I am unknown form this . Thanks for telling us now. 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. My business is in the UK, safety of workers is as important over here. I think this should not be happening after 4 weeks but dont know what to do about it. I understand the dangers of the application process, but what about the 2/3 days following the reglazing? Brick Underground articles occasionally include the expertise of, or information about, advertising partners when relevant to the story. 22 oz. 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. Hi, so I had my bathtub reglazed in March. 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. TENANT INSTRUCTIONS: . 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. It got so strong it burned my throat and eyes. 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? Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and will fully evaporate shortly after the project is completed. Opening windows and moving away from areas with vapors can decrease or stop continued exposure. 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. HomeAdvisors True Cost Guide puts the average cost to refinish a bathtub at about $450, while installing a new one runs about $3,000. I had no problems with it and thought they knew what they were doing as it happens all the time here. If proper ventilation is not possible, there needs to be a supervisor on watch in the room, or at least directly outside the door, ready to open immediately if the worker inside does not verbally respond to continuous 30 second verbal safety checks. It is now peeling off. 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. Extraction during the process is everything. White uses a portable fume exhauster, and HVLP, or high-volume, low-pressure sprayers, which produce less overspray. Effective ventilation would have to be ensured in order to shield the worker from toxic fumes of the process. If the job is not done right it starts to peel, he says. 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. Surface Designers have been in business for over 20 years resurfacing bathtubs and countertops. The product they used is from Napco and is supposed to a lot less toxic than other products. Methylene chloride is extremely dangerous when not used properly, this is an understatement, but Im glad its finally being brought to peoples attention.
I thought it would be a simple spray paint job. Successful bathtub stripping with benzyl alcohol as an alternative to methylene chloride-based paint strippers The Perfect Drying Conditions You should let the tub surface to cure for 24 to 48 hours. I was doing some research on tub reglazing when I found this article. We are sorry to hear about your health issues. 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. Exposure to methylene chloride can be lethal. In February 2012, a worker using a product containing methylene chloride to refinish a bathtub was found dead, slumped over a bathtub in an unventilated bathroom. I dont know of incidents that may have occurred, buy you can never be too careful with peoples lives. Awsome and useful informations too, thanks for sharing this educational post! I use all chemical-free products to clean, and cannot use otherwise or it affects me. I could not believe how hard it was to even find a kit to purchase, which led me to wonder why. I hope many people will now be thinking at least thrice before making use of such chemicals. I regret it so much now and want the tub out of the house.
Bathtub Refinishing 101: Tackle This DIY Project in 7 Steps 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). It hurt to know that such a good person you loved and cared about so much is now gone. While a new tub can cost as little as $150, labor expenses for the replacement process can easily add $1,500 or more to the bill. Also I have asthma, and after the job was done today I cant stop wheezing. I wonder if it healthy & ok to use the tub for baths after a certain period of tome (days?). What are the governing bodies that oversee these applications? 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. Or should I leave? Cookies used to track the effectiveness of CDC public health campaigns through clickthrough data. The restrictions on placing on the market and use is a consequence of many incidents with lethal outcome. 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. 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. This article does a good job calling attention to the dangers of methylene chloride products and noting that many people dont know how dangerous it is. Methylene chlorides boiling point is just over 100 F, and has a vapor pressure of 350 mmHg. So, it should not present a long-term hazard to the residents after the project. Leave the room immediately after applying the methylene chloride-based stripping agent to limit exposure to methylene chloride vapors. Thanks! Products with these types of known harmful ingredients must require special labeling with clearer health and safety warnings for users. Instead, many homeowners have the existing tub reglazed or refinished, which typically costs $300-$600, depending on the area and process.
Is Bathtub Refinishing Safe? | Tub Reglazing Fumes & Safety - Angi on the dangers of isocyanates in coatings and application hazards. If it is an occupied apartment, they have to sign a waiver that they will be gone the required amount of time. I had no choice but to return home. MC is not flammable on its own. In order to assess whether you may be experiencing health effects due to a toxic exposure, seek a medical evaluation from a healthcare provider. It can and will save your life. These cookies may also be used for advertising purposes by these third parties. Our beloved pet went into respiratory failure the next day, was rushed to the ER and spent three nights in the veterinarian ICU. It a huge peeled off spot in the tub, dangerous to me? We need to know what all are used while doing refinishing. Winter renters lose leverage, questions for condo and co-op buyers, & more, The allure of tax abatements, a Chelsea affordable housing lottery, & more, Co-ops may have some 'splaining to do, renting a penthouse, & more. But I keep on hitting dead ends. The bathtub/shower in my apartment was reglazed this morning. I had my bathroom resurfaced including the bathtub 4 weeks ago. Methylene chloride cannot be smelled until the level in the air is higher than OSHAs permissible exposure limits (PELs). Its like trying to paint a car yourself. The second method uses no chemical stripper but relies instead on scraping and mechanical sanding to remove bathtub finishes. After collecting these samples following the NIOSH analytical method the samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis. 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 need to care when the baths are refinished. My apartment complex refinished nicks in tub. As exposure increases so do the health effects, with a potential for suffocation, loss of consciousness, coma, and sudden death. It hurt to know, the four of us where in a room together for what will be the very last time. Long-term exposure may cause cancer in humans. The bath was not stripped just resurfaced with a very thin layer of the napco product paint. I have learned some incredible information in this report. 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. So, once workers can smell methylene chloride they are already being overexposed.. Avoid use of methylene chloride or minimize the amount of methylene chloride used at each site. "My glazing lasted three weeks before it began to peel from a tiny spot in the center of the tub," she says. I would really like some reassurance. I very much agree with you, that safety and health is a very important thing in our lives, 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. Cookies used to make website functionality more relevant to you. We are sorry to hear about your symptoms.
PDF Methylene Chloride Hazards for Bathtub Refinishers I have contacted the government,the union head [name removed], and the legal ombudsman but to no avail. Thank you for spreading the word on the importance of this! Is there any type of detector on the market that will detect high levels of methlene chloride vapors? As a result, most tenants moved. 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 stripped the two sinks using a chisel and a heat gun. My concern is whether it is safe to take long soaks in this tub. 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. Thanks for this information. 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. 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. How much should you renovate your NYC apartment before selling it? If I had of done a little research I guess I would of been more informed. If youve got an old bathtub(or bathroom) and youre investigating your options for giving it an upgrade, youve likely come across the term reglazingalso known as refinishing or recoating, which can revive a tiredtub or evenold bathroom tile. She enjoyed improving discarded furniture, then selling it it was like art to her. So glad I read this. Ms. Scott thank you for your interest in our blog Dangers of Bathtub Refinishing and your question regarding how to assess exposure to toxic vapors. There is also a short-term exposure limit (STEL) for which the average exposure cannot exceed 125 ppm over any 15-minute period. We are in a rental and I had to stop allowing my daughter to take baths because its everywhere. This post was helpful to me too. Thank you. I had my tub reglazed recently. If youre nervous, leaving your apartment for the duration of the job is always an option. Thank you for introducing this sensitive topic in such a way I never thought these chemicals were so dangerous. Acid is then applied to deglaze the tub and/or tile, followed by a bonding agent or primer, and finally, a urethane topcoat is applied. $ 89 00. It's a multi-step process that involves cleaning the tub thoroughly and sanding it to remove any soap scum or other particles, and repairing cracks or worn areasall of these imperfections will affect the quality and durability of the final finishing coat. Unless you have access to all the necessary protective clothing and equipment and are confident in your bathrooms ventilation system as well as your DIY capabilities, you should hire a professional to handle it. I just bought this old house that has this beautiful tub if only it can get restored back to new. We can ask questions and be well-informed. Some will work but they require 24 hours of wet saturation and even then they require a lot of hard work. I hope the fumes and the tub return to a safe level. If the cost of removing the old tub and installing a new one versus reglazing are similar or your tub is particularly old or damaged, it might be better to get a new one. Alternatively, you can search on Methylene Chloride and Safety Data Sheet for a listing of various SDSs for similar products. I am concerned about having a surface that is toxic and that can harm my family in the long run. 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. I had my cast iron tub reglazed on a very hot humid day. Thanks for sharing such a helpful information. Delivered to your inbox twice weekly - for free. We have absolutely no ventilation in our apartment. Thanks so much for the info! Those DIY kits are not cutting it. 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. Coatings suitable for bathtub reglazing include: You can use these materials on several surfaces, including acrylic, ceramic, porcelain, and fiberglass bathtubs. And if we can afford it, let the pros do their jobs. Thanks for sharing, Im sure it will really come in handy. I just rented a house. I am thankful to those who began to get the word out to the general public, you have certainly saved lives by doing so. (273) Questions & Answers (148) +3. Your new bathroom's finish won't have any . I say this because his co workers where in the other bathroom working. What if they put a horrible smell into the product that would alert the user before overexposure. 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. What are the effects of being in the house during the process (for our pets) and after the process (chemical wise around our kids). I regret it so much! As a research agency, we do not have regulatory authority over the labeling or regulating on how methylene chloride is sold. I will always do the research beforehand going forward. I am a 48 year old single woman, who tries to do everything myself, and I am really concerned about how dangerous this is. I wish I discovered this post a few weeks earlier. Mimi OConnor has written about New York City real estate for publications that include Brick Underground, Refinery29, and Thrillist. Thanks for your comment. So, if the concentration were over the PEL, for example at 50 ppm, the workers would exceed the 25 ppm average limit in 4 hours. My cat was crying and jumping on the door to get out. Thank for speaking about about tub refinishing. It is definitely a good idea to ventilate the area as much as possible to remove the residual vapors. Ill mention it to my readers on my real estate site. The coating and sanding are done alternatively. We are not familiar with the finishes you mention. Thanks for your comment. I have read many articles but this is different one. Please take proper safety precautions, as well as warn others of these seriously dangerous situations. 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Everything You Need to Know About Bathtub Refinishing 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.
How Long Does It Take the Tub to Dry After Reglazing? Avoid or minimize spraying methylene chloride. This may be less of a danger than with old lead-based paints, but something to be aware of. 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! All are members dread strip jobs.Frankly I dont know why someone would choose them. Thetoxic fumesreleased during the processnot only make your apartment smell bad. CDR Hall is the Deputy Branch Chief of the Engineering and Physical Hazards Branch in the NIOSH Division of Applied Research and Technology. 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. Capital region housing in edmonton is the worst. I've set up fans to direct the fumes out the screen door and left the premises. I think our tub would look so much nicer if we had it refinished. Very good info. I sure wish homeowners not use those diy Kits. Hover Image to Zoom. They agreed to resurface it for me as they would not replace it. Thank you for this post. We do not have any information about the paint chips that are peeling off of your refinished bathtub. Bathtub refinishing is the process of restoring the surface of an old bathtub to improve the bathtubs appearance and repair surface damage. Vanity of a tub isnt worth it. You should always wear protective clothing and use the appropriate safety-rated equipment whenever you are doing any household repair or remodeling work, and reglazing a bathtub is no exception. Lowering exposures, even below the permissible exposure limit (PEL), is considered to be good industrial hygiene practice. 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. 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. Ask Sam: Will the U.S. Supreme Court end rent stabilization? These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. 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. Ya, very helpful articles are posted. I started reading articles and ended up reading most of the comments in this blog. I have actually replaced a dead refinisher who has lossed his life stripping a bathtub. I used this kit 6 weeks ago. I would also like to issue one other caveat. Very helpful and will definitely be one of the things to look out for on my rehabs.. Great article. 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. loss or damage resulting from reliance on any such information. White advises keeping away fromcleansers likebleach oreven Soft Scrub. Almost every technical field has harmful effects but its on the company or professional person that how they can deal with it. Its really awesome and very dangers take care guys The odor and fumes were suffocating. Your local health department may also be able to provide more assistance or information. How to get your plans past the board, 3 NYC apartment bathroom renovation veterans on what they learned from the process, How to read a NYC co-op or condo buildings financial statement. 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. Is there some disconnect between science, policy and legal enforcement? Using methylene chloride products in a bathroom is extremely dangerous as bathrooms are often small, enclosed spaces with little or no ventilation. Bathtub refinishing fumes are most certainly dangerous during the application process and immediate curing process. This post is so informative and makes a very nice image on the topic in my mind. It is often referred to as dichloromethane and has many industrial uses, such as paint stripping, metal cleaning, and degreasing. Do-it-yourself bathtub refinishing kits and professional refinishing products alike are not to be inhaled or absorbed by your skin. Some refinishing products may last longer than others, as with professional-grade finishers and DIY kits. Is there any danger that the enamel could have absorbed the refinishing chemicals to be released into my bath water at this later date? a great article! It's also possible to injure yourself if the product comes in contact with the skin. Today, my apartment filled with fumes, and I feel sick. Did you know that the fumes from the chemical used to refinish or reglaze your bathtub can be hazardous to your health? Please let me know where to seek more information, particularly in the Australian climate? Migraine, dizzy, shortness of breath. I had a tub refinished with epoxy that had a bad smell, but nothing like this. I am ok with both tub and tile appearance until I can afford a replacement/bath remodel. HOPING THE SAME FINEST OPERATE IN THE UP COMING DAYS ALSO. We always use full-face air-supplied masks and full protective gloves in order to get the job done correctly AND safely. You should contact 911 and move to an area with fresh air (outside), or if possible open an window to let fresh air in. 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. 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. Methylene chloride exposure may cause dizziness, fatigue, headaches, nausea, a feeling of intoxication, and eye, nose, and throat irritation. Let the physician or health care professional know the specific products and chemicals used and the environment you were working in. A bathtub replacement can cost around $2,900 on average and may add value to your property. Especially if chosen to be done in small places like a bathroom.
How Long Does a Landlord Have to Fix a Plumbing Problem? Most tubs can be reglazed if they are not overly damaged, but the process is generally recommended for steel, cast iron, or fiberglass tubs. Is it safe to stay???? 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. NIOSH cannot provide individual medical advice. Ron, Agree with your perspective. 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 . Thank you for your comment. tl;dr: Accidentally fell in the bathtub so hard it left a hole. I think this blog is very helpful in knowing about the bad effects Bathtub refinishing of such dangerous products.We need to know what all are used while doing refinishing.Thanks a lot for sharing such a helpful information. Use long-handled tools (e.g., scrapers, brushes) to avoid leaning into the bathtub. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. The blog is not designed to provide personal medical or emergency information. Its generally a task best performed by professionals due to the hazardous chemicals involved. So, it presents no long-term hazard to the resident. You may want to contact the Environmental Protection Agency or The Consumer Product Safety Commission. Usually coatings can be removed with a good razor scraper.sure it takes longer but it keeps me from using more harmful chemicals. My little dog had trouble breathing during the night and I had to go to urgent care for a chest xray. Stay safe! Proper ventilation and a proper fitting organic vapor respirator are an absolute requirement for DIY bathtub refinishing. They took all precautions and said the fumes were gone, its only a smell. Lead poisoning is a serious risk for young kids. We have had a terrible experience.