Now its already peeling. If the chemical you are using is marked as flammable then you can be sure that it is not 100% MC. Hello my name is Kris I amthe owner at Tub Klass NJ. Thanks! Even with treatment, lead poisoning can permanently affect a childs development. Since Bathtub Refinishing can also be a consumer issue, another potential resource is Product Safety Australia http://www.productsafety.gov.au. Bathtub refinishing is the process of restoring the surface of an old bathtub to improve the bathtub's appearance and repair surface damage. Please do not use a torch either The fumes will kill use. Ron, I have a similar question to the one already asked. Bathtub refinishing fumes are most certainly dangerous during the application process and immediate curing process. I did not realize how strong the chemical is, and now I am concerned about any (however microscopic) of this leeching into my bathwater and onto my skin. I have an article on my site entitled Are Bathtub Refinishing Fumes Dangerous. There is still a strong smell in my bathroom espicially when it is hot and humid. If youve been considering a bathroom remodel, then replacing an older tub might just make sense. This bathtub renovation option goes by many names resurfacing, recoating, refinishing or reglazing but has a pretty straightforward process. (before we had kids). When the project is complete, you can take a relaxing soak in your new tub, knowing it was refinished correctly and safely. Please respond quickly. My tub will soon be refinished and I am glad I have read this article. I would concenr it to home owners wanting to get bathtub resurfacing done. I have been refinishing tubs for 23 years. 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. I attempt to lead a very clean life and avoid many commercial products (body care products, cleaning products, sprays etc). 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 is definitely a good idea to ventilate the area as much as possible to remove the residual vapors. Good to see so much effort going into bringing awareness to bathtub refinishing in Waltham. Is it dangerous to any or all of us? I went outside after he was finished. I would really like some reassurance. 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. If bathroom smells awful two days after resurfacing is that just the coating or also the dangerous MC? Opening windows and moving away from areas with vapors can decrease or stop continued exposure. I've set up fans to direct the fumes out the screen door and left the premises. Wow! I sure wish homeowners not use those diy Kits. 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. AND DURING CLEANING. Find them at: http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Research/Pubs/#General Gerda. White advises keeping away fromcleansers likebleach oreven Soft Scrub. Remember, if it smells new, the fumes are too. Cookies used to make website functionality more relevant to you. How much should you renovate your NYC apartment before selling it? Animal studies have shown that exposure to methylene chloride may lead to liver and lung cancer, as well as tumors in the breast and salivary glands. I just rented a house. Brick Underground articles occasionally include the expertise of, or information about, advertising partners when relevant to the story. 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. 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 because were low income, we also do not get the luxury of telling management or housingno. Great information. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. It hurt to know that such a good person you loved and cared about so much is now gone. While bathtub refinishing is one I havent tried, I do know that in-home work with many types of cleaners, paints and strippers and adhesives is always going to be a concern due to poor air circulation indoors, and sometimes outdoors too. I usually like to do things myself, but I think I will have to find someone to do my bathtub repair in concord ma. Its highly toxic Teri. I have actually replaced a dead refinisher who has lossed his life stripping a bathtub. The past three days have been the hardest in my entire life. If you are concerned for your pets, it may be a good idea to remove them from the home during the stripping process. Hello My puppy also is constantly licking the floor. Thanks for sharing such a helpful information. The fumes were so strong that it gave me a headache and caused me to become nauseated. I will stress this to home owners wanting to get bathtub resurfacing done. I feel sure many, many more have died from methylene chloride than we know why is this so? I refer to this CDC article a few times a month when answering questions from customers. You may want to contact Product Safety Australia http://www.productsafety.gov.au, who assists with consumer concerns like the one you posted. I have been thinking about reglazing our kitchen countertop (tiles). But two days later it still bothers me. Will these chemicals be leaching out of the surface, presenting a health concern from contact? Are these chemicals only toxic while being applied, or can they still be harmful later as used? Ask Sam: I saw my apartment on a listing site, but I havent received any notice from my landlord. Lowering exposures, even below the PEL, is considered to be good industrial hygiene practice. ive found a majority of the time the diy kits people use never adhere well. It was a cold day, so I went back inside. Its generally a task best performed by professionals due to the hazardous chemicals involved. According to OSHA, you must also provide local exhaust ventilation and make-up air to replace the vapors removed by the exhaust. Thank you for spreading the word on the importance of this! As a point of comparison, water boils at 212 F and has a room temperature vapor pressure of 17 mmHg. But it's not just about looks. IT IS REALLY VERY HELPFUL FOR ME.I LIKE YOUR POST BECAUSE IT IS VERY USEFUL FOR ME AS WELL. It was not adequately explained and we should have asked more questions. Thanks for sharing such a helpful post. For consumer-related questions after the tub has been refurbished, please contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission. I am exposing myself by soaking in this tub? Technicians have been properly trained to do this type of work. It hurt to know, the four of us where in a room together for what will be the very last time. Products with these types of known harmful ingredients must require special labeling with clearer health and safety warnings for users. My concern is whether it is safe to take long soaks in this tub. What that means is that at room temperature, methylene chloride will evaporate very rapidly, much more rapidly than water. 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. She said if its not life threatening then they wont do it. Kimberly Evans. This is great information to share to hopefully make us more aware and careful. The fumes were in her room not mine, i didnt know until i opened the door, we had put on the fan origionally for the smell, fumes came full blown after. I have blocked the drain over night but it did not eliminate the smell. This forces a refinisher to use a very strong stripper. Needless to say, I was shocked, I am taken aback by the statistics. Finding a Miracle Method office. The legal basis is Annex XVII of the REACH regulation. I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects Bathtub refinishing of such dangerous products. Our beloved pet went into respiratory failure the next day, was rushed to the ER and spent three nights in the veterinarian ICU. Some will work but they require 24 hours of wet saturation and even then they require a lot of hard work. After the surface has dried, it is 100% safe to use the bathroom fixture. Methylene chloride cannot be smelled until the level in the air is higher than OSHAs permissible exposure limits (PELs). NIOSH work in this area only pertains to workers exposed when using stripping agents containing methylene chloride during bathtub refinishing. I had to keep the windows shut with the air on all night. Extraction during the process is everything. Effective ventilation would have to be ensured in order to shield the worker from toxic fumes of the process. Did you know that the fumes from the chemical used to refinish or reglaze your bathtub can be hazardous to your health? They agreed to resurface it for me as they would not replace it. The maintenance man telephoned 911 and then a second maintenance man. 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. on the dangers of isocyanates in coatings and application hazards. 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. I would like to know. I certainly will be approaching this much differently. What are the effects of being in the house during the process (for our pets) and after the process (chemical wise around our kids). Refinishing Porcelain & Fiberglass Bathtub Reglazing/Refinishing Service. Thank you for the great information. I think regulators should be aware of these dangers. It was not difficult and required no chemicals; the refinisher evidently did a very poor job of it. Contact Us Today For A Free Bathtub Refinish Estimate Call [phone] or complete the contact form below for a FREE estimate! This article does a good job calling attention to the dangers of methylene chloride products and noting that many people dont know how dangerous it is. Pacific Reglazing provides high quality, affordable kitchen and bathroom repair and refinishing services throughout the Greater Los Angeles area, the San Fernando Valley, Ventura, Orange County and Riverside County. 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. I washed the tub thoroughly and have been using it since. 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. 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. I am not an overly caution person, but I understand that in certain instances it is important to exercise caution. THANK YOU! We are a BBB Certified Resurfacing company located in Houston, Texas. Step 1: Set up the ventilation system. A fresh air system is critical. I was weak though and shaking, felt faint and nauseated. I blog often and I really appreciate your content. theyre dangerous if not dealt with properly. No warning that fumes would make me sick. Keep posting as I am gonna come to read it everyday! I am sleeping in the living room under many blankets with the balcony door wide openis it safe? Making safety precautions is the priority for all kinds of work. If the vapor smell continues and is persistent you should call a safety and health professional to evaluate the area. Specifically, typical mobile LEV units have a fan, flexible ductwork, and a hood near the tub that exhausts hazardous vapors to the outdoors. Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and would fully evaporate shortly after a project is completed. Publication number 81-8c-2013. "My glazing lasted three weeks before it began to peel from a tiny spot in the center of the tub," she says. I had a tub refinished with epoxy that had a bad smell, but nothing like this. and products contain ISOs. I have learned some incredible information in this report. Provided your surface was prepped correctly, you can expect your reglazed tub and/or tile to be good for about seven to 10 years, and the more you take care of it, the longer it will last. Stay safe! 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. My best friend was killed two days ago due to over exposure while cleaning a bath tub. 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. Your article has truly peaked my interest. However, products are more dangerous when they are sweet smelling, and as your article states your are already exposed once you smell it. I opted in for your Feed too. There are a few scratches and black marks from a previously installed shower door that was installed on the tub. 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. 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. We have had a terrible experience. However, it's not necessary if the bathroom is properly ventilated. Bathtub refinishing is also known as reglazing, or resurfacing. Capital region housing in edmonton is the worst. Use a qualified occupational safety and health specialist to assist in the design and installation of local exhaust ventilation (LEV) to effectively control vapors to below applicable PELs. 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 How do I know if this is toxic? MC is not flammable on its own. As far as we are concerned, 2k urethane systems should not be allowed in residential use. What's the difference between jumbo and conforming loans? Alternative products and processes exist for bathtub refinishing. Methylene chloride exposure may cause dizziness, fatigue, headaches, nausea, a feeling of intoxication, and eye, nose, and throat irritation. I manage a home related business in Australia and we are often exposed to applications that we are unsure of what dangers we could be exposed to. 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). Long story short, today my face is red as a tomato and I feel very unsettled and almost as if i drank 3 beer. We do not have any information about the paint chips that are peeling off of your refinished bathtub. I never post anything anywhere. All are members dread strip jobs.Frankly I dont know why someone would choose them. We do not tread lightly, so I think we are a good example to work off of in terms of durability., Of the overall aesthetic, particularly the walls, she says: If you look closely, it's a little weird as you see the indent of the grout lines, but it's all one texture. It feels toxic, but no one has instructed me to leave, so am I to assume that I am safe? White uses a portable fume exhauster, and HVLP, or high-volume, low-pressure sprayers, which produce less overspray. Changing up your tub is a great way to give your bathroom a makeover on a budget, Visit the Solution Center to Explore Articles. Hovering over a bathtub, unprotected, while stripping it would overtake anyone in a very short amount of time. I will always do the research beforehand going forward. These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. My building was recently sold and our rent was raised by 100 percent. Its worth looking into how long a company has been in business andits rating with the Better Business Bureau to get a sense of their track record before commissioning a job. Some many companies and professionals are offering their services for the people for refinishing, repairing, remodeling things. 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. The first method uses a benzyl alcohol-based stripper as an alternative to MC and N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP)-based chemical strippers. Its really awesome and very dangers take care guys I have one side of my nose feeling congested and post nasal drip and a headache. I didnt think too much about it. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. 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. So, once workers can smell methylene chloride they are already being overexposed.. I used this kit 6 weeks ago. Thorough prep and and cleaning can preventbig headaches down the road. Always check product labels and safety data sheets to understand the recommended and required precautions. loss or damage resulting from reliance on any such information. Half-mask respirators may NOT be used because methylene chloride may cause eye irritation or damage. My friends name is Kevin H. The incident happened Thursday April 27th at 4pm. After collecting these samples following the NIOSH analytical method the samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis. I had my bathtub refinished yesterday and the door to the bathroom had remained closed while the worker was doing the job. NIOSH has not evaluated isocyanates exposure among bathtub refinishers but products containing isocyanates should also be handled with care. It a huge peeled off spot in the tub, dangerous to me? Theres no such thing as excessive safety precaution. Lead poisoning is a serious risk for young kids. I also have a 6 year oldshould we leave? If you know the name of the product that was used, you may be able to find it by searching on the Internet. I regret it so much now and want the tub out of the house. Or will we be ok?? Can you give me any help in researching to determine if the polyurethane/acrylic finishes leaches? I have never thought of this before! 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. 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. Bathtub refinishing fumes are dangerous and you do not want yourself or anyone in the home breathing them. Please let me know where to seek more information, particularly in the Australian climate? UNTIL RE-GLAZED? Also my bedroom windows are both open, and that door is closed as well. Or should I leave? It's also possible to injure yourself if the product comes in contact with the skin. Simply not worth the risk. Thanks for telling us now. I already have cancer, my throat was raw and I had a headache. If you feel you are in danger, you should contact your local emergency services for assistance. Our apartment building had the next apt tub realized these morons did this in winter and there was no windows open. *Note that there are reports that a fresh air system is . https://www.publicintegrity.org/2015/09/21/17991/common-solvent-keeps-killing-workers-consumers. When methylene chloride enters the human body, it affects brain function, such as concentration. Thanks! Tub and tile were original to the 1957 home and were actually not in bad shape. 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. We recommend that you consult your personal physician about your health issues, and your local health department for assistance with the building management. 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. 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. Thanks to those whoever posted this article. Let the physician or health care professional know the specific products and chemicals used and the environment you were working in. thank you so much. I noticed the odor every time they went in or out of the room, and had the bedroom doors all closed. 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. As a research agency, we do not have regulatory authority over the labeling or regulating on how methylene chloride is sold. Thank you so much for this great article and hope that others now are aware of the safety measures that need to be followed. NIOSH work in this area only pertains to workers exposed when using stripping agents containing methylene chloride during bathtub refinishing. Very good info. Since methylene chloride is a volatile organic compound that will evaporate faster when sprayed, brushed, or poured, the chemical vapors can quickly build up in small spaces. Im 70 and have no place to go except my apartment. Almost every technical field has harmful effects but its on the company or professional person that how they can deal with it. Wow this is kinda hard to believe that even a thing such as messing with a bathtub can be so dangerous. very good and helpful post thanks to author. You can refinish a tub yourself if youre a true DIY-er, but the new finish can look painted or different than the original color or texture. Reglazing a tub doesnt actually take that long to do. I dont know of incidents that may have occurred, buy you can never be too careful with peoples lives. It got so strong it burned my throat and eyes. I am ok with both tub and tile appearance until I can afford a replacement/bath remodel. There were 13 Fatal Exposures to Methylene Chloride Paint Strippers Among Bathtub Refinishers in the last decade. (Centers for Disease Control) Not to mention those who experience unexplained symptoms that go undiagnosed that may also be caused from these dangerous bathtub refinishing and paint stripping chemicals. I think they want things swept under the carpet. Its the very first time I call at your blog, however was very impressed. Do these products continue to leech into air/water once project is completed? That is really great to know. I only use stripper when absolutely necessary. Migraine, dizzy, shortness of breath. The Health and Safety Executive is our policing force that helps prevent the tragic consequences of injuries and even fatalities in the workplace. Thank you for your comment. So, it should not present a long-term hazard to the resident and pets after the project is completed. So, it should not present a long-term hazard to the residents after the project. I have stripped hundreds of tubs. This is in response to Chris concerning isocyanates use in coatings. The two maintenance men pulled the man off of the tub. Keep in mind that alternative products and other stripping agents may pose additional risks. So, once workers can smell methylene chloride they are already being overexposed. 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. Opening the windows is necessary, but it's certainly not enough if you're working with methylene chloride. 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. Thanks for sharing. Please, if you know anyone who refinishes bathtubs, make sure they are VERY AWARE of the dangers and the different situations. I am concerned about having a surface that is toxic and that can harm my family in the long run. There is also a short-term exposure limit (STEL) for which the average exposure cannot exceed 125 ppm over any 15-minute period. 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? Other uses, such as use by professionals outside industrial installations or household use by individuals is forbidden. I am a 48 year old single woman, who tries to do everything myself, and I am really concerned about how dangerous this is. 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. Keep posting as I am gonna come to read it everyday! However, you need to keep these essential health and safety considerations in mind whether you hire a contractor to refinish your tub or do it yourself.
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