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 . I understand the dangers of the application process, but what about the 2/3 days following the reglazing? thank you so much. The standard also sets a 12.5 ppm action level (AL) which triggers periodic monitoring and medical surveillance provisions. Very good to know, Ill let the pros do it from now on, and let my readers know the same. Methylene chloride, a chlorinated solvent, is a volatile, colorless liquid with a sweet-smelling odor. Surface Designers have been in business for over 20 years resurfacing bathtubs and countertops. Thanks for your comment. "My glazing lasted three weeks before it began to peel from a tiny spot in the center of the tub," she says. My Landlord is planning on re glazing our tub and we are leaving for the weekend.
[MI, USA] Botched reglazing of apartment bathtub results in one cat When methylene chloride enters the human body, it affects brain function, such as concentration. Find them at: http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Research/Pubs/#General Your article has truly peaked my interest. good cotent, i like it. Unfortunately, manufacturers tend to play-down the immediate and especially long-term exposure risks from degassing (fumes) that occur perhaps over the next month or more. As a point of comparison, water boils at 212 F and has a room temperature vapor pressure of 17 mmHg. For consumer concerns such as this you may want to contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission. 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. 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. Publication number 81-8b-2012, Successful bathtub stripping using sanding as an alternative to methylene chloride 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. Agree with your perspective. Lead poisoning is a serious risk for young kids. 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. Your new bathroom's finish won't have any . Almost any color or appearance can be achieved, including the look of natural stone or marble. I gave my 2 year old a bath a little more came off. I opted in for your Feed too. Using methylene chloride products in a bathroom is extremely dangerous as bathrooms are often small, enclosed spaces with little or no ventilation. Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and would have fully evaporated shortly after the project was completed. Bathtub refinishing is the process of restoring the surface of an old bathtub to improve the bathtub's appearance and repair surface damage. Does anyone know if I should be worried? I think they want things swept under the carpet. I had my bathroom resurfaced including the bathtub 4 weeks ago. Bathtub refinishing is very risky. 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. Contact Us Today For A Free Bathtub Refinish Estimate Call [phone] or complete the contact form below for a FREE estimate! Most tubs can be reglazed if they are not overly damaged, but the process is generally recommended for steel, cast iron, or fiberglass tubs. He wore proper equipment, however ventilation was not adequate. Please, if you know anyone who refinishes bathtubs, make sure they are VERY AWARE of the dangers and the different situations. 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. I have used this product recently on a tub used all the proper PPE and approved NIOSH mask and jump suit and I have tasted this awful taste in my mouth for a couple of days its been 2 weeks and I still kinda feel it in my chest.
I had my tub reglazed recently. Bathtub Reglazing Experts. Thats why we see it a lot in historic neighborhoods.. So glad I read this. The past three days have been the hardest in my entire life. Also I have asthma, and after the job was done today I cant stop wheezing.
How to Refinish A Bathtub - DIY Bathtub Refinishing Thank for sharing about bathtub refinishing. and products contain ISOs. Vanity of a tub isnt worth it. OSHA has regulations that sets a permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 25 parts per million (ppm) as a time-weighted average (TWA) exposure over an 8-hour work shift. She enjoyed improving discarded furniture, then selling it it was like art to her. I use a flexible flat blade scraper and then sand with an aggressive grit. Works on all types of surfaces. What that means is that at room temperature, methylene chloride will evaporate very rapidly, much more rapidly than water. What is this stuff? 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. Do these products continue to leech into air/water once project is completed? 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. What separates a good job from a not-so-good job is not so much how it looks, its the prep. Im going to book mark your blog and keep checking for new information about once per week. I will always do the research beforehand going forward. There is still a strong smell in my bathroom espicially when it is hot and humid. If it is an occupied apartment, they have to sign a waiver that they will be gone the required amount of time. Making safety precautions is the priority for all kinds of work. Quite naive of me.
Dangers of Bathtub Refinishing | Blogs | CDC Scratching the tub would not release any methylene chloride vapors. Let the physician or health care professional know the specific products and chemicals used and the environment you were working in. 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. ECO-FRIENDLY No Odor Tub Reglazing: Fumes-free and made without harmful chemicals, Ekopel's long-lasting, oil-free glaze never peels! Obviously, I would have paid any price to do this rather than suffer these sad consequences. For example, if you have a beautiful clawfoot tub made from heavy cast iron, refinishing is absolutely the way to go. They know where people bathe. My friend was in the bathroom for only 4 minutes until his co workers had discovered him lying head first into the bathtub, still wearing proper mask and gloves both of which in good condition. THANK YOU! They yellow like crazy, and they are solvent based, slow drying so they off gas, and they never hold up. We are in a rental and I had to stop allowing my daughter to take baths because its everywhere. I had a tub refinished with epoxy that had a bad smell, but nothing like this. Thanks so much for the info! 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. The two maintenance men pulled the man off of the tub. Those DIY kits are not cutting it. I am a first time user of the refinishing kit. 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. Your blog has provided useful information for the work. It is the first time I visit your blog, but I was extremely impressed. Follow good housekeeping measures, including spill and leak control and appropriate personal hygiene practices (such as making skin washing areas available to workers). OSHAs Methylene Chloride standard (29 CFR 1910.1052) requires employers to test the air to determine the concentration of methylene chloride present in the air when a product containing methylene chloride is used (29 CFR 1910.1052(d)). 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. Brooklyn resident (and Brick Underground contributor) Donna Airoldirecently hadher tub reglazed, and she even scrubbed it before her contractor cleaned it. My puppy also is constantly licking the floor. Workers are exposed to methylene chloride by breathing it in and by absorbing it through their skin. Together we can make the nightmare of stripping bathtubs a thing of the past! Leave the room immediately after applying the methylene chloride-based stripping agent to limit exposure to methylene chloride vapors. Her writing on New York City, parenting, events, and culture has also appeared in Parents, Red Tricycle, BizBash, and Time Out New York. I went to clean out the tub to take another shower myself and by just barely cleaning it a whole bunch of paint came off, like over a foot and I was just barely scrubbing! 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. Whether your tub is refinished or reglazed depends on whether or not the old coating was removed before putting a new layer of epoxy or another coating. After the surface has dried, it is 100% safe to use the bathroom fixture.
PDF Acute Lung Disease from Bathtub Refinishing - University of California (Airoldi'scontractor brought a fan and blew air out the bathroom window, and she was home during the job, but didn't find the smell intolerable.). A fresh air system is critical. I was researching because i just had a bad experience. 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. A bathtub replacement can cost around $2,900 on average and may add value to your property. 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. I like taking baths, but will not do so in this tub now knowing how unhealthy it actually is. Thank you for your comment. We can ask questions and be well-informed. Like many cancer-causing agents, any level of exposure, even concentrations below applicable occupational exposure limits, may pose a residual cancer risk. It feels toxic, but no one has instructed me to leave, so am I to assume that I am safe? Hi, this is all so helpful. Methylene chloride cannot be smelled until the level in the air is higher than OSHAs permissible exposure limits (PELs). Thank you for taking the time to confirm your preferences. Alternatively, you can search on Methylene Chloride and Safety Data Sheet for a listing of various SDSs for similar products. I have never thought of this before! Stripping products may also contain flammable solvents and flammability may be a concern. I did two tubs in old houses yesterday. Bare minimum, the ventilation should meet some requirements, and homeowners should HAVE to LEAVE THE HOUSE for 3 days. My husband and I have been thinking about getting our master bathtub refinished so we will have to keep this information in mind. An expert starts by sanding down the tub's. 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. Thank you. Wearing a dust mask should not be confused with fitting a respirator with organic cartridges. Concessions return to the NYC rental market as recession fears slow leasing activity, The pros and cons of buying a penthouse apartment, Racism and the lack of diversity in the appraisal business, Making sense of the NYC real estate market with Jonathan Miller, The Brick Underground Podcast: Predators in the NYC rental market, with Hannah Levintova from Mother Jones, The Brick Underground Podcast: Protecting against fire and floods in your NYC apartment, The Brick Underground Podcast: Finding a deal as NYC landlords pull concessions and raise rents, The Brick Underground Podcast: Trading your NYC apartment for a cheap(er) vacation. Not worth it. Earlier this week NIOSH and OSHA released a joint Hazard Alert titled Methylene Chloride Hazards for Bathtub Refinishers. Bathtub refinishing is very dangerous. AND DURING CLEANING. After most fumes and smell went away two days later i still had muscle pain and spasms all over, headache, very sick and weak, skin burned and stung, could feel it in my lungs. However, products are more dangerous when they are sweet smelling, and as your article states your are already exposed once you smell it. If you know the name of the product that was used, you may be able to find it by searching on the Internet. So, it presents no long-term hazard to the resident. I had my cast iron tub reglazed on a very hot humid day. For consumer-related questions after the tub has been refurbished, please contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission. sprayed with materials that emit fumes which may be hazardous to the tenant's health if inhaled in the working concentration within the first 4-6 hours after completion of the job. I have no shower, only this bath and no space for one. We share your concern for the workers who worked on the tub in a confined space with the door closed. In our blog we state that methylene chloride cannot be smelled until the level in the air is higher than OSHAs permissible exposure limits (PELs). I recently had our tub sresurfaced as well as kitchen counters done, and the smell was so strong I dont know how these guys can do this every day. My concern is whether it is safe to take long soaks in this tub. I only use stripper when absolutely necessary. The use of a respirator scrubber mask (gas mask) isnt complete protection. The bathroom was small, and the door was closed due to restricted access to the bathtub. Using methylene chloride products in a bathroom is extremely dangerous as bathrooms are often small, enclosed spaces with little or no ventilation. Thanks for your comment. Keep up the good work! After an hour again, I decided to take a ride to feel fresh air. According to OSHA, you must also provide local exhaust ventilation and make-up air to replace the vapors removed by the exhaust. This is horrible People please do not use these DIY kits. Even low income people dont deserve treatment like Ive seen and been through. 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. Personally the bathtub reglazing odor resembles the aroma of a room after it has been painted and therefore the fragrance will keep within the facility for up to 2 days, this is not body odor we are . 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. Half-mask respirators may NOT be used because methylene chloride may cause eye irritation or damage. My tub didnt look.bad at all except for being dusty from disuse.maybe they cant tell the difference. 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. Sometimes, it's less expensive to replace a tub than to get it refinished, especially if it's a rare type of tub made of an unusual material. I think this type of finish should be banned. 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. This forces a refinisher to use a very strong stripper. Dear Mr. Ronald M. Hall, you probably save my life with this article! What a great reminder to always plan for and wear personal protective equipment. Thanks for sharing. MC is not flammable on its own. The epoxy coatings used to finish bathtubs can also emit dangerous vapors such as isocyanates when sprayed. 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. We will never promote an advertiser's product without making the relationship clear to our readers. A bathtub replacement can cost around $2,900 on average and may add value to your property. Is there some disconnect between science, policy and legal enforcement? Many post pictures but up close you cant see the brush strokes they leave behind. And, are there any substances that are dangerous and can later leach into bath water and be absorbed by the skin? 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. The only ventilation in the hours between the reglazing and now was provided by the slatted windows in the bathroom. 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. 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. Is that smell dangerous for children? I now have a colostomy, urostomy,skin cancers and CKD(chronic kidney disease)with only one kidney working and that only functions at 15%. At least 14 workers have died since 2000 as a result of using stripping agents containing methylene chloride during bathtub refinishing. It has one small rust stain and is still moderately shiny. The NIOSH studies pertained only to workers who were applying methylene chloride (paint stripper) directly, and we have not studied consumer-related exposure. Thanks for sharing. Methylene chloride, a new chlorinated solvent, is usually a risky, without color liquid having a sweet-smelling smell. Thank you for this post. The Centers for Disease Control has more information on lead hazards on their web site. Reglazing involves stripping off the previous coating and sanding down the tub. Extraction during the process is everything. It was a small job, and I messed up with the paint brush I used, leaving lines in the finished product. 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 have blocked the drain over night but it did not eliminate the smell. Im not familiar with the Australian occupational health and safety system but you might want to start with Safe Work Australia http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/SWA . I use all chemical-free products to clean, and cannot use otherwise or it affects me. What if your bathtub could be transformed in one day from embarrassing to your bathroom's sparkling centerpiece? I have tried a couple of my wifes lotions to easy the burning, which has only made it worse.. any suggestion on what to take the stinging away.. CDC twenty four seven. Bathtub refinishing is the process of restoring the surface of an old bathtub to improve the bathtub's appearance and repair surface damage. She wont fix it since they are going to remodel in the future. We are sorry to hear about your symptoms. thanks Ron Hall for such a valuable information, its horrible, why its still available in the market, it should be banned from the market. on the dangers of isocyanates in coatings and application hazards. tl;dr: Accidentally fell in the bathtub so hard it left a hole. If they continue, you should consult your doctor. Follow all applicable OSHA standards, including the Methylene Chloride standard (. Bathtub Refinishing matters should be left to professionals to complete. I say this because his co workers where in the other bathroom working. 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. 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. 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. The odor and fumes were suffocating. Thanks for your comment. Surely the proper checks should be taken before the products leaves the factory. How much does moving to the suburbs cost vs. staying in NYC? Ask Sam: Will the U.S. Supreme Court end rent stabilization? Thanks!
Thanks if you reply. Stay safe! Thanks. What are the governing bodies that oversee these applications?
Understanding the Fumes Associated with Bathtub Refinishing 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. IT IS REALLY VERY HELPFUL FOR ME.I LIKE YOUR POST BECAUSE IT IS VERY USEFUL FOR ME AS WELL. loss or damage resulting from reliance on any such information. I could not believe how hard it was to even find a kit to purchase, which led me to wonder why. Other uses, such as use by professionals outside industrial installations or household use by individuals is forbidden. Thanks for your comment. I think this type of finish should be banned. Their cost is at least twice as expensive as Miracle Method refinishing and can take up to 3 to 4 weeks from ordering to installation.
Myths About Bathtub Refinishing | Specialized Refinishing Co. My friend was left to work alone in the small enclosed space, with out supervision. If your bathroom has a window, set a fan near it pointing outwards; this will help move air and dissipate the fumes. Theres no such thing as excessive safety precaution. Just trying to speak up for low income and maybe other apartment dwellers too. Very good to know, Ill let the pros do it from now on, and let my readers know the same! I have 15 years experience with bathtub refinishing and stripping. Lowering exposures, even below the permissible exposure limit (PEL), is considered to be good industrial hygiene practice. Anyone who is curious to try alternatives to MC-based strippers are encouraged to read these small business success stories. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. I worked at [Company name removed] for 14years. I wish I had read this blog before the procedure. I believe in situations like these, two or more workers would be present in the bathroom, when proper ventilation is impossible.