which requires chemical coating with special kind of brush or roller to an acrylic, porcelain, fiberglass, or cultured marble bathtub. THANK YOU! The vapors should subside after awhile and you should not be able to smell the strong odor. His death could have been easily prevented if he had simply had a co worker outside the door to verbally check on him every 30 seconds. For consumer concerns such as this you may want to contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Himmelstein McConnell Gribben & Joseph LLP. 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. Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you. I thought it would be a simple spray paint job. Methylene chloride exposure may cause dizziness, fatigue, headaches, nausea, a feeling of intoxication, and eye, nose, and throat irritation. Does anyone know what would cause the reglazing to peel and chip from the tub? As a result, most tenants moved. Also, you may want to ask the installer for the products safety data sheet which may have useful information on curing times and precautions. I own a home built in 1940 and have been considering getting my cast iron bathtub refinished. They take the dirt out but also take part of the glaze, he says. I am not an overly caution person, but I understand that in certain instances it is important to exercise caution. Its either not portable or cost prohibitive. My apartment is very small and I sat in bedroom with my elderly cat not 20 feet away. 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. Exposure to as little as six ounces of methylene chloride-based material has been enough to cause death. 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. ive found a majority of the time the diy kits people use never adhere well. 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. 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. loss or damage resulting from reliance on any such information. Because this process, which involves spraying a new topcoat on your existing tub and/or tile, is significantly cheaper, easier, cleaner, and less time-consuming than actually replacing a tub. See the NIOSH topic page dedicated to occupational safety and health hazards associated with Isocyanates (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/isocyanates/default.html). Or should I leave? Keep in mind that alternative products and other stripping agents may pose additional risks. 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. We are sorry to hear about the symptoms that you experienced and hope you are doing better. Lead poisoning is a serious risk for young kids. We pride ourselves on the work we do and strive to provide the best quality service in the refinishing and resurfacing industry. Did you know that the fumes from the chemical used to refinish or reglaze your bathtub can be hazardous to your health? This may be less of a danger than with old lead-based paints, but something to be aware of. I think this should not be happening after 4 weeks but dont know what to do about it. 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. Methylene chloride is extremely dangerous when not used properly. This may be an ignorant comment, so please accept my apology preemptively if so. I have been refinishing tubs for 23 years. good cotent, i like it. I have an article on my site entitled Are Bathtub Refinishing Fumes Dangerous. I am ok with both tub and tile appearance until I can afford a replacement/bath remodel. A bathtub in our old home was reglazed a few weeks ago. 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. Her writing on New York City, parenting, events, and culture has also appeared in Parents, Red Tricycle, BizBash, and Time Out New York. ECO-FRIENDLY No Odor Tub Reglazing: Fumes-free and made without harmful chemicals, Ekopel's long-lasting, oil-free glaze never peels! A great thanks to you to let us know about the fact. Very good to know, Ill let the pros do it from now on, and let my readers know the same. Right now, I am surrounded by vacant apartments, and the new owner is reglazing all of the tubs. I opened my windows, all four. I already have cancer, my throat was raw and I had a headache. Is that dangerous as well? Stripping products may also contain flammable solvents and flammability may be a concern. I figure if its being done, it must be safe, or why else would people do it? Methylene chloride cannot be smelled until the level in the air is higher than OSHAs permissible exposure limits (PELs). Im also dealing with such kinds of things because Im a plumber by profession. However no one is to blame, and no one is at fault. After collecting these samples following the NIOSH analytical method the samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis. I remember my grandfather saying something about antifreeze having that safety precaution I believe. NYC Renovation Chronicles: 5 ways to save on your bathroom renovation, Renovating a co-op? The maintenance man telephoned 911 and then a second maintenance man. Migraine, dizzy, shortness of breath. Apartments | Specialized Refinishing Co. I use a flexible flat blade scraper and then sand with an aggressive grit. I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects of such dangerous products. Bathtub Refinishing | Benefits & Considerations in 2023 | REthority As exposure increases so do the health effects, with a potential for suffocation, loss of consciousness, coma, and sudden death. I now have a colostomy, urostomy,skin cancers and CKD(chronic kidney disease)with only one kidney working and that only functions at 15%. 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. Proper ventilation and a proper fitting organic vapor respirator are an absolute requirement for DIY bathtub refinishing. The first method uses a benzyl alcohol-based stripper as an alternative to MC and N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP)-based chemical strippers. Dust masks do not protect you from bathtub refinishing vapors. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. We are inconsolable. 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. CDC twenty four seven. Until the finishing dries, it is a good idea to leave the house. The NIOSH studies pertained only to workers who were applying methylene chloride directly, and we have not studied consumer-related exposure. The warning labels should be more elaborate about the safety requirements. The fog was so thick and i could barely take a breath even with fans on. Who cares what a bathtub looks like as long as it works? Karma: 3. Brooklyn resident (and Brick Underground contributor) Donna Airoldirecently hadher tub reglazed, and she even scrubbed it before her contractor cleaned it. I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects Bathtub refinishing of such dangerous products. Posts: 19. Thanks for telling us now. My heart goes out to those who lost friends and/or loved ones due to CM. NIOSH work in this area only pertains to workers exposed when using stripping agents containing methylene chloride during bathtub refinishing. 21 people who I worked with at that time have all died,one very recently with cancer. 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. You also want to keep shampoo bottles and other products off the surface, aswell as a mat with suction cups. The only ventilation in the hours between the reglazing and now was provided by the slatted windows in the bathroom. 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. Ron, If they continue, you should consult your doctor. Thanks for sharing. *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. Bathtub refinishing is also known as reglazing, or resurfacing. I have been thinking about reglazing our kitchen countertop (tiles). Its thick, full-seal coating restores tub surfaces to a "like new" bright gloss. You may want to contact Product Safety Australia http://www.productsafety.gov.au, who assists with consumer concerns like the one you posted. I will always do the research beforehand going forward. Surely the proper checks should be taken before the products leaves the factory. a great article! As far as we are concerned, 2k urethane systems should not be allowed in residential use. 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. print Print. His go-to isScrubbing Bubbles. Is there some disconnect between science, policy and legal enforcement? 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. What are the governing bodies that oversee these applications? It is unsafe that s why we recomendto contact a professional to stripit for you. Thanks! Great information. The odor is still very strong and I am wondering how long it will take before I can go back in that room? It hurt to know my best friend was no longer alive but his body stayed warm and breathing only by use of machines. 22 oz. DIY Bathtub Refinish Kit with SlipGuard in White What a great reminder to always plan for and wear personal protective equipment. Always wear hand and eye protection. Technicians have been properly trained to do this type of work. 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 went outside after he was finished. Works on all types of surfaces. Bathtub refinishing is a necessary maintenance step if you wish to improve the appearance and structural integrity of your tub. You can also use your favorite search engine and search using the following key words: Bathtub Porcelain Glaze MSDS Now what about substances that are used in bathtub refinishing as final top-coats such as Aliphatic Acrylic Urethane, or, another, as one company advertises: Porcelain Glaze-a new type of chemical finish. What is porcelain glaze? Very good info. If you've been considering a bathroom remodel, then replacing an older tub might just make sense. Thanks for your comment. 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. For consumer-related questions after the tub has been refurbished, please contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Reglazing a tub doesnt actually take that long to do. But the air looked pretty fume filled to me This is a nightmare for someone with my health issues! I wish I had read this blog before the procedure. Material data sheets, now referred to as Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are prepared by those who sell chemical products. Opening the windows is necessary, but it's certainly not enough if you're working with methylene chloride. I also have a 6 year oldshould we leave? The fumes are stronger fumes so we do not allow anyone to be in the apartment for 8 hours. Bathtub Reglazing Los Angeles CA | Fiberglass Porcelain Refinishing I personally have never heard of this being such a serious problem. We tried to open our window a bit. If this could be dangerous, government should put strict in purchasing this kind of toxic to avoid casualties for workers and even consumers. Thanks so much for the info! Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Thanks for your comment. Hello. This is a great article. Need professional help with your project? 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? I've set up fans to direct the fumes out the screen door and left the premises. Methylene chloride, a chlorinated solvent, is a volatile, colorless liquid with a sweet-smelling odor. Having your bathtub professionally refinished will cost around $460 (the national average), but you can expect to pay between $200 to $900 depending on the type of tub you have and the cost of labor in your location. This is a moderated site and your comments will be reviewed before they are posted. 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. 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)). 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. Step 1: Remove Tub Hardware Shut off the water supply to your tub and drain any water from the line before you begin. So, it presents no long-term hazard to the resident. I hope many people will now be thinking at least thrice before making use of such chemicals. I have stripped hundreds of tubs. Perhaps this us not the case. This is in response to Chris concerning isocyanates use in coatings. (before we had kids). The Health and Safety Executive is our policing force that helps prevent the tragic consequences of injuries and even fatalities in the workplace. if we do we get evicted. I hope many people will now be thinking at least thrice before making use of such chemicals. 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. Its 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. thanks Ron Hall for such a valuable information, its horrible, why its still available in the market, it should be banned from the market. Quite naive of me. Bathtub refinishing is the process of restoring the surface of an old bathtub to improve the bathtub's appearance and repair surface damage. This is great information to share to hopefully make us more aware and careful. Alternatively, you can search on Methylene Chloride and Safety Data Sheet for a listing of various SDSs for similar products. Cristine. These comments do not represent the official views of CDC, and CDC does not guarantee that any She said if its not life threatening then they wont do it. 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. It hurt to know, the four of us where in a room together for what will be the very last time. Bathtub refinishing fumes are most certainly dangerous during the application process and immediate curing process. DIY Bathtub Refinish Kit with SlipGuard in White. 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 . 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. The fumes had traveled through the vent into her adjacent room. NIOSH work in this area only pertains to workers exposed when using stripping agents containing methylene chloride during bathtub refinishing. I just bought this old house that has this beautiful tub if only it can get restored back to new. Methylene chlorides boiling point is just over 100 F, and has a vapor pressure of 350 mmHg. It always falls on us, to make sure, inspections we pay for, cover areas of higher hazard. The Centers for Disease Control has more information on lead hazards on their web site. I wonder if it healthy & ok to use the tub for baths after a certain period of tome (days?). Ive read some incredible information in this article. Do these products continue to leech into air/water once project is completed? [Its] a great way to make a grimy, stain-ridden bathtub look new again, says. Very good to know, Ill let the pros do it from now on, and let my readers know the same! 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. My business is in the UK, safety of workers is as important over here. The NIOSH studies pertained only to workers who were applying methylene chloride (paint stripper) directly, and we have not studied consumer-related exposure. I have been in hat business for 20 years. I think our tub would look so much nicer if we had it refinished. After working in retail for many years, my mother retired, began buying and refinishing furniture. These instruments are non-specific and will measure other VOCs present in the area in addition to methylene chloride. 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. 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.
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