I have an article on my site entitled Are Bathtub Refinishing Fumes Dangerous. 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. We cannot provide individual medical advice on the NIOSH Science Blog, but we suggest that you see a doctor. It was not difficult and required no chemicals; the refinisher evidently did a very poor job of it. Comments listed below are posted by individuals not associated with CDC, unless otherwise stated. So how and why are these places allowed to keep doing that tub refinishing if its so dangerous?? The toxins became so concentrated in a short period of time due to lack if ventilation and confined space. How can -re-glazers be allowed to do this line of work if it is dangerous to everyone involved? The bath was not stripped just resurfaced with a very thin layer of the napco product paint. Instead, many homeowners have the existing tub reglazed or refinished, which typically costs $300-$600, depending on the area and process. 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. How much should you renovate your NYC apartment before selling it? More needs to be done to protect the workers!. 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. The fumes had traveled through the vent into her adjacent room. Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and will fully evaporate shortly after the project is completed. The use of a respirator scrubber mask (gas mask) isnt complete protection. You should contact 911 and move to an area with fresh air (outside), or if possible open an window to let fresh air in. The apt right next to me was just resurfaced and the chemicals came through the air vents. 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. Thank you for your comment. I am thankful to those who began to get the word out to the general public, you have certainly saved lives by doing so. Thanks for the post on this. Its thick, full-seal coating restores tub surfaces to a "like new" bright gloss. Ive read some incredible information in this article. We slept inside the apartment after the workers did the bathtub glazing, should we go to the clinic to make sure we are fine? It is an odd sized bathtub so I did not even consider ordering a replacement custom-made. Ventilate Your Work Area. Or will we be ok?? Barely 3 days later I now have pluracy and bronchitis, i feel the building should be held responsible as we werent notified of the dangers. Read more about our comment policy . So, it should not present a long-term hazard to the residents after the project. Are these chemicals only toxic while being applied, or can they still be harmful later as used? Material data sheets, now referred to as Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are prepared by those who sell chemical products. If the job is not done right it starts to peel, he says. Thanks for sharing such a helpful post. These are classified as potential human carcinogens according to the U.S. Department of Labor, and protective gear should be worn when working with them. Use long-handled tools (e.g., scrapers, brushes) to avoid leaning into the bathtub. 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. 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. 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. Some healthcare providers specialize in assessing environmental exposures (see http://www.aoec.org/index.htm). I have been home for about 3 hours now with every window and balcony open and these posts are freaking me out! Without a thorough investigation of the respirator, process used, and procedures it would be hard to identify the source of this adverse effect. The use of methylene chloride can be reduced significantly by professionals. So, once workers can smell methylene chloride they are already being overexposed.. The company who gave me 6 year warranty has disconnected the phone number. One of the significant risks of refinishing a bathtub is exposure to methylene chloride or dichloromethane, which strips the tub and removes the previous glaze or finish. She enjoyed improving discarded furniture, then selling it it was like art to her. The nearby exterior door was open for ventilation and the overhead fan was blowing and although they had a pipe going from the bathroom down the hall and out the front door this was not sufficient. I think regulators should be aware of these dangers. 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. Hi, this is all so helpful. Pros will have the correct gear, knowledge of how to ventilate the space and protect themselves, and familiarity with the various chemicals used so you dont need to worry about keeping yourself safe. The following recommendations on respirator use are in the NIOSH/OSHA Alert. Thanks for your comment. Until the finishing dries, it is a good idea to leave the house. 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. My little dog had trouble breathing during the night and I had to go to urgent care for a chest xray. Very good to know, Ill let the pros do it from now on, and let my readers know the same! 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. Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, palpitations, dizziness or difficulty staying awake require immediate medical attention. When the project is complete, you can take a relaxing soak in your new tub, knowing it was refinished correctly and safely. 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. I used this kit 6 weeks ago. keep blogging~! So we need extra care. I live in a small one bedroom apartment and I just had my tub resurfaced. We need to know what all are used while doing refinishing. This post was helpful to me too. We can avoid being harmed if we will be knowledgeable about things. AND DURING CLEANING. I had my bathroom resurfaced including the bathtub 4 weeks ago. I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects of such dangerous products. Never stay where resurfacing is being done. We're starting to see chipped areasThey're more in the tub than on the walls. I just bought this old house that has this beautiful tub if only it can get restored back to new. Superior heavy duty Reglazing. very good and helpful post thanks to author. Follow good housekeeping measures, including spill and leak control and appropriate personal hygiene practices (such as making skin washing areas available to workers). 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. 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. Some many companies and professionals are offering their services for the people for refinishing, repairing, remodeling things. If youve been considering a bathroom remodel, then replacing an older tub might just make sense. 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. The epoxy coatings used to finish bathtubs can also emit dangerous vapors such as isocyanates when sprayed. Wow! There is still a strong smell in my bathroom espicially when it is hot and humid. Weve added a resource to try and educate those who are using these processes and offered a number of safer alternatives to using substances other than methylene chloride here: http://jwcpropertyservices.co.uk/bathtub-refinishing-dangers/. This study is great for warning against the potential dangers. Brick Underground articles occasionally include the expertise of, or information about, advertising partners when relevant to the story. Is there any type of detector on the market that will detect high levels of methlene chloride vapors? information posted by individuals on this site is correct, and disclaims any liability for any An expert starts by sanding down the tub's. Avoid use of methylene chloride or minimize the amount of methylene chloride used at each site. What are the governing bodies that oversee these applications? Tub and tile were original to the 1957 home and were actually not in bad shape. They took all precautions and said the fumes were gone, its only a smell. I refer to this CDC article a few times a month when answering questions from customers. Provide local exhaust ventilation (LEV) and fresh makeup air to exhaust vapors released from the stripping agents in the bathtub. She is the recipient of two awards from the National Association of Real Estate Editors for interior design and service journalism. Alternatively, you can search on Methylene Chloride and Safety Data Sheet for a listing of various SDSs for similar products. What is the difference between a muntin and a mullion and are they still used in windows? See the NIOSH topic page dedicated to occupational safety and health hazards associated with Isocyanates (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/isocyanates/default.html). Keep in mind that alternative products and other stripping agents may pose additional risks. Then, remove any cover plates, drain plugs and bathtub spouts. Thank you for taking the time to confirm your preferences. Thanks for sharing. They know where people bathe. Methylene chloride, a chlorinated solvent, is a volatile, colorless liquid with a sweet-smelling odor. I regret it so much now and want the tub out of the house. 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. My apartment manager refinished my bathtub about 2 1/2 years ago instead of buying a new one. Half-mask respirators may NOT be used because methylene chloride may cause eye irritation or damage. As far as we are concerned, 2k urethane systems should not be allowed in residential use. Takes longer and cost more but the client can pay the labor or feel free to do it themselves. If you feel you are in danger, you should contact your local emergency services for assistance. 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. Lowering exposures, even below the PEL, is considered to be good industrial hygiene practice. After an hour again, I decided to take a ride to feel fresh air. I noticed the odor every time they went in or out of the room, and had the bedroom doors all closed. Just trying to speak up for low income and maybe other apartment dwellers too. Real time instruments such as Photoionization detectors (PIDs) can be used to measure volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Is there some disconnect between science, policy and legal enforcement? I didnt think too much about it. 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. Follow all applicable OSHA standards, including the Methylene Chloride standard (. (273) Questions & Answers (148) +3. Exposure to as little as six ounces of methylene chloride-based material has been enough to cause death. We are a BBB Certified Resurfacing company located in Houston, Texas. Also my bedroom windows are both open, and that door is closed as well. This post is so informative and makes a very nice image on the topic in my mind. What if they put a horrible smell into the product that would alert the user before overexposure. Bathtub Refinishing matters should be left to professionals to complete. 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. Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and will fully evaporate shortly after the project is completed. She her nextwalked over to-door neighbor's apartment, where a team weari ng respirators was refinishi ng the bathroom with a spray-on resurfacing material and a chemical accelerator. Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and would have fully evaporated shortly after the project was completed. We were told when we did it that it only lasts about five years and I'm finding that to betrue, she says. Its staff and technicians from any and . For example, if you have a beautiful clawfoot tub made from heavy cast iron, refinishing is absolutely the way to go. Your local health department may be able to provide assistance. Do-it-yourself bathtub refinishing kits and professional refinishing products alike are not to be inhaled or absorbed by your skin. Tenant and all occupants in the apartment hereby release Bathtub Refinishing and Fiberglass Expert. For consumer concerns such as this you may want to contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission. You may want to ask the installer for the products safety data sheet which may have useful information on curing times and precautions. 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. He wore proper equipment, however ventilation was not adequate. 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. I live in low income housing, a few years ago they said my tub need to be refinished. I think our tub would look so much nicer if we had it refinished. Bathtub Refinishing vs. Liner: Whats Right for Your Home. In September 2011, a worker using a product containing methylene chloride to strip the glaze from a bathtub collapsed in the bathtub and later died. Your article has truly peaked my interest. We do have pets and have young kids. Mostly problem is that it can broken. I was doing some research on tub reglazing when I found this article. But it's not just about looks. It can and will save your life. UNTIL RE-GLAZED? "[The problem area] now takes up about a third of the bottom of the tub, because every time the water runs, more comes off," she says. I have 2 small kids and an infant. They yellow like crazy, and they are solvent based, slow drying so they off gas, and they never hold up. Works on all types of surfaces. I found out the hard way. It is now peeling off. If bathroom smells awful two days after resurfacing is that just the coating or also the dangerous MC? 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. My tub was removed from my home and refinished by a company here in Portland, OR. According to OSHA, you must also provide local exhaust ventilation and make-up air to replace the vapors removed by the exhaust. Its in our best interest to devise a way to remove these coatings without harming ourselves or the environment. Hello Its not bad to ask especially if we dont know anything about something. Find them at: http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Research/Pubs/#General All are members dread strip jobs.Frankly I dont know why someone would choose them. If I had of done a little research I guess I would of been more informed. Thank you for introducing this sensitive topic in such a way I never thought these chemicals were so dangerous. We pride ourselves on the work we do and strive to provide the best quality service in the refinishing and resurfacing industry. Also, you may want to ask the installer for the products safety data sheet which may have useful information on curing times and precautions. Thank for speaking about about tub refinishing. refinish or reglaze it or just replace it altogether. Kimberly Evans. "My glazing lasted three weeks before it began to peel from a tiny spot in the center of the tub," she says. I will stress this to home owners wanting to get bathtub resurfacing done. Adults? Im going to book mark your blog and keep checking for new information about once per week. Thanks for sharing such a helpful information. Bare minimum, the ventilation should meet some requirements, and homeowners should HAVE to LEAVE THE HOUSE for 3 days. We use MC (methylene chloride) in my furniture shop.
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