Stripping products may also contain flammable solvents and flammability may be a concern. I live in a small one bedroom apartment and I just had my tub resurfaced. I opened my windows, all four. White is popular, but we can do pretty much any color you have in mind. My heart goes out to those who lost friends and/or loved ones due to CM. My little dog had trouble breathing during the night and I had to go to urgent care for a chest xray. Thetoxic fumesreleased during the processnot only make your apartment smell bad, theyre dangerous if not dealt with properly. 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. 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. 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 . 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). However, during the refinishing process, it is not possible for us to guess what the airborne concentration of methylene chloride may be in your home without knowing how the workers will be using methylene chloride and how they plan to ventilate the work area and the house. "[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. Let the physician or health care professional know the specific products and chemicals used and the environment you were working in. *Note that there are reports that a fresh air system is . 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. NIOSH cannot provide individual medical advice. We will never promote an advertiser's product without making the relationship clear to our readers. 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. http://retrorenovation.com/2016/05/02/understanding-potential-lead-hazards-old-porcelain-enamel-bathtubs-sinks-ceramic-tile-any-age/#ixzz47UvHcM00. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance. Then, remove any cover plates, drain plugs and bathtub spouts. As my two other friends and I stood there over our lost brother, we could not help but cry, tell stories of our past together, and wish that he could hear us one last time. 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. Im also dealing with such kinds of things because Im a plumber by profession. Is that smell dangerous for children? Hi I have very sensitive skin, and covered in psoriasis and eczema. I would concenr it to home owners wanting to get bathtub resurfacing done. Changing ones business practices and methods can certainly be a daunting task and a big decision, but in the case of methylene chloride and bathtubs it is an important, potentially lifesaving one. I have personally resurfaced in the past for investment properties, and have smelt the sweet smell, but never was affected , luckily. Even if you hire a professional to reglaze or refinish your bathtub, you and your family or other residents should leave the property during the entire process, including while the epoxy coat cures after application. We're starting to see chipped areasThey're more in the tub than on the walls. Reglazing a tub doesnt actually take that long to do. I have no experience in this type of work, my day job is a guidance counselor, but I started thinking about how we might prevent these fatalities from happening going forward, if using MC. White advises keeping away fromcleansers likebleach oreven Soft Scrub. Works on all types of surfaces. Theyll also ensure adequate ventilation during the project, if necessary deploying powerful fans with duct extensions to exhaust hazardous vapors to the outdoors, says DeClerico. My Landlord is planning on re glazing our tub and we are leaving for the weekend. Bathtubs should be refinished every seven to 10 years, or more frequently if there is significant damage, stained, or you (or your homes previous owners) havent been cleaning your bathtub the right way. A bathtub in our old home was reglazed a few weeks ago. Needless to say, I was shocked, I am taken aback by the statistics. Note that humidity affects both dry time and how well the topcoat bonds to the surface, so the cool, less-humid seasons of fall or spring providethe best conditions for this type of work. I thought it was re-porcelained but have just been told that it was refinished with a polyurethane/acrylic finish. Contact Us Today For A Free Bathtub Refinish Estimate Call [phone] or complete the contact form below for a FREE estimate! I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects of such dangerous products. Gerda. Thank you so much! 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. I have never thought of this before! The apt right next to me was just resurfaced and the chemicals came through the air vents. If you have a tub that has seen better days, but you dont want to remove and replace it completely, then you may need to have it reglazed or refinished to restore it to its original state. This is a moderated site and your comments will be reviewed before they are posted. I use it in good ventilation and, if Im going to be doing much work, I use a respirator. 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. But it's not just about looks. You can review and change the way we collect information below. Comments listed below are posted by individuals not associated with CDC, unless otherwise stated. It was a cold day, so I went back inside. Without a thorough investigation of the respirator, process used, and procedures it would be hard to identify the source of this adverse effect. They take the dirt out but also take part of the glaze, he says. If you need to go back and make any changes, you can always do so by going to our Privacy Policy page. 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. Superior heavy duty Reglazing. I wonder if it healthy & ok to use the tub for baths after a certain period of tome (days?). It has one small rust stain and is still moderately shiny. 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. Its staff and technicians from any and . Consult the OSHA/NIOSH Hazard Alert for specific information regarding engineering controls, exposure levels and air monitoring, personal protective equipment, worker training and medical surveillance. 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. Last night I went to bed with a headache, then vomited on and off throughout the night. I am concerned about having a surface that is toxic and that can harm my family in the long run. Please take proper safety precautions, as well as warn others of these seriously dangerous situations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. I had my tub reglazed recently. All comments posted become a part of the public domain, and users are responsible for their comments. A great thanks to you to let us know about the fact. I am older with heart disease and lung disease. She wont fix it since they are going to remodel in the future. He was formally pronounced brain dead at the hospital, the same day of the incident. See the NIOSH topic page dedicated to occupational safety and health hazards associated with Isocyanates (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/isocyanates/default.html). There is an incredible amount of data You may want to contact Product Safety Australia http://www.productsafety.gov.au, who assists with consumer concerns like the one you posted. Like many cancer-causing agents, any level of exposure, even concentrations below applicable occupational exposure limits, may pose a residual cancer risk. Is it dangerous to any or all of us? I hope many people will now be thinking at least thrice before making use of such chemicals. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. Lowering exposures, even below the PEL, is considered to be good industrial hygiene practice. It can and will save your life. discovered that the fumes were coming through the vent in her bathroom. What are the governing bodies that oversee these applications? 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. It a huge peeled off spot in the tub, dangerous to me? I used this kit 6 weeks ago. (before we had kids). Usually coatings can be removed with a good razor scraper.sure it takes longer but it keeps me from using more harmful chemicals. Here's how to do it, How buying real estate in NYC is unlike anywhere else, A guide to using a no-fee renovation loan from a NYC real estate firm, How to make your NYC renovation more pet-friendly, From Boerum Hill to Prospect Lefferts Gardens: After years of renting, we wanted to buy a condo with amenities, What to know about buying in Briarwood, Queens, where you may score a house with a driveway and garage. Your blog has provided useful information for the work. The paint in the bath tub is pealing off after one use. White advises keeping away fromcleansers likebleach oreven Soft Scrub. 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. For consumer-related questions after the tub has been refurbished, please contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission. I went outside after he was finished. This post was helpful to me too. I had my cast iron tub reglazed on a very hot humid day. Bathtub refinishing is the process of restoring the surface of an old bathtub to improve the bathtubs appearance and repair surface damage. Reglazing a tub doesnt actually take that long to do. Even if they come in a spray can unless you really know how to spray a cross hatch overlap pattern then you will have dry edges. Thank you for introducing this sensitive topic in such a way I never thought these chemicals were so dangerous. As a result, most tenants moved. NIOSH work in this area only pertains to workers exposed when using stripping agents containing methylene chloride during bathtub refinishing. Cookies used to make website functionality more relevant to you. Thanks for your comment. 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. Ask Sam: I saw my apartment on a listing site, but I havent received any notice from my landlord. Heart attacks may occur even before any other symptoms of methylene chloride exposure occur. Thankyou for letting people know this danger alert! As a point of comparison, water boils at 212 F and has a room temperature vapor pressure of 17 mmHg. Could you please advise, will this chemical leech into the water? That is a shocking statistic, At least 14 workers have died since 2000 as a result of using stripping agents containing methylene chloride during bathtub refinishing. It is an odd sized bathtub so I did not even consider ordering a replacement custom-made. If the chemical you are using is marked as flammable then you can be sure that it is not 100% MC. HOPING THE SAME FINEST OPERATE IN THE UP COMING DAYS ALSO. The Environmental Protection Agency provides general information and resources on indoor air quality in apartments, see https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/indoor-air-quality-apartments. Alternative products and processes exist for bathtub refinishing. 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. 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. NIOSH has not evaluated isocyanates exposure among bathtub refinishers but products containing isocyanates should also be handled with care. Workers often spray or pour a bathtub stripping product into the basin of the bathtub and then brush the product onto the tub surface. Jimmy White of Staten Island-based Custom Spraying and Reglazing, who has been doing it for more than 30 years and is considered the reglazer to the starsheworked on Faye Dunaway's and Candace Bergens bathroomssays it can be done in a few hours, plus 24 hours of dry time. I just rented a housing association flat with an unsightly, badly marked tub. Hello my name is Kris I amthe owner at Tub Klass NJ. Second tub went smoother because I had a window to open for air circulation. I stripped the two sinks using a chisel and a heat gun. What is the difference between a muntin and a mullion and are they still used in windows? I certainly will be approaching this much differently. Methylene chlorides boiling point is just over 100 F, and has a vapor pressure of 350 mmHg. Theres no such thing as excessive safety precaution. These cookies may also be used for advertising purposes by these third parties. These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. This is a great article. How can -re-glazers be allowed to do this line of work if it is dangerous to everyone involved? I regret it so much! I repaired the tile finish as best I could and covered it with 123 primer and latex kitchen/bath paint by mohair brush. HomeAdvisors True Cost Guide puts the average cost to refinish a bathtub at about $450, while installing a new one runs about $3,000. Our apartment filled with these toxic fumes. Thank you for your comment. Hi, this is all so helpful. If your bathroom has a window, set a fan near it pointing outwards; this will help move air and dissipate the fumes. 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. Its thick, full-seal coating restores tub surfaces to a "like new" bright gloss. Never stay where resurfacing is being done. Hello It is the first time I visit your blog, but I was extremely impressed. We use a spray-on compound that hardens to a polished and durable, like-new finish. I have read many articles but this is different one. So, it presents no long-term hazard to the resident. If the area is poorly ventilated (which is common in bathrooms) or the person doing the work isnt wearing the appropriate protective gear, they could stop breathing, or worsemethyl chloride has an effect similar to carbon monoxide poisoning. I am all for saving money and dont wish to come off like I dont appreciate the effort but if your already saving $5000 why not let a pro do it. information posted by individuals on this site is correct, and disclaims any liability for any What to know about adding skylights to your NYC brownstone or apartment, How to evaluate different types of NYC contractor bids when you're renovating, New Yorkers moving out of state save more money on housing than taxes, 5 houses for sale in Margaretville, NY, a small town in the Catskills, 5 houses for sale in Sagaponack, the most expensive zip code in NY. Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and would have fully evaporated shortly after the project was completed. I think people always take safety for too lightly. Im going to book mark your blog and keep checking for new information about once per week. I have a chipped tub that is built in with tile walls. Open the bathroom door and as many . Making safety precautions is the priority for all kinds of work. IT IS REALLY VERY HELPFUL FOR ME.I LIKE YOUR POST BECAUSE IT IS VERY USEFUL FOR ME AS WELL. I have one side of my nose feeling congested and post nasal drip and a headache. Thank you for your comment. Thanks to those whoever posted this article. We are in a rental and I had to stop allowing my daughter to take baths because its everywhere. We work a lot with paints and try to stay abreast of the dangers when working with chemicals, solvents and paint compounds. Should add the bathroom door was closed with towel under it but small window open for two days. Great information. All the tips in the post are great. Now its already peeling. Hover Image to Zoom. And that tub refinishing is at top of my list besides them running heat too much. Thanks for your comment. Ron, What's the difference between jumbo and conforming loans? The standard also sets a 12.5 ppm action level (AL) which triggers periodic monitoring and medical surveillance provisions. We slept inside the apartment after the workers did the bathtub glazing, should we go to the clinic to make sure we are fine? Thats perhaps the number one reason trying to DIY it is not advisable (kits are available, but just leave it to the professionals). Great article. 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. This bathtub renovation option goes by many names resurfacing, recoating, refinishing or reglazing but has a pretty straightforward process. It is now 5:30 p.m., and the fumes in the apartment are too much to bear. 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. Products containing methylene chloride should be avoided when possible. Bathroom fans or open windows do not provide adequate ventilation. Does anyone know if I should be worried? And I havent been able to use mine in years to due mobility being so compromised. 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 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. Need professional help with your project? How do I know if this is toxic? Lowering exposures, even below the permissible exposure limit (PEL), is considered to be good industrial hygiene practice. What that means is that at room temperature, methylene chloride will evaporate very rapidly, much more rapidly than water. After a few years, she was diagnosed with lung cancer (she never smoked) and died in 1999. I only use stripper when absolutely necessary. The specific effects of methylene chloride exposure will vary depending on several factors, such as the amount of methylene chloride the worker is exposed to, how long the exposure lasts, and whether the worker has a higher susceptibility (for example, having a preexisting heart condition). I was researching because i just had a bad experience. If this could be dangerous, government should put strict in purchasing this kind of toxic to avoid casualties for workers and even consumers. Thank you for taking the time to confirm your preferences. I didnt think too much about it. 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. Ive read some incredible information in this article. Thanks for sharing such a helpful information. His go-to isScrubbing Bubbles. Even a tiny bit? 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. Or should I leave? Your email address will not be published. The two maintenance men pulled the man off of the tub. Avoid use of methylene chloride or minimize the amount of methylene chloride used at each site. I used a paint scraper and razor to completely strip the tub. We recommend that you consult your personal physician about your health issues, and your local health department for assistance with the building management. There are a few scratches and black marks from a previously installed shower door that was installed on the tub. Thank you! I remember my grandfather saying something about antifreeze having that safety precaution I believe. Step 1: Set up the ventilation system. And again, dont be afraid to ask. tl;dr: Accidentally fell in the bathtub so hard it left a hole. Very good to know, Ill let the pros do it from now on, and let my readers know the same! 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. Bathtub Refinishing matters should be left to professionals to complete. If they continue, you should consult your doctor. There is not any ventilation in the bathroom either. Qualified pros will have all the necessary protective gear, including coveralls and masks with HEPA air filters. As a point of comparison, water boils at 212 F and has a room temperature vapor pressure of 17 mmHg. The process commonly involves removing the bathtub's existing finish before applying a new coating, usually a synthetic finish such as polyurethane or epoxy. My question is, am I in danger using the peeling bathtub??? You also want to keep shampoo bottles and other products off the surface, aswell as a mat with suction cups. 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. I stripped the lead paint off the outside of an old cast iron tub using a low-VOC paint stripper suitable for lead paint, and then primed and painted the exterior. Instead, many homeowners have the existing tub reglazed or refinished, which typically costs $300-$600, depending on the area and process. 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. This is poor. 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 Adults? Her writing on New York City, parenting, events, and culture has also appeared in Parents, Red Tricycle, BizBash, and Time Out New York. I take epsom salt baths and the salts are absorbed systemically. A person directly outside the door and 30 seconds could have saved our best friends life. Thank you. It hurt to know, the four of us where in a room together for what will be the very last time. The standard also sets a 12.5 ppm action level (AL) which triggers periodic monitoring and medical surveillance provisions. Or will we be ok?? Good to see so much effort going into bringing awareness to bathtub refinishing in Waltham. Your new bathroom's finish won't have any . 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. Long-term exposure may cause cancer in humans. Always check product labels and safety data sheets to understand the recommended and required precautions. We understand the importance of protecting ourselves, the environment and most importantly our customers. Thanks for your comment. 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. I had no problems with it and thought they knew what they were doing as it happens all the time here. 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. Thorough prep and and cleaning can preventbig headaches down the road. Its really awesome and very dangers take care guys Follow all applicable OSHA standards, including the Methylene Chloride standard (. 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 are not familiar with the finishes you mention. The warning labels should be more elaborate about the safety requirements. Keep posting as I am gonna come to read it everyday! TENANT INSTRUCTIONS: . Is that dangerous as well? Eyes, skin and residual in clothing adsorbption can also be significant and detrimental. We have for years been trying to come up with a Stripper that will remove Epoxy DIY kits that do not have the Methylene Chloride but time is an issue. Karma: 3. The tub needs to go. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. Just trying to speak up for low income and maybe other apartment dwellers too. When we find a company to do it, Ill be sure to make sure that there is plenty of fresh air. Read more about our comment policy . 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)). IF THE GLAZED TUB IS SCRATCHED LATER DOES THAT RELEASE TOXIC FUMES? The company who gave me 6 year warranty has disconnected the phone number. If you are concerned about the smells, you could seek help from your local health department. MC is not flammable on its own. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bathtub refinishing fumes are dangerous and you do not want yourself or anyone in the home breathing them. Thanks for your comment. If I do decide to hire a professional, I will make sure they have the ventilation equipment described here. Dear Mr. Ronald M. Hall, you probably save my life with this article! Your local health department may also be able to provide more assistance or information. That is really great to know. document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address: We take your privacy seriously.