good information Gail Scott i agree with you . Step 1: Set up the ventilation system. Like many cancer-causing agents, any level of exposure, even concentrations below applicable occupational exposure limits, may pose a residual cancer risk. Its highly toxic Teri. Keep posting as I am gonna come to read it everyday! 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 Thanks for sharing such a helpful post. I hope the fumes and the tub return to a safe level. "[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. 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. 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. Ask Sam: Will the U.S. Supreme Court end rent stabilization? I am linking an article from the Retro Renovation blog on safety that includes links to other sources on this. During the entire refinishing process, the room should be adequately ventilated to protect workers. I remember my grandfather saying something about antifreeze having that safety precaution I believe. So we need extra care. 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. Wearing a dust mask should not be confused with fitting a respirator with organic cartridges. share Share. As a research agency, we do not have regulatory authority over the labeling or regulating on how methylene chloride is sold. Please take proper safety precautions, as well as warn others of these seriously dangerous situations. Second tub went smoother because I had a window to open for air circulation. Publication number 81-8c-2013. Many post pictures but up close you cant see the brush strokes they leave behind. Hello I gave my 2 year old a bath a little more came off. Lowering exposures, even below the PEL, is considered to be good industrial hygiene practice. I have actually replaced a dead refinisher who has lossed his life stripping a bathtub. and products contain ISOs. Thanks for sharing such a helpful information. I will stress this to home owners wanting to get bathtub resurfacing done. Refinishing Porcelain & Fiberglass Bathtub Reglazing/Refinishing Service. 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. When we find a company to do it, Ill be sure to make sure that there is plenty of fresh air. What are the effects of being in the house during the process (for our pets) and after the process (chemical wise around our kids). 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. Thats why we see it a lot in historic neighborhoods.. The fumes from stripping a tub of its previous coating(s) can contain methylene chloride, a colorless liquid that smells similar to chloroform and emits VOCs, aka volatile organic compounds. 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. CDC twenty four seven. I took a shower and a 3 inch or so came off. We had it done over a year ago, and even with ventilation, I was outside in January feezing temps. Especially if chosen to be done in small places like a bathroom. We are not familiar with the finishes you mention. I was researching because i just had a bad experience. Hover Image to Zoom. I have asked for the list of chemicals they use but have not heard anything. Simply not worth the risk. Theres no such thing as excessive safety precaution. Im a Painting Contractor in Anchorage, Alaska and this is a really good post for me to see! TENANT INSTRUCTIONS: . I think they want things swept under the carpet. Thanks for your comment. Great amazing blog post I really love such lovely blog posts. Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and would fully evaporate shortly after a project is completed. Thank you for spreading the word on the importance of this! https://www.publicintegrity.org/2015/09/21/17991/common-solvent-keeps-killing-workers-consumers. 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. This situation creates dangerously high concentrations of methylene chloride and even replaces the breathable air. Why is this not part of a home inspection, when you move into a house, built in 1950? 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. Thanks for your comment. 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. These comments do not represent the official views of CDC, and CDC does not guarantee that any It hurt to know, the four of us where in a room together for what will be the very last time. I attempt to lead a very clean life and avoid many commercial products (body care products, cleaning products, sprays etc). If the room where it was used is flushed with fresh air, perhaps by using a small fan, it is unlikely that any methylene chloride will be present or continue to leech out days after the re-glazing was done. The legal basis is Annex XVII of the REACH regulation. I think this type of finish should be banned. i come back again this blog, any way i think /box. The apt right next to me was just resurfaced and the chemicals came through the air vents. NIOSH cannot provide individual medical advice. It is the first time I visit your blog, but I was extremely impressed. 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. I have been thinking about reglazing our kitchen countertop (tiles). Ask Sam: I saw my apartment on a listing site, but I havent received any notice from my landlord. I have no shower, only this bath and no space for one. Absolutely agree with this article. We would appreciate your assistance in circulating the information in this blog and the Hazard Alert to those involved in bathtub refinishing. Moreover, because methylene chloride evaporates quickly (it has a high vapor pressure), vapors can collect in the bottom of a bathtub and in the workers breathing zone when working in the bathtub. I use a flexible flat blade scraper and then sand with an aggressive grit. My friends name is Kevin H. The incident happened Thursday April 27th at 4pm. I only use stripper when absolutely necessary. We are inconsolable. 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. Just trying to speak up for low income and maybe other apartment dwellers too. How to effectively get rid of bathtub resurface smell in my apartment? If I had of done a little research I guess I would of been more informed. discovered that the fumes were coming through the vent in her bathroom. 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. NIOSH analytical method 1001 is typically used to sample for methylene chloride in a workers breathing zone. (Fun fact: You can make it any color you want, so if youve ever wanted a purple bathtub, that dream can be realized.). HomeAdvisors True Cost Guide puts the average cost to refinish a bathtub at about $450, while installing a new one runs about $3,000. It is an odd sized bathtub so I did not even consider ordering a replacement custom-made. The toxins became so concentrated in a short period of time due to lack if ventilation and confined space. We do have pets and have young kids. After working in retail for many years, my mother retired, began buying and refinishing furniture. What if they put a horrible smell into the product that would alert the user before overexposure. My business is in the UK, safety of workers is as important over here. These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. Not worth it. I did not use any safety precautions, but I was in the garage with a fan and the garage door opened. Coatings suitable for bathtub reglazing include: You can use these materials on several surfaces, including acrylic, ceramic, porcelain, and fiberglass bathtubs. 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? Great Post i appreciate this thanks for sharing this post . Changing up your tub is a great way to give your bathroom a makeover on a budget, Visit the Solution Center to Explore Articles. Most tubs can be reglazed if they are not overly damaged, but the process is generally recommended for steel, cast iron, or fiberglass tubs. After reading this post I think I can live with those scratches until I can hire a professional. 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. I opened my windows, all four. Its the very first time I call at your blog, however was very impressed. My friend was in the bathroom for only 4 minutes until his co workers had discovered him lying head first into the bathtub, still wearing proper mask and gloves both of which in good condition. Your local health department may be able to provide assistance. Some healthcare providers specialize in assessing environmental exposures (see http://www.aoec.org/index.htm). When the door is closed for a while it gets very strong and when its open one can hardly smell it but that does not mean it is not there. Publication number 81-8b-2012, Successful bathtub stripping using sanding as an alternative to methylene chloride Methylene chloride exposure may cause dizziness, fatigue, headaches, nausea, a feeling of intoxication, and eye, nose, and throat irritation. DIY Bathtub Refinish Kit with SlipGuard in White. We do not have any information about the paint chips that are peeling off of your refinished bathtub. Very helpful and will definitely be one of the things to look out for on my rehabs.. Great article. You should ask the installer to check that the product was applied correctly. HOPING THE SAME FINEST OPERATE IN THE UP COMING DAYS ALSO. 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. Stripping products may also contain flammable solvents and flammability may be a concern. It's also possible to injure yourself if the product comes in contact with the skin. She is the recipient of two awards from the National Association of Real Estate Editors for interior design and service journalism. We work a lot with paints and try to stay abreast of the dangers when working with chemicals, solvents and paint compounds. I just rented a housing association flat with an unsightly, badly marked tub. I am a first time user of the refinishing kit. My husband and I have been thinking about getting our master bathtub refinished so we will have to keep this information in mind. 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 . 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. information posted by individuals on this site is correct, and disclaims any liability for any If you know the name of the product that was used, you may be able to find it by searching on the Internet. We are sorry to hear about your health issues. If youve been considering a bathroom remodel, then replacing an older tub might just make sense. Very interesting. Thanks for your comment. Thankyou for letting people know this danger alert! Ill mention it to my readers on my real estate site. She and her contractor agreed to wait until the weather cooledto remedy the situation. 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 live in low income housing, a few years ago they said my tub need to be refinished. Thank you. We are a BBB Certified Resurfacing company located in Houston, Texas. This research only focused on worker methylene chloride exposures during bathtub refinishing. Our apartment filled with these toxic fumes. Using methylene chloride products in a bathroom is extremely dangerous as bathrooms are often small, enclosed spaces with little or no ventilation. These cookies perform functions like remembering presentation options or choices and, in some cases, delivery of web content that based on self-identified area of interests. Instead, many homeowners have the existing tub reglazed or refinished, which typically costs $300-$600, depending on the area and process. The use of methylene chloride can be reduced significantly by professionals. 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. Bathtub Reglazing Experts. I manage a home related business in Australia and we are often exposed to applications that we are unsure of what dangers we could be exposed to. How can -re-glazers be allowed to do this line of work if it is dangerous to everyone involved? 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 own a small bathtub refinishing business and we have committed to stay away from M.C. Specifically, typical mobile LEV units have a fan, flexible ductwork, and a hood near the tub that exhausts hazardous vapors to the outdoors. Always wear hand and eye protection. Superior heavy duty Reglazing. He also had a small fan in the bathroom window to remove the fumes, as well as towels on the floor to prevent odors from coming into the living area. 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. We were told when we did it that it only lasts about five years and I'm finding that to betrue, she says. If safety is not enough to discourage the DIY Kits then maybe aesthetics will. 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. Please respond quickly. 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. Right now, I am surrounded by vacant apartments, and the new owner is reglazing all of the tubs. Can you give me any help in researching to determine if the polyurethane/acrylic finishes leaches? But two days later it still bothers me. There is also a short-term exposure limit (STEL) for which the average exposure cannot exceed 125 ppm over any 15-minute period. NIOSH has not evaluated isocyanates exposure among bathtub refinishers but products containing isocyanates should also be handled with care. What a great reminder to always plan for and wear personal protective equipment. 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. The only ventilation in the hours between the reglazing and now was provided by the slatted windows in the bathroom. Karma: 3. Not sure if it can come through the walls. She said if its not life threatening then they wont do it. Thank you. NYC Renovation Chronicles: 5 ways to save on your bathroom renovation, Renovating a co-op? Ron, I have a similar question to the one already asked. I have an article on my site entitled Are Bathtub Refinishing Fumes Dangerous. In our blog we state that methylene chloride cannot be smelled until the level in the air is higher than OSHAs permissible exposure limits (PELs). Being relatively poor most of my life Ive always been a do-it-yourselfer. Read more about our comment policy . God bless you! I worked at [Company name removed] for 14years. When is the best time of year to buy or sell a NYC apartment? That is pretty serious stuff. I know this because the epoxy finish began peeling away within a couple months of daily use. My apartment is very small and I sat in bedroom with my elderly cat not 20 feet away. If the room where it was used is flushed with fresh air, perhaps by using a small fan, it is unlikely that any methylene chloride will be present or continue to leech out days after the re-glazing was done. 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 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. My question is, am I in danger using the peeling bathtub??? Thank for sharing about bathtub refinishing.
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