After the bathtub has been stripped and resurfaced how long is the danger from the Methylene chloride still in the air? i come back again this blog, any way i think Please respond quickly. Thank you for your comment. I just bought this old house that has this beautiful tub if only it can get restored back to new. I think this type of finish should be banned. I found out the hard way. If this could be dangerous, government should put strict in purchasing this kind of toxic to avoid casualties for workers and even consumers. on the dangers of isocyanates in coatings and application hazards. Bathtub refinishing is a necessary maintenance step if you wish to improve the appearance and structural integrity of your tub. Finding a Miracle Method office. Moreover, because methylene chloride evaporates quickly (it has a high vapor pressure), vapors can collect in the bottom of a bathtub and in the workers breathing zone when working in the bathtub. IF THE GLAZED TUB IS SCRATCHED LATER DOES THAT RELEASE TOXIC FUMES? print Print. 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. 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. Keep up the good work! 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. Brooklyn resident Emily Gilbert had her familys tub and part of the bathroom wall reglazed four-and-a-half years ago (, Moving to NYC after college? 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. After an hour again, I decided to take a ride to feel fresh air. Just trying to speak up for low income and maybe other apartment dwellers too. The past three days have been the hardest in my entire life. 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. Delivered to your inbox twice weekly - for free. 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. In workers with heart disease, an increase in carbon monoxide may lead to early onset heart attacks and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). I personally have never heard of this being such a serious problem. Are these chemicals only toxic while being applied, or can they still be harmful later as used? Bathtub refinishing is very dangerous. My husband and I have been thinking about getting our master bathtub refinished so we will have to keep this information in mind. I wish I discovered this post a few weeks earlier. 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. 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. Please, if you know anyone who refinishes bathtubs, make sure they are VERY AWARE of the dangers and the different situations. Use long-handled tools (e.g., scrapers, brushes) to avoid leaning into the bathtub. The only ventilation in the hours between the reglazing and now was provided by the slatted windows in the bathroom. If the vapor smell continues and is persistent you should call a safety and health professional to evaluate the area. They yellow like crazy, and they are solvent based, slow drying so they off gas, and they never hold up. Absolutely agree with this article. 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. Thankyou for letting people know this danger alert! I certainly will be approaching this much differently. 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. The health issues that you can face immediately and also in the future are not worth the risk. Proper ventilation and a proper fitting organic vapor respirator are an absolute requirement for DIY bathtub refinishing. She refinished furniture in our garage. 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. I regret it so much! Publication number 81-8c-2013. If I had of done a little research I guess I would of been more informed. My apartment is very small and I sat in bedroom with my elderly cat not 20 feet away. Ive spoken with many other tub resurfacing company owners and employees, and most of them do not use or even own full-face air-supplied respirators. 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. We tried to open our window a bit. Capital region housing in edmonton is the worst. We are in a rental and I had to stop allowing my daughter to take baths because its everywhere. 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. Karma: 3. If they continue, you should consult your doctor. I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects of such dangerous products.I think this type of finish should be banned.This is great information to share to hopefully make us more aware and careful. Reglazing a tub doesnt actually take that long to do. Bathtub Refinishing Countertop Refinishing Vanity Refinishing Fiberglass Enclosures Wall Tile NIOSH research and prevention efforts focus on worker risk, so we are not able to address this kind of exposure. I have been home for about 3 hours now with every window and balcony open and these posts are freaking me out! I have no shower, only this bath and no space for one. We are not familiar with the finishes you mention. Thank you for introducing this sensitive topic in such a way I never thought these chemicals were so dangerous. This is great information to share to hopefully make us more aware and careful. I am sleeping in the living room under many blankets with the balcony door wide openis it safe? I am concerned about having a surface that is toxic and that can harm my family in the long run. We do have pets and have young kids. THANK YOU! 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. Thanks for sharing, Im sure it will really come in handy. I had my bathtub refinished yesterday and the door to the bathroom had remained closed while the worker was doing the job. 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. Its highly toxic Teri. I understand the dangers of the application process, but what about the 2/3 days following the reglazing? Another interest in re-glazing is being fueled by informed masses who have shown a continued interest in "greening" their homes, particularly in making them more . It is now peeling off. He did it 6 years ago when we moved in. 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. (Obviously, no, but you get the idea.). I didnt know that the bathroom fans and windows wouldnt provide the right amount of ventilation. 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. I am exposing myself by soaking in this tub? I live in low income housing, a few years ago they said my tub need to be refinished. Our beloved pet went into respiratory failure the next day, was rushed to the ER and spent three nights in the veterinarian ICU. Many stripping products (including those that may also be available to consumers) contain high percentages of methylene chloride. NYC Renovation Chronicles: 5 ways to save on your bathroom renovation, Renovating a co-op? 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. Coatings suitable for bathtub reglazing include: You can use these materials on several surfaces, including acrylic, ceramic, porcelain, and fiberglass bathtubs. Mostly problem is that it can broken. When methylene chloride enters the human body, it affects brain function, such as concentration. My business is in the UK, safety of workers is as important over here. It smelled awful for days. Successful bathtub stripping with benzyl alcohol as an alternative to methylene chloride-based paint strippers I am Gary Goel owner of the Professional Bathtub Refinishers Association. My cat was crying and jumping on the door to get out. Bathtub refinishing is amazing. Kimberly Evans. It won't last forever, but it's a pretty good temporary fix. Thanks for your comment. She wont fix it since they are going to remodel in the future. I was researching because i just had a bad experience. Thank you for the great information. Thank you. 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. This study is great for warning against the potential dangers. Migraine, dizzy, shortness of breath. Dust masks do not protect you from bathtub refinishing vapors. Look for an alternative to do the bathtub refinishing. This bathtub renovation option goes by many names resurfacing, recoating, refinishing or reglazing but has a pretty straightforward process. I guess this is one of those occupational hazard jobs when doing bathtub refinishing. It was a small job, and I messed up with the paint brush I used, leaving lines in the finished product. I have contacted the government,the union head [name removed], and the legal ombudsman but to no avail. I had no problems with it and thought they knew what they were doing as it happens all the time here. 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. Will these chemicals be leaching out of the surface, presenting a health concern from contact? We slept inside the apartment after the workers did the bathtub glazing, should we go to the clinic to make sure we are fine? Thanks! 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. The fumes had traveled through the vent into her adjacent room. I dont think I had the right mask on. 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. After collecting these samples following the NIOSH analytical method the samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis. 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. Right now, I am surrounded by vacant apartments, and the new owner is reglazing all of the tubs. NIOSH research and prevention efforts focus on worker risk, so we are not able to address this kind of exposure. This may sound extreme, but I assure you, neglect to safety is not worth the life of a co worker, family member, or in my case a best friend. If you are considering refinishing your bathtub or shower, click on Find a Location or call our toll free locator number, 1-888-271-7690 . The home I purchased a few years ago came with cast iron bathtub and ceramic tile walls that had been covered with a 2-step epoxy finish. I have personally resurfaced in the past for investment properties, and have smelt the sweet smell, but never was affected , luckily. If the chemical you are using is marked as flammable then you can be sure that it is not 100% MC. They were wearing some gas mask type stuff while they were doing it, but I have noticed even after spraying the fumes were strong; and I was outside when they did this. For consumer-related questions after the tub has been refurbished, please contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission. How much does moving to the suburbs cost vs. staying in NYC? good information Gail Scott i agree with you . Lowering exposures, even below the permissible exposure limit (PEL), is considered to be good industrial hygiene practice. Bare minimum, the ventilation should meet some requirements, and homeowners should HAVE to LEAVE THE HOUSE for 3 days. The fact of the matter is that using a professional that is trained and well-versed in the safety measures of bathtub refinishing; is critical, and can not only protect the owners of the property, but those performing the job! I will always do the research beforehand going forward. The warning labels should be more elaborate about the safety requirements. Rents an apartment with ventilation that mixes with neighbors and brings odors from adjacent apartments, Was subjected to highly toxic fumes from maintenance being performed on a neighboring apartment Suffered from effects of those fumes, and nearly succumbing to them Reglazing a tub doesnt actually take that long to do. How can -re-glazers be allowed to do this line of work if it is dangerous to everyone involved? I will stress this to home owners wanting to get bathtub resurfacing done. When is the best time of year to buy or sell a NYC apartment? https://www.publicintegrity.org/2015/09/21/17991/common-solvent-keeps-killing-workers-consumers. good cotent, i like it. 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. I regret it so much now and want the tub out of the house. I did two tubs in old houses yesterday. It is really shocking that stripping agents contrain toxic elements in them. theyre dangerous if not dealt with properly. I figure if its being done, it must be safe, or why else would people do it? Ill mention it to my readers on my real estate site. 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)). They take the dirt out but also take part of the glaze, he says. Step 1: Set up the ventilation system. Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and would have fully evaporated shortly after the project was completed. Works on all types of surfaces. Reglazing involves stripping off the previous coating and sanding down the tub. Stripping products may also contain flammable solvents and flammability may be a concern. I repaired the tile finish as best I could and covered it with 123 primer and latex kitchen/bath paint by mohair brush. Is that smell dangerous for children? Thank you for spreading the word on the importance of this! Needless to say, I was shocked, I am taken aback by the statistics. 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. At high enough levels, it can stop breathing. No warning that fumes would make me sick. 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. Perhaps this us not the case. Eyes, skin and residual in clothing adsorbption can also be significant and detrimental. loss or damage resulting from reliance on any such information. I live in Newark housing and I have been there for 11 years and every 9 months they have to paint the tub and I have to stay in the house after they paint it and it keeps messing up can you tell me what should I do. (Removing a tub and installing a new one can cost thousands, and if youre in an apartment building, it might even require getting your downstairs neighbor involved as it may impact plumbing beyond your apartment. Wow this is kinda hard to believe that even a thing such as messing with a bathtub can be so dangerous. NIOSH cannot provide individual medical advice. Changing up your tub is a great way to give your bathroom a makeover on a budget, Visit the Solution Center to Explore Articles. 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. Ask Sam: I saw my apartment on a listing site, but I havent received any notice from my landlord. Thank you so much for this great article and hope that others now are aware of the safety measures that need to be followed. The NIOSH studies pertained only to workers who were applying methylene chloride directly, and we have not studied consumer-related exposure. Her writing on New York City, parenting, events, and culture has also appeared in Parents, Red Tricycle, BizBash, and Time Out New York. Remember, if it smells new, the fumes are too. Simply not worth the risk. Your article has truly peaked my interest. My cat and I were both really sick afterwards and my cat has now passed on.no one told us to go anywhere else, my cat was unable to be transported anyway and so was I since Im handicapped. It is the first time I visit your blog, but I was extremely impressed. Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, palpitations, dizziness or difficulty staying awake require immediate medical attention. 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. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. There is still a strong smell in my bathroom espicially when it is hot and humid. I hope the fumes and the tub return to a safe level. Fumes associated with bathtub stripping chemicals have taken the lives of those that did not follow the warnings on the product. Alternative products and processes exist for bathtub refinishing. Sometimes, its less expensive to replace a tub than to get it refinished, especially if its a rare type of tub made of an unusual material. Tub and tile were original to the 1957 home and were actually not in bad shape. I was doing some research on tub reglazing when I found this article. He wore proper equipment, however ventilation was not adequate. 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. Leave the room immediately after applying the methylene chloride-based stripping agent to limit exposure to methylene chloride vapors. I blog often and I really appreciate your content. 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. The coating and sanding are done alternatively. 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. 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. 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. if we do we get evicted. Opening the windows is necessary, but it's certainly not enough if you're working with methylene chloride. Refinishing a bathtub is a less costly . Its the very first time I call at your blog, however was very impressed. Follow good housekeeping measures, including spill and leak control and appropriate personal hygiene practices (such as making skin washing areas available to workers). Surface Designers have been in business for over 20 years resurfacing bathtubs and countertops. Mimi OConnor has written about New York City real estate for publications that include Brick Underground, Refinery29, and Thrillist. I have learned some incredible information in this report. Posts: 19. The standard also sets a 12.5 ppm action level (AL) which triggers periodic monitoring and medical surveillance provisions. If the job is not done right it starts to peel, he says. We would appreciate your assistance in circulating the information in this blog and the Hazard Alert to those involved in bathtub refinishing. Our research focused on worker exposures from methylene chloride during the process of stripping the old paint off of the tub prior to refinishing. Thanks for sharing such a helpful information. You can also use your favorite search engine and search using the following key words: Bathtub Porcelain Glaze MSDS Its really awesome and very dangers take care guys According to OSHA, you must also provide local exhaust ventilation and make-up air to replace the vapors removed by the exhaust. Very interesting. Tenant and all occupants in the apartment hereby release Bathtub Refinishing and Fiberglass Expert. It a huge peeled off spot in the tub, dangerous to me? Last night I went to bed with a headache, then vomited on and off throughout the night. There is not any ventilation in the bathroom either. It hurt to know that such a good person you loved and cared about so much is now gone. 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. Hovering over a bathtub, unprotected, while stripping it would overtake anyone in a very short amount of time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. The prep is the most important part of the job, says White. TENANT INSTRUCTIONS: . There is a lot of toxicological information available on the Internet which can be found by joining the term MSDS with as specific a description of the product about which you are interested in knowing. Thank you! Methylene chlorides boiling point is just over 100 F, and has a vapor pressure of 350 mmHg. There are a few scratches and black marks from a previously installed shower door that was installed on the tub. Other uses, such as use by professionals outside industrial installations or household use by individuals is forbidden. Wearing a dust mask should not be confused with fitting a respirator with organic cartridges. Our apartment building had the next apt tub realized these morons did this in winter and there was no windows open. I have asked for the list of chemicals they use but have not heard anything. We pride ourselves on the work we do and strive to provide the best quality service in the refinishing and resurfacing industry. The Health and Safety Executive is our policing force that helps prevent the tragic consequences of injuries and even fatalities in the workplace. I was weak though and shaking, felt faint and nauseated. God bless you! We use MC (methylene chloride) in my furniture shop. Its staff and technicians from any and . Gerda. Publication number 81-8b-2012, Successful bathtub stripping using sanding as an alternative to methylene chloride This post was helpful to me too. Could you please advise, will this chemical leech into the water? 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)). Thanks for sharing. 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. Thank you. They know where people bathe. discovered that the fumes were coming through the vent in her bathroom. You must ventilate your workspace to minimize tub reglazing fumes. Methylene chloride, a new chlorinated solvent, is usually a risky, without color liquid having a sweet-smelling smell. Cookies used to make website functionality more relevant to you. Some refinishing products may last longer than others, as with professional-grade finishers and DIY kits. As a point of comparison, water boils at 212 F and has a room temperature vapor pressure of 17 mmHg. 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. We are sorry to hear about your symptoms. I only use stripper when absolutely necessary. It was a cold day, so I went back inside. Ron, I took a shower and a 3 inch or so came off.

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