I have been refinishing tubs for 23 years. Are Bathtub Refinishing Fumes Dangerous? One of the significant risks of refinishing a bathtub is exposure to methylene chloride or dichloromethane, which strips the tub and removes the previous glaze or finish. I and my two other friends went to the hospital last night to say our goodbyes. I am older with heart disease and lung disease. 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. 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. 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. Then, remove any cover plates, drain plugs and bathtub spouts. 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 . Fumes associated with bathtub stripping chemicals have taken the lives of those that did not follow the warnings on the product. 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. Thank you for your comment. Air-purifying respirators are not permitted due to the short service life of chemical cartridges when used for methylene chloride exposure. We will never promote an advertiser's product without making the relationship clear to our readers. You also want to keep shampoo bottles and other products off the surface, aswell as a mat with suction cups. Its highly toxic Teri. An apartment maintenance man entered the apartment to look for the man and found him behind the closed bathroom door, unresponsive, and slumped over the tub. I know this because the epoxy finish began peeling away within a couple months of daily use. Keep in mind that alternative products and other stripping agents may pose additional risks. You should contact 911 and move to an area with fresh air (outside), or if possible open an window to let fresh air in. The use of a respirator scrubber mask (gas mask) isnt complete protection. What that means is that at room temperature, methylene chloride will evaporate very rapidly, much more rapidly than water. 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. Ask Sam: I saw my apartment on a listing site, but I havent received any notice from my landlord. Surely the proper checks should be taken before the products leaves the factory. Bathroom fans or open windows do not provide adequate ventilation. Whenever respirators are required to be worn, the employer must establish and implement a complete respiratory protection program that meets the requirements of OSHAs Respiratory Protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134), including proper selection, usage, training and medical surveillance (OSHA/NIOSH Hazard Alert: Methylene Chloride Hazards for Bathtub Refinishers, February 2013, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication Number 2013-110 http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2013-110/ ). Please do not use a torch either The fumes will kill use. Migraine, dizzy, shortness of breath. Its in our best interest to devise a way to remove these coatings without harming ourselves or the environment. very useful post thanks for giving this bath tub repair information. There is an incredible amount of data As far as we are concerned, 2k urethane systems should not be allowed in residential use. I have read many articles but this is different one. If youre nervous, leaving your apartment for the duration of the job is always an option. What is the difference between a muntin and a mullion and are they still used in windows? 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? A lot of times when a solvent stinks, you realize you need the right protective equipment and ventilation. 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. Until the finishing dries, it is a good idea to leave the house. NIOSH research and prevention efforts focus on worker risk, so we are not able to address this kind of exposure. I personally have never heard of this being such a serious problem. Thank you. Did you know that the fumes from the chemical used to refinish or reglaze your bathtub can be hazardous to your health? I am linking an article from the Retro Renovation blog on safety that includes links to other sources on this. Good to see so much effort going into bringing awareness to bathtub refinishing in Waltham. However, you need to keep these essential health and safety considerations in mind whether you hire a contractor to refinish your tub or do it yourself. The prep is the most important part of the job, says White. Adults? Its thick, full-seal coating restores tub surfaces to a "like new" bright gloss. How to Refinish A Bathtub - DIY Bathtub Refinishing Your email address will not be published. I usually like to do things myself, but I think I will have to find someone to do my bathtub repair in concord ma. My best friend was killed two days ago due to over exposure while cleaning a bath tub. The NIOSH studies pertained only to workers who were applying methylene chloride (paint stripper) directly, and we have not studied consumer-related exposure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. Your local health department may be able to provide assistance. I am a first time user of the refinishing kit. There are a few scratches and black marks from a previously installed shower door that was installed on the tub. IF THE GLAZED TUB IS SCRATCHED LATER DOES THAT RELEASE TOXIC FUMES? 9 Easy Steps to Refinish Your Bathtub | Lowe's *Note that there are reports that a fresh air system is . My husband and I have been thinking about getting our master bathtub refinished so we will have to keep this information in mind. The toxins became so concentrated in a short period of time due to lack if ventilation and confined space. Ive also learned that without experience or training, what may be simple in concept is often the opposite in practice. Alternative products and processes exist for bathtub refinishing. 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. If those working with these finishes have concerns about their health they can request a Health Hazard Evaluation from NIOSH at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/. Use full-face air-supplied respirators, protective gloves, and other appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) that is resistant to methylene chloride during the entire refinishing process. A great thanks to you to let us know about the fact. I just bought this old house that has this beautiful tub if only it can get restored back to new. Thanks for your comment. I certainly will be approaching this much differently. After collecting these samples following the NIOSH analytical method the samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis. There are a few scratches and black marks from a previously installed shower door that was installed on the tub. Note that humidity affects both dry time and how well the topcoat bonds to the surface, so the cool, less-humid seasons of fall or spring providethe best conditions for this type of work. I guess this is one of those occupational hazard jobs when doing bathtub refinishing. NIOSH has continued to try to get the word out to workers and employers about the risks of working with methylene chloride. Apartments | Specialized Refinishing Co. NIOSH has not evaluated isocyanates exposure among bathtub refinishers but products containing isocyanates should also be handled with care. MC is not flammable on its own. Refinishing Porcelain & Fiberglass Bathtub Reglazing/Refinishing Service. We'll put an entirely new finish over the existing tub or tile in your bathroom. 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 . Today, my apartment filled with fumes, and I feel sick. Bathtub refinishing is a necessary maintenance step if you wish to improve the appearance and structural integrity of your tub. The process commonly involves removing the bathtub's existing finish before applying a new coating, usually a synthetic finish such as polyurethane or epoxy. 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. 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. Reglazing involves stripping off the previous coating and sanding down the tub. What is an escalation clause and what are the risks? share Share. 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. How do I know if this is toxic? 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)). I will always do the research beforehand going forward. Exposure to methylene chloride can be lethal. The first method uses a benzyl alcohol-based stripper as an alternative to MC and N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP)-based chemical strippers. Needless to say, I was shocked, I am taken aback by the statistics. There are bathtub refinishing companies out there, [company name removed] are using safe processes for refinishing your bathtub, you just have to ask the tough questions. Do fumes from reglazing a bathtub/shower make an apartment Will these chemicals be leaching out of the surface, presenting a health concern from contact? Material data sheets, now referred to as Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are prepared by those who sell chemical products. If you just bought a Mercedes, would you put a rubber mat on the roof? White asks. 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 use a flexible flat blade scraper and then sand with an aggressive grit. ECO-FRIENDLY No Odor Tub Reglazing: Fumes-free and made without harmful chemicals, Ekopel's long-lasting, oil-free glaze never peels! Dear Mr. Ronald M. Hall, you probably save my life with this article! 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. So we need extra care. They yellow like crazy, and they are solvent based, slow drying so they off gas, and they never hold up. My business is in the UK, safety of workers is as important over here. Bathtub refinishing is very risky. I cannot replace the tub without it being a major, expensive remodel. How Long Does It Take the Tub to Dry After Reglazing? I am not an overly caution person, but I understand that in certain instances it is important to exercise caution. His go-to isScrubbing Bubbles. I had my cast iron tub reglazed on a very hot humid day. 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 We are sorry to hear about your health issues. 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? Avoid use of methylene chloride or minimize the amount of methylene chloride used at each site. 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. This may be an ignorant comment, so please accept my apology preemptively if so. Instead, many homeowners have the existing tub reglazed or refinished, which typically costs $300-$600, depending on the area and process. Renewing is the affordable and fast alternative to replacing. Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and would have fully evaporated shortly after the project was completed. print Print. Id thought of using a refinishing kit, but after reading this, I guess Ill just live with the chip. 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. As my two other friends and I stood there over our lost brother, we could not help but cry, tell stories of our past together, and wish that he could hear us one last time. All comments posted become a part of the public domain, and users are responsible for their comments. Thank you for your comment. Great article. 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. I am sleeping in the living room under many blankets with the balcony door wide openis it safe? This may be less of a danger than with old lead-based paints, but something to be aware of. 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. 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. Methylene chloride, a new chlorinated solvent, is usually a risky, without color liquid having a sweet-smelling smell. I've set up fans to direct the fumes out the screen door and left the premises. I am unknown form this . I have been home for about 3 hours now with every window and balcony open and these posts are freaking me out! NIOSH research and prevention efforts focus on worker risk, so we are not able to address this kind of exposure. Scratching the tub would not release any methylene chloride vapors. We do not have any information about leaching of polyurethane/acrylic bathtub finishing. I have an article on my site entitled Are Bathtub Refinishing Fumes Dangerous. How Long Does a Landlord Have to Fix a Plumbing Problem? Fatal Exposure to Methylene Chloride Among Bathtub Refinishers United Thank for sharing about bathtub refinishing. The Health and Safety Executive is our policing force that helps prevent the tragic consequences of injuries and even fatalities in the workplace. However no one is to blame, and no one is at fault. 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. Products containing methylene chloride should be avoided when possible. I used a paint scraper and razor to completely strip the tub. 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). Her writing on New York City, parenting, events, and culture has also appeared in Parents, Red Tricycle, BizBash, and Time Out New York. and it was very helpful for people, In addition to the hazards of strippers, old porcelain bathtubs, sinks and tiles manufactured before the mid-1990s could also have lead in the glaze, which could leach into bathwater, or if sanded or scraped could form a dust that if ingested by young children (who touch it with bare skin) could cause lead poisoning. Contact me via e-mail njtragroup@gmail.com and send me your ideas. 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. It was heart breaking. I stripped the two sinks using a chisel and a heat gun. What is the LEAST TOXIC alternative for bathtub reglazing? Very interesting. For consumer-related questions after the tub has been refurbished, please contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission. I think this type of finish should be banned. Find them at: http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Research/Pubs/#General ive found a majority of the time the diy kits people use never adhere well. It gives me hope to see that some commenters are specialists who are trying to recreate safer and more effective processes that will phase out use of this agent. It feels toxic, but no one has instructed me to leave, so am I to assume that I am safe? If your bathroom has a window, set a fan near it pointing outwards; this will help move air and dissipate the fumes. I did not use any safety precautions, but I was in the garage with a fan and the garage door opened. Methylene chloride exposure may cause dizziness, fatigue, headaches, nausea, a feeling of intoxication, and eye, nose, and throat irritation. I hope the fumes and the tub return to a safe level. I will stress this to home owners wanting to get bathtub resurfacing done. Thank you for your comment. So, once workers can smell methylene chloride they are already being overexposed. Superior heavy duty Reglazing. 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. A 2015 report by the Center for Public Integrity on U.S. deaths connected to methylene chloride noted that researchers have argued for 30 years that regulation of methylene chloride in the U.S. isnt strong enough to protect workers and that warnings on labels for consumers are insufficient.
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