How do I know if this is toxic? Thank you! I dont think I had the right mask on. I have been refinishing tubs for 23 years. Finding a Miracle Method office. We understand the importance of protecting ourselves, the environment and most importantly our customers. Kimberly Evans. 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. And that tub refinishing is at top of my list besides them running heat too much. For consumer concerns such as this you may want to contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission. I didnt realize this was so deadly. The blog is not designed to provide personal medical or emergency information. Now its already peeling. Is that smell dangerous for children? I think they want things swept under the carpet. I am not an overly caution person, but I understand that in certain instances it is important to exercise caution. After most fumes and smell went away two days later i still had muscle pain and spasms all over, headache, very sick and weak, skin burned and stung, could feel it in my lungs. 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. After collecting these samples following the NIOSH analytical method the samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis. Bathtub Refinishing 101: Tackle This DIY Project in 7 Steps My concern is whether it is safe to take long soaks in this tub. Everything You Need to Know About Bathtub Refinishing Its either not portable or cost prohibitive. What if your bathtub could be transformed in one day from embarrassing to your bathroom's sparkling centerpiece? I have tried a couple of my wifes lotions to easy the burning, which has only made it worse.. any suggestion on what to take the stinging away.. I think this type of finish should be banned. Your local health department may also be able to provide more assistance or information. I think this should not be happening after 4 weeks but dont know what to do about it. Stay safe! good information Gail Scott i agree with you . White is popular, but we can do pretty much any color you have in mind. Bathtub Reglazing Experts. I had no problems with it and thought they knew what they were doing as it happens all the time here. However no one is to blame, and no one is at fault. NIOSH analytical method 1001 is typically used to sample for methylene chloride in a workers breathing zone. 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. This is poor. "[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. 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. Hi I have very sensitive skin, and covered in psoriasis and eczema. very good and helpful post thanks to author. So glad I read this. Hi, so I had my bathtub reglazed in March. Thanks for your comment. 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. If you feel you are in danger, you should contact your local emergency services for assistance. I opted in for your Feed too. I wish I had read this blog before the procedure. I went outside after he was finished. Should add the bathroom door was closed with towel under it but small window open for two days. What's included in a deal sheet when you buy a NYC apartment? I understand the dangers of the application process, but what about the 2/3 days following the reglazing? The coating and sanding are done alternatively. We recommend that you consult your personal physician about your health issues, and your local health department for assistance with the building management. Opening the windows is necessary, but it's certainly not enough if you're working with methylene chloride. He was found unconscious minutes later and was rushed to the emergency room, several neuro tests where done and they all concluded the same thing.. Kevin had been brain dead before he was found on the job. We slept inside the apartment after the workers did the bathtub glazing, should we go to the clinic to make sure we are fine? We cannot provide individual medical advice on the NIOSH Science Blog, but we suggest that you see a doctor. information posted by individuals on this site is correct, and disclaims any liability for any HomeAdvisors True Cost Guide puts the average cost to refinish a bathtub at about $450, while installing a new one runs about $3,000. Bathtub refinishing is the process of restoring the surface of an old bathtub to improve the bathtub's appearance and repair surface damage. When engineering and work practice controls cannot decrease methylene chloride levels below OSHAs PELs (25 ppm over an 8-hour TWA or 125 ppm over a 15-minute period), employers must provide their workers with full-face atmosphere-supplying respirators. My friend was left to work alone in the small enclosed space, with out supervision. ive found a majority of the time the diy kits people use never adhere well. 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. Is it safe to stay???? White advises keeping away fromcleansers likebleach oreven Soft Scrub. I refer to this CDC article a few times a month when answering questions from customers. I cannot replace the tub without it being a major, expensive remodel. There are a few scratches and black marks from a previously installed shower door that was installed on the tub. 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. Its like trying to paint a car yourself. My apartment manager refinished my bathtub about 2 1/2 years ago instead of buying a new one. 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. Cookies used to track the effectiveness of CDC public health campaigns through clickthrough data. Lead poisoning is a serious risk for young kids. i come back again this blog, any way i think Its really awesome and very dangers take care guys 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. How much should you renovate your NYC apartment before selling it? Since Bathtub Refinishing can also be a consumer issue, another potential resource is Product Safety Australia http://www.productsafety.gov.au. When methylene chloride enters the human body, it affects brain function, such as concentration. Then, remove any cover plates, drain plugs and bathtub spouts. Ill mention it to my readers on my real estate site. For consumer-related questions after the tub has been refurbished, please contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Keep posting at all like me gonna turned up at write out paper everyday! Technicians have been properly trained to do this type of work. My business is in the UK, safety of workers is as important over here. 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. 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. Tenant and all occupants in the apartment hereby release Bathtub Refinishing and Fiberglass Expert. Fatal Exposure to Methylene Chloride Among Bathtub Refinishers United Half-mask respirators may NOT be used because methylene chloride may cause eye irritation or damage. Thank you for this post. The standard also sets a 12.5 ppm action level (AL) which triggers periodic monitoring and medical surveillance provisions. It was not adequately explained and we should have asked more questions. Effective ventilation would have to be ensured in order to shield the worker from toxic fumes of the process. Thank you for your comment. Bathtub Refinishing Countertop Refinishing Vanity Refinishing Fiberglass Enclosures Wall Tile very useful post thanks for giving this bath tub repair information. Is the Bathtub Reglazing Odor Terrible? Learn About the Bathtub Is it dangerous to any or all of us? These instruments are non-specific and will measure other VOCs present in the area in addition to methylene chloride. For example, if your pipes have burst, spilling water into the unit, a day or two may be reasonable, assuming that the landlord can employ a qualified repair person within that time period . It was a small job, and I messed up with the paint brush I used, leaving lines in the finished product. NYC Renovation Chronicles: 5 ways to save on your bathroom renovation, Renovating a co-op? Thanks to those whoever posted this article. Seek medical attention for treatment and evaluation. Prolonged skin contact may cause irritation and even chemical burns. The guy who came to do tub had a fancy breathing mask that covered his whole face and tubes attached to his belt I was concerned when I saw the precautions he took but said it was no problem. IF THE GLAZED TUB IS SCRATCHED LATER DOES THAT RELEASE TOXIC FUMES? So, once workers can smell methylene chloride they are already being overexposed.. He did it 6 years ago when we moved in. Based on this information, I think I can live with a less-than-perfect finish until we are able to get the tub professionally refinished. Bathtub Refinishing vs. Liner: Whats Right for Your Home. Thetoxic fumesreleased during the processnot only make your apartment smell bad. 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. During this process, the holes and cracks in the bathtub will also be repaired. I could not believe how hard it was to even find a kit to purchase, which led me to wonder why. There are a few scratches and black marks from a previously installed shower door that was installed on the tub. DIY Bathtub Refinish Kit with SlipGuard in White. Thank you. Surface Designers have been in business for over 20 years resurfacing bathtubs and countertops. 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. 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. Works on all types of surfaces. And Bathtub Aliphatic Acrylic Urethane MSDS. Follow the links to the Material Data Safety Sheet (MSDS) that the search will find. I am unknown form this . You may want to contact the Environmental Protection Agency or The Consumer Product Safety Commission. Please, if you know anyone who refinishes bathtubs, make sure they are VERY AWARE of the dangers and the different situations. 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. Unfortunately, manufacturers tend to play-down the immediate and especially long-term exposure risks from degassing (fumes) that occur perhaps over the next month or more. I remember my grandfather saying something about antifreeze having that safety precaution I believe. You should ask the installer to check that the product was applied correctly. Thanks so much for the info! Use long-handled tools (e.g., scrapers, brushes) to avoid leaning into the bathtub. 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. MC is not flammable on its own. However, we have no information about the risks that might arise to the resident from exposure to the flaking surface of the refinished tub. Thank you. Right now, I am surrounded by vacant apartments, and the new owner is reglazing all of the tubs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. Follow all applicable OSHA standards, including the Methylene Chloride standard (. Its thick, full-seal coating restores tub surfaces to a "like new" bright gloss. 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)). We are sorry to hear about your health issues. 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. Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and would fully evaporate shortly after a project is completed. Posts: 19. I personally have never heard of this being such a serious problem. This Northern California real estate agent is living the green Dream. When there is not a properly designed local exhaust ventilation system to remove vapors, the workers should have used full-face supplied-air respirators, protective gloves, and other appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) that is resistant to methylene chloride during the entire refinishing process. Cookies used to enable you to share pages and content that you find interesting on CDC.gov through third party social networking and other websites. What that means is that at room temperature, methylene chloride will evaporate very rapidly, much more rapidly than water. You may want to ask the installer for the products safety data sheet which may have useful information on curing times and precautions. The fumes had traveled through the vent into her adjacent room. When I smell the tiles I can not smell anything but with my nose close to the bathtub I can smell a sweetish sour chemical smell. Keep posting as I am gonna come to read it everyday! I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects Bathtub refinishing of such dangerous products. 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 regret it so much now and want the tub out of the house. Her writing on New York City, parenting, events, and culture has also appeared in Parents, Red Tricycle, BizBash, and Time Out New York. Thank you for your comment. and products contain ISOs. Many stripping products (including those that may also be available to consumers) contain high percentages of methylene chloride. And, are there any substances that are dangerous and can later leach into bath water and be absorbed by the skin? Every 10 minutes or so I would have to leave and go outside because my eyes burning so bad. Pay $64.00 after $25 OFF your total qualifying purchase upon opening a new card. (Fun fact: You can make it any color you want, so if youve ever wanted a purple bathtub, that dream can be realized.). I regret it so much! Maybe others reading this blog will be able to help point you in the right direction. Awsome and useful informations too, thanks for sharing this educational post! I also have a 6 year oldshould we leave? I think our tub would look so much nicer if we had it refinished. Theres no such thing as excessive safety precaution. Stripping products may also contain flammable solvents and flammability may be a concern. That is really great to know. 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. share Share. We can avoid being harmed if we will be knowledgeable about things. I live in low income housing, a few years ago they said my tub need to be refinished. The maintenance man telephoned 911 and then a second maintenance man. Always wear hand and eye protection. My puppy also is constantly licking the floor. 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 I hope the fumes and the tub return to a safe level. 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. The prep is the most important part of the job, says White. A lot of times when a solvent stinks, you realize you need the right protective equipment and ventilation. 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. I have stripped hundreds of tubs. I like taking baths, but will not do so in this tub now knowing how unhealthy it actually is. Id thought of using a refinishing kit, but after reading this, I guess Ill just live with the chip. Its generally a task best performed by professionals due to the hazardous chemicals involved. The process commonly involves removing the bathtub's existing finish before applying a new coating, usually a synthetic finish such as polyurethane or epoxy. Hi, this is all so helpful. I gave my 2 year old a bath a little more came off. NIOSH work in this area only pertains to workers exposed when using stripping agents containing methylene chloride during bathtub refinishing. Animal studies have shown that exposure to methylene chloride may lead to liver and lung cancer, as well as tumors in the breast and salivary glands. 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. Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and will fully evaporate shortly after the project is completed. Your email address will not be published. AND DURING CLEANING. The Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention (SHARP) program at the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries has profiled two businesses that successfully strip bathtubs without MC. I learned a lot and want to ask a question about the dangers. Refinishing Porcelain & Fiberglass Bathtub Reglazing/Refinishing Service. Step 1: Remove Tub Hardware Shut off the water supply to your tub and drain any water from the line before you begin. So, once workers can smell methylene chloride they are already being overexposed. Thank you. Contact Us Today For A Free Bathtub Refinish Estimate Call [phone] or complete the contact form below for a FREE estimate! But two days later it still bothers me. If bathroom smells awful two days after resurfacing is that just the coating or also the dangerous MC? What is the LEAST TOXIC alternative for bathtub reglazing? This study is great for warning against the potential dangers. So, it should not present a long-term hazard to the residents after the project. Ask Sam: I saw my apartment on a listing site, but I havent received any notice from my landlord. Your blog has provided useful information for the work. Surely the proper checks should be taken before the products leaves the factory. The fumes are strong in the bathroom so I have the bathroom door closed, vent on. print Print. NIOSH research and prevention efforts focus on worker risk, so we are not able to address this kind of exposure. 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. Thank for sharing about bathtub refinishing. 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. The tub needs to go. 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! This seems informative and makes a very nice image on the topic in my mind. Mostly problem is that it can broken. When the project is complete, you can take a relaxing soak in your new tub, knowing it was refinished correctly and safely. I have 2 small kids and an infant. And I havent been able to use mine in years to due mobility being so compromised. Bare minimum, the ventilation should meet some requirements, and homeowners should HAVE to LEAVE THE HOUSE for 3 days. 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. (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. Need professional help with your project? Other uses, such as use by professionals outside industrial installations or household use by individuals is forbidden. 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. So, it presents no long-term hazard to the resident. 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. This is in response to Chris concerning isocyanates use in coatings. I repaired the tile finish as best I could and covered it with 123 primer and latex kitchen/bath paint by mohair brush. Bathtub refinishing is the process of restoring the surface of an old bathtub to improve the bathtub's appearance and repair surface damage. They were all exposed to open tanks of Methylene Chloride and cutting up bodies causing carbon monoxide. Exposure to as little as six ounces of methylene chloride-based material has been enough to cause death. The product they used is from Napco and is supposed to a lot less toxic than other products. Refinishing a bathtub is a less costly . My building was recently sold and our rent was raised by 100 percent. We also welcome your input on the prevention practices mentioned above. Being relatively poor most of my life Ive always been a do-it-yourselfer. We need to care when the baths are refinished. I am older with heart disease and lung disease. From now we must be aware if wanna to do that. Instead, many homeowners have the existing tub reglazed or refinished, which typically costs $300-$600, depending on the area and process. Provide local exhaust ventilation (LEV) and fresh makeup air to exhaust vapors released from the stripping agents in the bathtub. 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. Its highly toxic Teri. Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, palpitations, dizziness or difficulty staying awake require immediate medical attention. 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. However, we have shared the findings of this work and made recommendations to manufacturers and with agencies that may have regulatory/legal authority, including those with oversight beyond the workplace. Obviously, I would have paid any price to do this rather than suffer these sad consequences. 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. Hello CDC twenty four seven. Second tub went smoother because I had a window to open for air circulation. Making safety precautions is the priority for all kinds of work. It was not difficult and required no chemicals; the refinisher evidently did a very poor job of it. Even low income people dont deserve treatment like Ive seen and been through. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. It is unsafe that s why we recomendto contact a professional to stripit for you. Bathtub stripping vapors must be taken seriously. The vapors should subside after awhile and you should not be able to smell the strong odor. Proper ventilation and a proper fitting organic vapor respirator are an absolute requirement for DIY bathtub refinishing. 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. 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. I had my tub reglazed recently. thank you so much. Your new bathroom's finish won't have any . An expert starts by sanding down the tub's. I guess this is one of those occupational hazard jobs when doing bathtub refinishing. For consumer-related questions after the tub has been refurbished, please contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission. My friends name is Kevin H. The incident happened Thursday April 27th at 4pm. 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. PDF BATHTUB REFINISHING AND FIBERGLASS EXPERT - Reglazing Los Angeles Sometimes, it's less expensive to replace a tub than to get it refinished, especially if it's a rare type of tub made of an unusual material. I now have a colostomy, urostomy,skin cancers and CKD(chronic kidney disease)with only one kidney working and that only functions at 15%. I wish they warned me and Id have had means to stay out of house for a few days. UNTIL RE-GLAZED? THANK YOU! Its the very first time I call at your blog, however was very impressed. Great article. I stayed home all day, working around the house because there were two workers and didnt want to leave strangers in my home. Its 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. The toxins became so concentrated in a short period of time due to lack if ventilation and confined space. Today, my apartment filled with fumes, and I feel sick. As exposure increases so do the health effects, with a potential for suffocation, loss of consciousness, coma, and sudden death.