I have 3 kids in a tiny apt in Brooklyn. If the chemical you are using is marked as flammable then you can be sure that it is not 100% MC. I am not an overly caution person, but I understand that in certain instances it is important to exercise caution. Open the bathroom door and as many . 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. Just wonderful post, personally i am very interested for this topic. There are alternatives to using methylene chloride (MC) for bathtub stripping. 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 . 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. 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. IF THE GLAZED TUB IS SCRATCHED LATER DOES THAT RELEASE TOXIC FUMES? AND DURING CLEANING. Most professionals use alternative methods when possible. I know this because the epoxy finish began peeling away within a couple months of daily use. My tub will soon be refinished and I am glad I have read this article. In order to assess whether you may be experiencing health effects due to a toxic exposure, seek a medical evaluation from a healthcare provider. I washed the tub thoroughly and have been using it since. I certainly will be approaching this much differently. Ya, very helpful articles are posted. I think this type of finish should be banned. Scratching the tub would not release any methylene chloride vapors. They know where people bathe. very good and helpful post thanks to author. Thank you for your comment. Thank you! I have been in hat business for 20 years. Thanks for telling us now. Then, remove any cover plates, drain plugs and bathtub spouts. Lowering exposures, even below the permissible exposure limit (PEL), is considered to be good industrial hygiene practice. Even if you hire a professional, let the area air out and keep it ventilated after the work is complete until you can no longer detect any unusual or chemical odors. 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. My cat was crying and jumping on the door to get out. Resurfacing is when we paint the counters, cabinets or tubs. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. 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. Methylene chloride cannot be smelled until the level in the air is higher than OSHAs permissible exposure limits (PELs). After working in retail for many years, my mother retired, began buying and refinishing furniture. You may want to ask the installer for the products safety data sheet which may have useful information on curing times and precautions. 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. Bathtub Refinishing Countertop Refinishing Vanity Refinishing Fiberglass Enclosures Wall Tile Thanks for your comment. Those DIY kits are not cutting it. The fumes are stronger fumes so we do not allow anyone to be in the apartment for 8 hours. There is also a short-term exposure limit (STEL) for which the average exposure cannot exceed 125 ppm over any 15-minute period. Migraine, dizzy, shortness of breath. 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. MC is not flammable on its own. Thank you so much! 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. I thought it was re-porcelained but have just been told that it was refinished with a polyurethane/acrylic finish. 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 did two tubs in old houses yesterday. Works on all types of surfaces. The story notes also that worker protections are weak a shop in Chattanooga TN with numerous OSHA violations got fined only $1500 for the death of a teenage employee in 1999, and 7 years later, still had not implemented required safety measures. very useful post thanks for giving this bath tub repair information. Hello my name is Kris I amthe owner at Tub Klass NJ. Avoid use of methylene chloride or minimize the amount of methylene chloride used at each site. He came home and seemed fine for a few days and then suddenly died. 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. Cristine. Anyone who is curious to try alternatives to MC-based strippers are encouraged to read these small business success stories. It smelled awful for days. When selecting a PID care must be taken to make sure that the instrument is equipped with a lamp that has the ionization potential necessary to detect methylene chloride (11.7 eV lamp). This forces a refinisher to use a very strong stripper. It is often referred to as dichloromethane and has many industrial uses, such as paint stripping, metal cleaning, and degreasing. So, it should not present a long-term hazard to the resident and pets after the project is completed. Almost any color or appearance can be achieved, including the look of natural stone or marble. But it's not just about looks. Right now, I am surrounded by vacant apartments, and the new owner is reglazing all of the tubs. The standard also sets a 12.5 ppm action level (AL) which triggers periodic monitoring and medical surveillance provisions. theyre dangerous if not dealt with properly. I sure wish homeowners not use those diy Kits. We are sorry to hear about your health issues. However, products are more dangerous when they are sweet smelling, and as your article states your are already exposed once you smell it. The company who gave me 6 year warranty has disconnected the phone number. What that means is that at room temperature, methylene chloride will evaporate very rapidly, much more rapidly than water. Sad to hear, but at least proves to me that I was right! NIOSH work in this area only pertains to workers exposed when using stripping agents containing methylene chloride during bathtub refinishing. 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. How much does moving to the suburbs cost vs. staying in NYC? 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. loss or damage resulting from reliance on any such information. Always check product labels and safety data sheets to understand the recommended and required precautions. I am Gary Goel owner of the Professional Bathtub Refinishers Association. discovered that the fumes were coming through the vent in her bathroom. I did not use any safety precautions, but I was in the garage with a fan and the garage door opened. The past three days have been the hardest in my entire life. I say this because his co workers where in the other bathroom working. Surely the proper checks should be taken before the products leaves the factory. 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. NIOSH has not evaluated isocyanates exposure among bathtub refinishers but products containing isocyanates should also be handled with care. Air-purifying respirators are not permitted due to the short service life of chemical cartridges when used for methylene chloride exposure. Refinishing is also the best option with antique tubs that dont lend themselves to relining. They agreed to resurface it for me as they would not replace it. I just rented a house. "My glazing lasted three weeks before it began to peel from a tiny spot in the center of the tub," she says. I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects of such dangerous products. My puppy also is constantly licking the floor. Bathtub refinishing is very risky. Im going to book mark your blog and keep checking for new information about once per week. Successful bathtub stripping with benzyl alcohol as an alternative to methylene chloride-based paint strippers Publication number 81-8c-2013. i like it. TENANT INSTRUCTIONS: . It hurt to know he was no longer mentality or livingly present with us in that room. Thank for sharing about bathtub refinishing. This is great information to share to hopefully make us more aware and careful. Methylene chloride exposure may cause dizziness, fatigue, headaches, nausea, a feeling of intoxication, and eye, nose, and throat irritation. I have read reglazing tub reviews where a few customers couldn't take the scent while others had no issue with the bathtub reglazing odor. Ask Sam: Will the U.S. Supreme Court end rent stabilization? It was a small job, and I messed up with the paint brush I used, leaving lines in the finished product. (before we had kids). Alternative products and processes exist for bathtub refinishing. NIOSH analytical method 1001 is typically used to sample for methylene chloride in a workers breathing zone. I would concenr it to home owners wanting to get bathtub resurfacing done. It is really shocking that stripping agents contrain toxic elements in them. NIOSH cannot provide individual medical advice. Thanks! This research only focused on worker methylene chloride exposures during bathtub refinishing. 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. Eyes, skin and residual in clothing adsorbption can also be significant and detrimental. My husband and I have been thinking about getting our master bathtub refinished so we will have to keep this information in mind. 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 . Remember, if it smells new, the fumes are too. Even a tiny bit? 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. There is still a strong smell in my bathroom espicially when it is hot and humid. I had no choice but to return home. We slept inside the apartment after the workers did the bathtub glazing, should we go to the clinic to make sure we are fine? I very much agree with you, that safety and health is a very important thing in our lives, I have actually replaced a dead refinisher who has lossed his life stripping a bathtub. Does anyone know if I should be worried? At least 14 workers have died since 2000 as a result of using stripping agents containing methylene chloride during bathtub refinishing. We tried to open our window a bit. 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. We should all gather together and come up with solutions that are even better than what we are presented with now. The odor is still very strong and I am wondering how long it will take before I can go back in that room? Even low income people dont deserve treatment like Ive seen and been through. I had my bathroom resurfaced including the bathtub 4 weeks ago. It is the first time I visit your blog, but I was extremely impressed. I manage a home related business in Australia and we are often exposed to applications that we are unsure of what dangers we could be exposed to. I have a chipped tub that is built in with tile walls. 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. I am thankful to those who began to get the word out to the general public, you have certainly saved lives by doing so. Also you should understand between difference between Refinishing (without removing the old layer first) and Reglazing (stripping off the previous coating and sanding down the tub) a Bathtub. Changing up your tub is a great way to give your bathroom a makeover on a budget, Visit the Solution Center to Explore Articles. Keep up the good work! Bathtub refinishing fumes are most certainly dangerous during the application process and immediate curing process. Today, my apartment filled with fumes, and I feel sick. We understand the importance of protecting ourselves, the environment and most importantly our customers. Its good to know that if you have your bathtub reglazed, you much have proper ventilation. 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. We are in a rental and I had to stop allowing my daughter to take baths because its everywhere. With just a day or two of work, reglazing the centerpiece of your bathroom with a durable coating and color is an easy way to give your tub a quick facelift without breaking the bank. So, it should not present a long-term hazard to the residents after the project. My building was recently sold and our rent was raised by 100 percent. Some many companies and professionals are offering their services for the people for refinishing, repairing, remodeling things. Its in our best interest to devise a way to remove these coatings without harming ourselves or the environment. Comments listed below are posted by individuals not associated with CDC, unless otherwise stated. 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. DIY Bathtub Refinish Kit with SlipGuard in White. 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. I also have a 6 year oldshould we leave? Very good info. Thank for sharing about bathtub refinishing. We cannot provide individual medical advice on the NIOSH Science Blog, but we suggest that you see a doctor. Thanks! 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. The fumes were so strong that it gave me a headache and caused me to become nauseated. 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. Almost every technical field has harmful effects but its on the company or professional person that how they can deal with it. If it is an occupied apartment, they have to sign a waiver that they will be gone the required amount of time. Our tub was just resurfaced today I was told six hours after they got done we could return to the apartment and stay the night just cant use the tub or take the tape off for 48 hours is that safe? NIOSH research and prevention efforts focus on worker risk, so we are not able to address this kind of exposure. Gerda. She is the recipient of two awards from the National Association of Real Estate Editors for interior design and service journalism. You can also use your favorite search engine and search using the following key words: Bathtub Porcelain Glaze MSDS When the project is complete, you can take a relaxing soak in your new tub, knowing it was refinished correctly and safely. I was doing some research on tub reglazing when I found this article. When the door is closed for a while it gets very strong and when its open one can hardly smell it but that does not mean it is not there. We can avoid being harmed if we will be knowledgeable about things. 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. My friend was left to work alone in the small enclosed space, with out supervision. You should ask the installer to check that the product was applied correctly. Thank you for this post. The fumes had traveled through the vent into her adjacent room. I think regulators should be aware of these dangers. Weve added a resource to try and educate those who are using these processes and offered a number of safer alternatives to using substances other than methylene chloride here: http://jwcpropertyservices.co.uk/bathtub-refinishing-dangers/. /box. Bathtub Refinishing matters should be left to professionals to complete. I usually like to do things myself, but I think I will have to find someone to do my bathtub repair in concord ma. 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. The two maintenance men pulled the man off of the tub. So, it presents no long-term hazard to the resident. 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. Very good to know, Ill let the pros do it from now on, and let my readers know the same! I am ok with both tub and tile appearance until I can afford a replacement/bath remodel. Great article. My tub was removed from my home and refinished by a company here in Portland, OR. I refer to this CDC article a few times a month when answering questions from customers. I have an article on my site entitled Are Bathtub Refinishing Fumes Dangerous. I took a shower and a 3 inch or so came off. My Landlord is planning on re glazing our tub and we are leaving for the weekend. She and her contractor agreed to wait until the weather cooledto remedy the situation. Simply not worth the risk. I was researching because i just had a bad experience. The apt right next to me was just resurfaced and the chemicals came through the air vents. I would like to know. Im a Painting Contractor in Anchorage, Alaska and this is a really good post for me to see! 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. See the NIOSH topic page dedicated to occupational safety and health hazards associated with Isocyanates (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/isocyanates/default.html). She wont fix it since they are going to remodel in the future. Is that dangerous as well? The restrictions on placing on the market and use is a consequence of many incidents with lethal outcome. NYC Renovation Chronicles: 5 ways to save on your bathroom renovation, Renovating a co-op? Refinishing Porcelain & Fiberglass Bathtub Reglazing/Refinishing Service. Remove the overflow plate from the tub and begin the caulk removal stage.Start by removing the caulk around the tub where it meets the tile surround. It is now peeling off. Workers often spray or pour a bathtub stripping product into the basin of the bathtub and then brush the product onto the tub surface. Methylene chloride is extremely dangerous when not used properly. 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. Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and will fully evaporate shortly after the project is completed. I live in low income housing, a few years ago they said my tub need to be refinished. They take the dirt out but also take part of the glaze, he says. 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. 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. Traditional methods used for detecting methylene chloride involve air sampling pumps (calibrated at the desired air flow) and a sampling train with charcoal tubes as the collection media for methylene chloride. I thought it would be a simple spray paint job. Its better not to use methylene chloride for the safety of everybody. ECO-FRIENDLY No Odor Tub Reglazing: Fumes-free and made without harmful chemicals, Ekopel's long-lasting, oil-free glaze never peels! Please do not use a torch either The fumes will kill use. 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 . You get enough toxic chemicals in your daily life without adding additional products that harm you by breathing its toxic fumes or being absorbed into your skin. Thanks so much for the info! I am concerned about having a surface that is toxic and that can harm my family in the long run. His go-to isScrubbing Bubbles. Technicians have been properly trained to do this type of work. I regret it so much! The warning labels should be more elaborate about the safety requirements. Step 1: Remove Tub Hardware Shut off the water supply to your tub and drain any water from the line before you begin. print Print. I also had diarrhea several times this morning. A person directly outside the door and 30 seconds could have saved our best friends life. Methyl chloride has high vapor pressure, meaning that it evaporates extremely quickly and turns into gas that can easily be inhaled, especially in a small bathroom that may not be adequately ventilated. Methylene chlorides boiling point is just over 100 F, and has a vapor pressure of 350 mmHg. I have stripped hundreds of tubs. I gave my 2 year old a bath a little more came off. Wow! There is not any ventilation in the bathroom either. Really I like got very valuable information here and Looking forward to read your Upcoming Post. What that means is that at room temperature, methylene chloride will evaporate very rapidly, much more rapidly than water. Making safety precautions is the priority for all kinds of work. CDC twenty four seven. Keep posting as I am gonna come to read it everyday! 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)). Or will we be ok?? 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 . 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. However no one is to blame, and no one is at fault. 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. What a great reminder to always plan for and wear personal protective equipment. 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). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. A bathtub replacement can cost around $2,900 on average and may add value to your property. The first one was a very long process because there was no air circulation what so ever si the two part paint kit kept separating from one another which kept me in the room with only my Tshirt pulled over my nose.