Gerda. Not sure if it can come through the walls. Bathtub stripping vapors must be taken seriously. thanks Ron Hall for such a valuable information, its horrible, why its still available in the market, it should be banned from the market. (Obviously, no, but you get the idea.). Jimmy White of Staten Island-based Custom Spraying and Reglazing, who has been doing it for more than 30 years and is considered the reglazer to the starsheworked on Faye Dunaway's and Candace Bergens bathroomssays it can be done in a few hours, plus 24 hours of dry time. Is that legal? 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. I am a first time user of the refinishing kit. Effective ventilation would have to be ensured in order to shield the worker from toxic fumes of the process. She her nextwalked over to-door neighbor's apartment, where a team weari ng respirators was refinishi ng the bathroom with a spray-on resurfacing material and a chemical accelerator. 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. I have 3 kids in a tiny apt in Brooklyn. I didnt realize this was so deadly. 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. Wearing a dust mask should not be confused with fitting a respirator with organic cartridges. Thank you for this post. Surely the proper checks should be taken before the products leaves the factory. Thanks for your comment. I have stripped hundreds of tubs. 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). I wish I had read this blog before the procedure. on the dangers of isocyanates in coatings and application hazards. Its used to strip paint and varnish from furniture which will be refinished. If the vapor smell continues and is persistent you should call a safety and health professional to evaluate the area. I stayed home all day, working around the house because there were two workers and didnt want to leave strangers in my home. We are inconsolable. We would appreciate your assistance in circulating the information in this blog and the Hazard Alert to those involved in bathtub refinishing. Sad to hear, but at least proves to me that I was right! Never stay where resurfacing is being done. 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 . An expert starts by sanding down the tub's. 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. Scratching the tub would not release any methylene chloride vapors. I recently had our tub sresurfaced as well as kitchen counters done, and the smell was so strong I dont know how these guys can do this every day. Is there any type of detector on the market that will detect high levels of methlene chloride vapors? Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and would fully evaporate shortly after a project is completed. Our beloved pet went into respiratory failure the next day, was rushed to the ER and spent three nights in the veterinarian ICU. As a result, most tenants moved. I blog often and I really appreciate your content. IT IS REALLY VERY HELPFUL FOR ME.I LIKE YOUR POST BECAUSE IT IS VERY USEFUL FOR ME AS WELL. I have a chipped tub that is built in with tile walls. $ 89 00. At Specialized Refinishing, we have a team of highly experienced, certified refinishing and reglazing technicians who can restore and revitalize a wide variety of surfaces and fixtures in your rental property or before you put a house on the market. 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. All comments posted become a part of the public domain, and users are responsible for their comments. Stripping products may also contain flammable solvents and flammability may be a concern. Almost any color or appearance can be achieved, including the look of natural stone or marble. 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. I am Gary Goel owner of the Professional Bathtub Refinishers Association. Ask Sam: I saw my apartment on a listing site, but I havent received any notice from my landlord. They were all exposed to open tanks of Methylene Chloride and cutting up bodies causing carbon monoxide. I didnt think too much about it. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Methylene chloride, a chlorinated solvent, is a volatile, colorless liquid with a sweet-smelling odor. Thanks. I have never thought of this before! 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. Are these chemicals only toxic while being applied, or can they still be harmful later as used? I have 15 years experience with bathtub refinishing and stripping. 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 . 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. Thanks! It is amazing that I get over 100 hits per month on the article from homeowners who are fumed out during and after refinishing. We're starting to see chipped areasThey're more in the tub than on the walls. Your local health department may also be able to provide more assistance or information. How do I know if this is toxic? Capital region housing in edmonton is the worst. I would also like to issue one other caveat. Our apartment filled with these toxic fumes. 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. Some many companies and professionals are offering their services for the people for refinishing, repairing, remodeling things. 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/. A bathtub replacement can cost around $2,900 on average and may add value to your property. Bathtub Refinishing vs. Liner: Whats Right for Your Home. I had to keep the windows shut with the air on all night. We need to know what all are used while doing refinishing. It's a multi-step process that involves cleaning the tub thoroughly and sanding it to remove any soap scum or other particles, and repairing cracks or worn areasall of these imperfections will affect the quality and durability of the final finishing coat. 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 am linking an article from the Retro Renovation blog on safety that includes links to other sources on this. Very good to know, Ill let the pros do it from now on, and let my readers know the same! I would like to know. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance. 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. What is the LEAST TOXIC alternative for bathtub reglazing? 21 people who I worked with at that time have all died,one very recently with cancer. Why? 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. Step 1: Remove Tub Hardware Shut off the water supply to your tub and drain any water from the line before you begin. Could you please advise, will this chemical leech into the water? I believe in situations like these, two or more workers would be present in the bathroom, when proper ventilation is impossible. Bathtub refinishing is very dangerous. This is a great article. Read more about our comment policy . I take epsom salt baths and the salts are absorbed systemically. So, it should not present a long-term hazard to the resident and pets after the project is completed. According to OSHA, you must also provide local exhaust ventilation and make-up air to replace the vapors removed by the exhaust. 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 blog is not designed to provide personal medical or emergency information. Thank for speaking about about tub refinishing. What separates a good job from a not-so-good job is not so much how it looks, its the prep. We are sorry to hear about your symptoms. I regret it so much now and want the tub out of the house. 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. Remember, if it smells new, the fumes are too. Sometimes workers are not educated, companies should invest in staff training to work with these materials. If youve been considering a bathroom remodel, then replacing an older tub might just make sense. Even if they come in a spray can unless you really know how to spray a cross hatch overlap pattern then you will have dry edges. It can and will save your life. I didnt know that the bathroom fans and windows wouldnt provide the right amount of ventilation. Methylene chloride exposure may cause dizziness, fatigue, headaches, nausea, a feeling of intoxication, and eye, nose, and throat irritation. The epoxy coatings used to finish bathtubs can also emit dangerous vapors such as isocyanates when sprayed. What are the effects of being in the house during the process (for our pets) and after the process (chemical wise around our kids). We pride ourselves on the work we do and strive to provide the best quality service in the refinishing and resurfacing industry. I have an article on my site entitled Are Bathtub Refinishing Fumes Dangerous. The vapors should subside after awhile and you should not be able to smell the strong odor. When the project is complete, you can take a relaxing soak in your new tub, knowing it was refinished correctly and safely. 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. keep blogging~! 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. So, it should not present a long-term hazard to the residents after the project. It was a cold day, so I went back inside. Ive spoken with many other tub resurfacing company owners and employees, and most of them do not use or even own full-face air-supplied respirators. Lowering exposures, even below the PEL, is considered to be good industrial hygiene practice. We are not familiar with the finishes you mention. (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. Now its already peeling. Bathtub refinishing is also known as reglazing, or resurfacing. Needless to say, I was shocked, I am taken aback by the statistics. As exposure increases so do the health effects, with a potential for suffocation, loss of consciousness, coma, and sudden death. 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. I certainly will be approaching this much differently. Products containing methylene chloride should be avoided when possible. 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)). Its better not to use methylene chloride for the safety of everybody. We sure take a lot things for granted. Then, remove any cover plates, drain plugs and bathtub spouts. The NIOSH studies pertained only to workers who were applying methylene chloride directly, and we have not studied consumer-related exposure such as you describe. *Note that there are reports that a fresh air system is . Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, palpitations, dizziness or difficulty staying awake require immediate medical attention. We face inspections every year where lots of tubs are refinished in this building.but no precautions are ever taken to protect the residents and their animals. After an hour again, I decided to take a ride to feel fresh air. My cat was crying and jumping on the door to get out. Dust masks do not protect you from bathtub refinishing vapors. This is poor. I wish they warned me and Id have had means to stay out of house for a few days. While a new tub can cost as little as $150, labor expenses for the replacement process can easily add $1,500 or more to the bill. After working in retail for many years, my mother retired, began buying and refinishing furniture. Bathtub Refinishing matters should be left to professionals to complete. 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. But the air looked pretty fume filled to me This is a nightmare for someone with my health issues! Is that dangerous as well? I would concenr it to home owners wanting to get bathtub resurfacing done. This may be an ignorant comment, so please accept my apology preemptively if so. 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. God bless you! 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. 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. I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects Bathtub refinishing of such dangerous products. She is the recipient of two awards from the National Association of Real Estate Editors for interior design and service journalism. The odor is still very strong and I am wondering how long it will take before I can go back in that room? Specifically, typical mobile LEV units have a fan, flexible ductwork, and a hood near the tub that exhausts hazardous vapors to the outdoors. So we need extra care. 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 fumes are strong in the bathroom so I have the bathroom door closed, vent on. My little dog had trouble breathing during the night and I had to go to urgent care for a chest xray. [Its] a great way to make a grimy, stain-ridden bathtub look new again, says. Coatings suitable for bathtub reglazing include: You can use these materials on several surfaces, including acrylic, ceramic, porcelain, and fiberglass bathtubs. Bare minimum, the ventilation should meet some requirements, and homeowners should HAVE to LEAVE THE HOUSE for 3 days. Please respond quickly. I had my bathtub refinished yesterday and the door to the bathroom had remained closed while the worker was doing the job. This is great information to share to hopefully make us more aware and careful. The concentration of the exposure is important too. CDC twenty four seven. To ensure their safety, the employees should have left the room immediately after applying the methylene chloride-based stripping agent to limit exposure to methylene chloride vapors. I am ok with both tub and tile appearance until I can afford a replacement/bath remodel. 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. Methylene chlorides boiling point is just over 100 F, and has a vapor pressure of 350 mmHg. From now we must be aware if wanna to do that. Leave the room immediately after applying the methylene chloride-based stripping agent to limit exposure to methylene chloride vapors. If you are concerned for your pets, it may be a good idea to remove them from the home during the stripping process. Kimberly Evans. So, once workers can smell methylene chloride they are already being overexposed. My business is in the UK, safety of workers is as important over here. 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. I am not an overly caution person, but I understand that in certain instances it is important to exercise caution. The two maintenance men pulled the man off of the tub. I also have a 6 year oldshould we leave? You must ventilate your workspace to minimize tub reglazing fumes. We had maintenance workers come by and resurface it earlier this week, but they did not properly ventilate the chemical smell and the stench is still there. 22 oz. Exposure to methylene chloride can be lethal. Stay safe! I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects of such dangerous products. 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. I have read many articles but this is different one. Will these chemicals be leaching out of the surface, presenting a health concern from contact? information posted by individuals on this site is correct, and disclaims any liability for any Bathtub Reglazing Experts. The prep is the most important part of the job, says White. print Print. However, the human body can quickly become desensitized to the smell and a worker may be overexposed even if he or she can no longer smell it. Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and will fully evaporate shortly after the project is completed. ECO-FRIENDLY No Odor Tub Reglazing: Fumes-free and made without harmful chemicals, Ekopel's long-lasting, oil-free glaze never peels! 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. If your bathroom has a window, set a fan near it pointing outwards; this will help move air and dissipate the fumes. When methylene chloride enters the human body, it affects brain function, such as concentration. I asked the doctors if they collect lifestyle information and report it to the government so correlations can be made about cause and effect they said no. I use it in good ventilation and, if Im going to be doing much work, I use a respirator. This situation creates dangerously high concentrations of methylene chloride and even replaces the breathable air. My tub will soon be refinished and I am glad I have read this article. 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. Thank you. How much does moving to the suburbs cost vs. staying in NYC? Your article has truly peaked my interest. 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. Renewing is the affordable and fast alternative to replacing. We use MC (methylene chloride) in my furniture shop. 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. Thanks for sharing. 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? 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. What a great reminder to always plan for and wear personal protective equipment. I did not use any safety precautions, but I was in the garage with a fan and the garage door opened. 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.. After reading this post I think I can live with those scratches until I can hire a professional. Located at [http://www.refinishersonline.com] and I helped in two the studies before this report was finalized. Half-mask respirators may NOT be used because methylene chloride may cause eye irritation or damage. She wont fix it since they are going to remodel in the future. Really I like got very valuable information here and Looking forward to read your Upcoming Post. I just rented a house. 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). Keep posting at all like me gonna turned up at write out paper everyday! Why can strippers with this ingredient be sold to consumers in U.S. hardware stores that do _not_ sell the full-face air supplied respirators that should be worn while using it? Thanks to those whoever posted this article. Many post pictures but up close you cant see the brush strokes they leave behind. Or will we be ok?? My apartment manager refinished my bathtub about 2 1/2 years ago instead of buying a new one. Instead, many homeowners have the existing tub reglazed or refinished, which typically costs $300-$600, depending on the area and process. It always falls on us, to make sure, inspections we pay for, cover areas of higher hazard. Bathtub Refinishing Countertop Refinishing Vanity Refinishing Fiberglass Enclosures Wall Tile Every 10 minutes or so I would have to leave and go outside because my eyes burning so bad. A bathtub replacement can cost around $2,900 on average and may add value to your property. 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. Air-purifying respirators are not permitted due to the short service life of chemical cartridges when used for methylene chloride exposure. Pay $64.00 after $25 OFF your total qualifying purchase upon opening a new card. It won't last forever, but it's a pretty good temporary fix. Methylene chloride cannot be smelled until the level in the air is higher than OSHAs permissible exposure limits (PELs). Your blog has provided useful information for the work. Please let me know where to seek more information, particularly in the Australian climate? Its in our best interest to devise a way to remove these coatings without harming ourselves or the environment. What if your bathtub could be transformed in one day from embarrassing to your bathroom's sparkling centerpiece? Thanks so much for the info! He came home and seemed fine for a few days and then suddenly died. Awsome and useful informations too, thanks for sharing this educational post! 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. and products contain ISOs. Your local health department may be able to provide assistance. I use a flexible flat blade scraper and then sand with an aggressive grit. We should all gather together and come up with solutions that are even better than what we are presented with now. Bathtub refinishing is very risky. Thanks for sharing such a helpful post. We share your concern for the workers who worked on the tub in a confined space with the door closed. Im not aware of any can anyone point me in the right direction please? I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects Bathtub refinishing of such dangerous products. Until the finishing dries, it is a good idea to leave the house. For consumer concerns such as this you may want to contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Look for an alternative to do the bathtub refinishing. Finding a Miracle Method office. 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. Publication number 81-8b-2012, Successful bathtub stripping using sanding as an alternative to methylene chloride Please do not use a torch either The fumes will kill use. Especially if chosen to be done in small places like a bathroom. Workers are exposed to methylene chloride by breathing it in and by absorbing it through their skin. However, it's not necessary if the bathroom is properly ventilated. Long-term exposure may cause cancer in humans. I found out the hard way. Thank you! I think this should not be happening after 4 weeks but dont know what to do about it. Contact Us Today For A Free Bathtub Refinish Estimate Call [phone] or complete the contact form below for a FREE estimate! What that means is that at room temperature, methylene chloride will evaporate very rapidly, much more rapidly than water. HomeAdvisors True Cost Guide puts the average cost to refinish a bathtub at about $450, while installing a new one runs about $3,000. White uses a portable fume exhauster, and HVLP, or high-volume, low-pressure sprayers, which produce less overspray. If youre nervous, leaving your apartment for the duration of the job is always an option. The fumes were so strong that it gave me a headache and caused me to become nauseated. 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. Its worth looking into how long a company has been in business andits rating with the Better Business Bureau to get a sense of their track record before commissioning a job. I used this kit 6 weeks ago. 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. This is a moderated site and your comments will be reviewed before they are posted. 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. Thank you so much for this great article and hope that others now are aware of the safety measures that need to be followed. Right now, I am surrounded by vacant apartments, and the new owner is reglazing all of the tubs. I understand the dangers of the application process, but what about the 2/3 days following the reglazing? At least 14 workers have died since 2000 as a result of using stripping agents containing methylene chloride during bathtub refinishing. In workers with heart disease, an increase in carbon monoxide may lead to early onset heart attacks and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). Find them at: http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Research/Pubs/#General Great information. Hi, so I had my bathtub reglazed in March. I thought it would be a simple spray paint job. But I keep on hitting dead ends. It has one small rust stain and is still moderately shiny. NIOSH has continued to try to get the word out to workers and employers about the risks of working with methylene chloride. Making safety precautions is the priority for all kinds of work. 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. Many stripping products (including those that may also be available to consumers) contain high percentages of methylene chloride.

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