What that means is that at room temperature, methylene chloride will evaporate very rapidly, much more rapidly than water. My friend was left to work alone in the small enclosed space, with out supervision. After the surface has dried, it is 100% safe to use the bathroom fixture. I was researching because i just had a bad experience. I could not believe how hard it was to even find a kit to purchase, which led me to wonder why. Cookies used to track the effectiveness of CDC public health campaigns through clickthrough data. Today, my apartment filled with fumes, and I feel sick. I think they want things swept under the carpet. Thanks! Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and will fully evaporate shortly after the project is completed. Your local health department may be able to provide assistance. 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. Thorough prep and and cleaning can preventbig headaches down the road. We do not have any information about leaching of polyurethane/acrylic bathtub finishing. It is now peeling off. Is there any type of detector on the market that will detect high levels of methlene chloride vapors? Its better not to use methylene chloride for the safety of everybody. I thought it would be a simple spray paint job. If you have concerns you should discuss them with a medical professional. Dear Mr. Ronald M. Hall, you probably save my life with this article! Is it safe to bath in especially for my toddler??? 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. A great thanks to you to let us know about the fact. According to OSHA, you must also provide local exhaust ventilation and make-up air to replace the vapors removed by the exhaust. You must ventilate your workspace to minimize tub reglazing fumes. In workers with heart disease, an increase in carbon monoxide may lead to early onset heart attacks and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). My question is, am I in danger using the peeling bathtub??? NIOSH has not evaluated isocyanates exposure among bathtub refinishers but products containing isocyanates should also be handled with care. My business is in the UK, safety of workers is as important over here. Thanks for telling us now. Lowering exposures, even below the permissible exposure limit (PEL), is considered to be good industrial hygiene practice. Since Bathtub Refinishing can also be a consumer issue, another potential resource is Product Safety Australia http://www.productsafety.gov.au. Sometimes, its less expensive to replace a tub than to get it refinished, especially if its a rare type of tub made of an unusual material. Those DIY kits are not cutting it. It has one small rust stain and is still moderately shiny. Reglazing a tub doesnt actually take that long to do. HOPING THE SAME FINEST OPERATE IN THE UP COMING DAYS ALSO. 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. If your bathroom has a window, set a fan near it pointing outwards; this will help move air and dissipate the fumes. I've set up fans to direct the fumes out the screen door and left the premises. It is really shocking that stripping agents contrain toxic elements in them. Keep up the good work! Bathtub refinishing is very dangerous. 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. Also my bedroom windows are both open, and that door is closed as well. My tub didnt look.bad at all except for being dusty from disuse.maybe they cant tell the difference. After a few years, she was diagnosed with lung cancer (she never smoked) and died in 1999. 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. Thankyou for letting people know this danger alert! I live in a small one bedroom apartment and I just had my tub resurfaced. As a point of comparison, water boils at 212 F and has a room temperature vapor pressure of 17 mmHg. I found out the hard way. Hi, this is all so helpful. I wish I discovered this post a few weeks earlier. It a huge peeled off spot in the tub, dangerous to me? I used a paint scraper and razor to completely strip the tub. Delivered to your inbox twice weekly - for free. 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. We're starting to see chipped areasThey're more in the tub than on the walls. Methylene chloride, a new chlorinated solvent, is usually a risky, without color liquid having a sweet-smelling smell. loss or damage resulting from reliance on any such information. There is an incredible amount of data I will always do the research beforehand going forward. But because were low income, we also do not get the luxury of telling management or housingno. Thank you for your comment. I dont think I had the right mask on. I understand the dangers of the application process, but what about the 2/3 days following the reglazing? I myself am in the process of creating a technique that will eliminate the need for methylene chloride. I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects of such dangerous products. Its either not portable or cost prohibitive. 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. IF THE GLAZED TUB IS SCRATCHED LATER DOES THAT RELEASE TOXIC FUMES? http://retrorenovation.com/2016/05/02/understanding-potential-lead-hazards-old-porcelain-enamel-bathtubs-sinks-ceramic-tile-any-age/#ixzz47UvHcM00. Thanks! Our apartment filled with these toxic fumes. The warning labels should be more elaborate about the safety requirements. She said if its not life threatening then they wont do it. I wish they warned me and Id have had means to stay out of house for a few days. THANK YOU! Tub and tile were original to the 1957 home and were actually not in bad shape. The apt right next to me was just resurfaced and the chemicals came through the air vents. Thetoxic fumesreleased during the processnot only make your apartment smell bad, theyre dangerous if not dealt with properly. We'll put an entirely new finish over the existing tub or tile in your bathroom. If you feel you are in danger, you should contact your local emergency services for assistance. We use MC (methylene chloride) in my furniture shop. Gerda. I live in low income housing, a few years ago they said my tub need to be refinished. I feel sure many, many more have died from methylene chloride than we know why is this so? Methylene chlorides boiling point is just over 100 F, and has a vapor pressure of 350 mmHg. After an hour again, I decided to take a ride to feel fresh air. Bathtub refinishing is the process of restoring the surface of an old bathtub to improve the bathtub's appearance and repair surface damage. Bathtub. Hello. What separates a good job from a not-so-good job is not so much how it looks, its the prep. Instead, many homeowners have the existing tub reglazed or refinished, which typically costs $300-$600, depending on the area and process. Bathtub refinishing is very risky. Most tubs can be reglazed if they are not overly damaged, but the process is generally recommended for steel, cast iron, or fiberglass tubs. The toxins became so concentrated in a short period of time due to lack if ventilation and confined space. She is the recipient of two awards from the National Association of Real Estate Editors for interior design and service journalism. Methylene chlorides boiling point is just over 100 F, and has a vapor pressure of 350 mmHg. When we find a company to do it, Ill be sure to make sure that there is plenty of fresh air. And if we can afford it, let the pros do their jobs. The NIOSH studies pertained only to workers who were applying methylene chloride directly, and we have not studied consumer-related exposure. So how and why are these places allowed to keep doing that tub refinishing if its so dangerous?? Thats perhaps the number one reason trying to DIY it is not advisable (kits are available, but just leave it to the professionals). Great Post i appreciate this thanks for sharing this post . The concentration of the exposure is important too. Very good info. Refinishing a bathtub is a less costly . Posts: 19. We do not tread lightly, so I think we are a good example to work off of in terms of durability., Of the overall aesthetic, particularly the walls, she says: If you look closely, it's a little weird as you see the indent of the grout lines, but it's all one texture. How much should you renovate your NYC apartment before selling it? Wow, great article on the dangers and Health Effects when methylene chloride is used. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects Bathtub refinishing of such dangerous products. I never post anything anywhere. Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and would have fully evaporated shortly after the project was completed. 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. I think this should not be happening after 4 weeks but dont know what to do about it. good information Gail Scott i agree with you . Your email address will not be published. DIY Bathtub Refinish Kit with SlipGuard in White. I am all for saving money and dont wish to come off like I dont appreciate the effort but if your already saving $5000 why not let a pro do it. Its generally a task best performed by professionals due to the hazardous chemicals involved. 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. theyre dangerous if not dealt with properly. For consumer-related questions after the tub has been refurbished, please contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission. I wish I had read this blog before the procedure. Ya, very helpful articles are posted. A fresh air system is critical. What that means is that at room temperature, methylene chloride will evaporate very rapidly, much more rapidly than water. The Perfect Drying Conditions You should let the tub surface to cure for 24 to 48 hours. I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects of such dangerous products. As a point of comparison, water boils at 212 F and has a room temperature vapor pressure of 17 mmHg. Please respond quickly. Effective ventilation would have to be ensured in order to shield the worker from toxic fumes of the process. When is the best time of year to buy or sell a NYC apartment? Absolutely agree with this article. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. The prep is the most important part of the job, says White. What if they put a horrible smell into the product that would alert the user before overexposure. So glad I read this. Ask Sam: I saw my apartment on a listing site, but I havent received any notice from my landlord. Until the finishing dries, it is a good idea to leave the house. Wearing a dust mask should not be confused with fitting a respirator with organic cartridges. I like taking baths, but will not do so in this tub now knowing how unhealthy it actually is. Bathtub Refinishing vs. Liner: Whats Right for Your Home. This is in response to Chris concerning isocyanates use in coatings. Dust masks do not protect you from bathtub refinishing vapors. Open the bathroom door and as many . Is there some disconnect between science, policy and legal enforcement? 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. Or will we be ok?? Its in our best interest to devise a way to remove these coatings without harming ourselves or the environment. Thank for sharing about bathtub refinishing. Sometimes, you may need to refinish your bathtub which requires chemical coating with special kind of brush or roller to an acrylic, porcelain, fiberglass, or cultured marble bathtub. Refinishing Porcelain & Fiberglass Bathtub Reglazing/Refinishing Service. As far as we are concerned, 2k urethane systems should not be allowed in residential use. I just rented a housing association flat with an unsightly, badly marked tub. However, products are more dangerous when they are sweet smelling, and as your article states your are already exposed once you smell it. and products contain ISOs. It is the first time I visit your blog, but I was extremely impressed. There are a few scratches and black marks from a previously installed shower door that was installed on the tub. 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. This is great information to share to hopefully make us more aware and careful. 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. My puppy also is constantly licking the floor. I just bought this old house that has this beautiful tub if only it can get restored back to new. We were told when we did it that it only lasts about five years and I'm finding that to betrue, she says. According to the Centers of Disease Control, more than half a million children ages 1-5 in the U.S. have blood lead levels high enough to damage their health. Its thick, full-seal coating restores tub surfaces to a "like new" bright gloss. Reglazing a tub doesnt actually take that long to do. He wore proper equipment, however ventilation was not adequate. Thank you so much for this great article and hope that others now are aware of the safety measures that need to be followed. 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. 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. Bare minimum, the ventilation should meet some requirements, and homeowners should HAVE to LEAVE THE HOUSE for 3 days. Bathtub refinishing fumes are dangerous and you do not want yourself or anyone in the home breathing them. The use of methylene chloride killed many people in the industry. I dont know of incidents that may have occurred, buy you can never be too careful with peoples 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. I had my bathroom resurfaced including the bathtub 4 weeks ago. Do-it-yourself bathtub refinishing kits and professional refinishing products alike are not to be inhaled or absorbed by your skin. I didnt realize this was so deadly. I sure wish homeowners not use those diy Kits. Thank you. Thanks if you reply. Vanity of a tub isnt worth it. 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. 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/ ). https://www.publicintegrity.org/2015/09/21/17991/common-solvent-keeps-killing-workers-consumers. We should all gather together and come up with solutions that are even better than what we are presented with now. They agreed to resurface it for me as they would not replace 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. 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. information posted by individuals on this site is correct, and disclaims any liability for any Prolonged skin contact may cause irritation and even chemical burns. I am thankful that I found this article before I made a final decision on whether or not to purchase a DIY kit for my tub interior. Thanks to those whoever posted this article. Sometimes workers are not educated, companies should invest in staff training to work with these materials. In Europe, the use of paint strippers containing more than 0.1 % methylene chloride is allowed only in industrial installations with adequate controls to reduce exposure. Perfect for renters, apartment dwellers, and residential or commercial tubs, sinks, showers. What's the difference between jumbo and conforming loans? We have had a terrible experience. 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. The NIOSH studies pertained only to workers who were applying methylene chloride directly, and we have not studied consumer-related exposure. So, it should not present a long-term hazard to the resident and pets after the project is completed. Surface Designers have been in business for over 20 years resurfacing bathtubs and countertops. Tenant and all occupants in the apartment hereby release Bathtub Refinishing and Fiberglass Expert. Provided your surface was prepped correctly, you can expect your reglazed tub and/or tile to be good for about seven to 10 years, and the more you take care of it, the longer it will last. So, it presents no long-term hazard to the resident. Lead poisoning is a serious risk for young kids. Our research focused on worker exposures from methylene chloride during the process of stripping the old paint off of the tub prior to refinishing. White advises keeping away fromcleansers likebleach oreven Soft Scrub. I had to keep the windows shut with the air on all night. If the job is not done right it starts to peel, he says. Hovering over a bathtub, unprotected, while stripping it would overtake anyone in a very short amount of time. We recommend that you consult your personal physician about your health issues, and your local health department for assistance with the building management. The Health and Safety Executive is our policing force that helps prevent the tragic consequences of injuries and even fatalities in the workplace. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. My little dog had trouble breathing during the night and I had to go to urgent care for a chest xray. 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. Heart attacks may occur even before any other symptoms of methylene chloride exposure occur. It is the first time I visit your blog, but I was extremely impressed. Its used to strip paint and varnish from furniture which will be refinished. Alternative products and processes exist for bathtub refinishing. Thanks for sharing. Did you know that the fumes from the chemical used to refinish or reglaze your bathtub can be hazardous to your health? Bathroom fans or open windows do not provide adequate ventilation. 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. It seemed like this article focused more on the concerns of MC and not ISO is there a follow up article that is just based on Isocyantes? No warning that fumes would make me sick. I used this kit 6 weeks ago. Thank you for this post. You may want to contact Product Safety Australia http://www.productsafety.gov.au, who assists with consumer concerns like the one you posted. Im not aware of any can anyone point me in the right direction please? Never stay where resurfacing is being done. But if we get together as a group of experienced bathtub refinishers I am positive that we can come up with a simple solution that will keep us safe. 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 . Avoid or minimize spraying methylene chloride. Lowering exposures, even below the PEL, is considered to be good industrial hygiene practice. She and her contractor agreed to wait until the weather cooledto remedy the situation. In years past, when lead-based paints were used in various home applications, various studies showed that small children (toddlers) were known to ingest (eat) paint chips. Ill mention it to my readers on my real estate site. keep blogging~! 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. I noticed the odor every time they went in or out of the room, and had the bedroom doors all closed. It is now 5:30 p.m., and the fumes in the apartment are too much to bear. We had one bathtub redone in our old house a few years ago but I think they just re-coated it. I know this because the epoxy finish began peeling away within a couple months of daily use. It was heart breaking. Publication number 81-8c-2013. 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. But it's not just about looks. The health issues that you can face immediately and also in the future are not worth the risk. The past three days have been the hardest in my entire life. During this process, the holes and cracks in the bathtub will also be repaired. And Bathtub Aliphatic Acrylic Urethane MSDS. Follow the links to the Material Data Safety Sheet (MSDS) that the search will find. Some healthcare providers specialize in assessing environmental exposures (see http://www.aoec.org/index.htm). 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. *By signing up you agree to receive occasional emails on behalf of our sponsors, Copyright 2009-2022 by BrickUnderground | PrivacyPolicy | TermsofService | AdChoices | Login, National Association of Real Estate Editors. There are a few scratches and black marks from a previously installed shower door that was installed on the tub. He came home and seemed fine for a few days and then suddenly died. We are not familiar with the finishes you mention. Rents an apartment with ventilation that mixes with neighbors and brings odors from adjacent apartments, Was subjected to highly toxic fumes from maintenance being performed on a neighboring apartment Suffered from effects of those fumes, and nearly succumbing to them

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