Alternatively, you can search on Methylene Chloride and Safety Data Sheet for a listing of various SDSs for similar products. While NIOSH research and prevention efforts typically focus on workers, worker representatives and employers, the readers of this blog may be able to help us reach the do-it-yourself community who can face the same risks. She is the recipient of two awards from the National Association of Real Estate Editors for interior design and service journalism. We had one bathtub redone in our old house a few years ago but I think they just re-coated it. 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. Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, palpitations, dizziness or difficulty staying awake require immediate medical attention. The use of a respirator scrubber mask (gas mask) isnt complete protection. I understand the dangers of the application process, but what about the 2/3 days following the reglazing? I have 3 kids in a tiny apt in Brooklyn. Thank you for your comment. We have had a terrible experience. Needless to say, I was shocked, I am taken aback by the statistics. Karma: 3. It was not difficult and required no chemicals; the refinisher evidently did a very poor job of it. I was weak though and shaking, felt faint and nauseated. Weve added a resource to try and educate those who are using these processes and offered a number of safer alternatives to using substances other than methylene chloride here: http://jwcpropertyservices.co.uk/bathtub-refinishing-dangers/. The process commonly involves removing the bathtub's existing finish before applying a new coating, usually a synthetic finish such as polyurethane or epoxy. She enjoyed improving discarded furniture, then selling it it was like art to her. Is the Bathtub Reglazing Odor Terrible? Learn About the Bathtub It's also possible to injure yourself if the product comes in contact with the skin. *Note that there are reports that a fresh air system is . 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 . The most dangerous part of the bathtub refinishing process is inhaling the fumes associated with the job. Is that dangerous as well? 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. Its staff and technicians from any and . It is the first time I visit your blog, but I was extremely impressed. What's the difference between jumbo and conforming loans? 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. Thanks for sharing such a helpful information. Or will we be ok?? We use MC (methylene chloride) in my furniture shop. "My glazing lasted three weeks before it began to peel from a tiny spot in the center of the tub," she says. What a Useful Post and great shared to Plumbing Service, Thanks author your Awesome tropic and Excellent Content. 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. Why? My Landlord is planning on re glazing our tub and we are leaving for the weekend. If youve been considering a bathroom remodel, then replacing an older tub might just make sense. 9 Easy Steps to Refinish Your Bathtub | Lowe's My building was recently sold and our rent was raised by 100 percent. Please, if you know anyone who refinishes bathtubs, make sure they are VERY AWARE of the dangers and the different situations. I worked at [Company name removed] for 14years. How much does moving to the suburbs cost vs. staying in NYC? I have 15 years experience with bathtub refinishing and stripping. Hello Im Derrick I used this last night now this morning Im sick as a dog headache stomachache am throwing up I didnt use a mask. If they continue, you should consult your doctor. Im a Painting Contractor in Anchorage, Alaska and this is a really good post for me to see! Methylene chlorides boiling point is just over 100 F, and has a vapor pressure of 350 mmHg. 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. We are not familiar with the finishes you mention. The fumes are stronger fumes so we do not allow anyone to be in the apartment for 8 hours. Surface Designers have been in business for over 20 years resurfacing bathtubs and countertops. Your local health department may be able to provide assistance. We will never promote an advertiser's product without making the relationship clear to our readers. Tub Cast Ekopel 2K Bathtub Refinishing Kit - Made In The USA - Odorless 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. Not worth it. No one deserves to go through this heartache of losing a friend, due to a situation that could have easily been avoided. ), [Its] a great way to make a grimy, stain-ridden bathtub look new again, says Dan DiClerico, HomeAdvisor'ssmart home strategistand home expert. Ron, 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 . I think this type of finish should be banned. They hold soap scum, body oils, dirt, basically everything that comes off the human body will form a paste of scum. I have an article on my site entitled Are Bathtub Refinishing Fumes Dangerous. However, it's not necessary if the bathroom is properly ventilated. So, it should not present a long-term hazard to the resident and pets after the project is completed. You may want to contact Product Safety Australia http://www.productsafety.gov.au, who assists with consumer concerns like the one you posted. During the entire refinishing process, the room should be adequately ventilated to protect workers. I am concerned about having a surface that is toxic and that can harm my family in the long run. 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. 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 just rented a house. Wearing a dust mask should not be confused with fitting a respirator with organic cartridges. What's included in a deal sheet when you buy a NYC apartment? I smelled that horrible smell for nearly 3 weeks after he was doneeven my cigarette smoke couldnt compete. Personally the bathtub reglazing odor resembles the aroma of a room after it has been painted and therefore the fragrance will keep within the facility for up to 2 days, this is not body odor we are . The Health and Safety Executive is our policing force that helps prevent the tragic consequences of injuries and even fatalities in the workplace. I am thankful to those who began to get the word out to the general public, you have certainly saved lives by doing so. We can ask questions and be well-informed. Qualified pros will have all the necessary protective gear, including coveralls and masks with HEPA air filters. I dont know of incidents that may have occurred, buy you can never be too careful with peoples lives. I live in Newark housing and I have been there for 11 years and every 9 months they have to paint the tub and I have to stay in the house after they paint it and it keeps messing up can you tell me what should I do. Eyes, skin and residual in clothing adsorbption can also be significant and detrimental. Half-mask respirators may NOT be used because methylene chloride may cause eye irritation or damage. Are Bathtub Refinishing Fumes Dangerous? Sometimes workers are not educated, companies should invest in staff training to work with these materials. It was heart breaking. I usually like to do things myself, but I think I will have to find someone to do my bathtub repair in concord ma. Bathtub refinishing fumes are dangerous and you do not want yourself or anyone in the home breathing them. This post was helpful to me too. Thanks for this information. These cookies may also be used for advertising purposes by these third parties. The apt right next to me was just resurfaced and the chemicals came through the air vents. A bathtub replacement can cost around $2,900 on average and may add value to your property. The fumes had traveled through the vent into her adjacent room. It is the first time I visit your blog, but I was extremely impressed. Your local health department may also be able to provide more assistance or information. What that means is that at room temperature, methylene chloride will evaporate very rapidly, much more rapidly than water. This forces a refinisher to use a very strong stripper. No warning that fumes would make me sick. Brick Underground articles occasionally include the expertise of, or information about, advertising partners when relevant to the story. Do fumes from reglazing a bathtub/shower make an apartment I have contacted the government,the union head [name removed], and the legal ombudsman but to no avail. It is really shocking that stripping agents contrain toxic elements in them. There is also a short-term exposure limit (STEL) for which the average exposure cannot exceed 125 ppm over any 15-minute period. Methylene chloride is extremely dangerous when not used properly, this is an understatement, but Im glad its finally being brought to peoples attention. From now we must be aware if wanna to do that. A bathtub in our old home was reglazed a few weeks ago. My question is, am I in danger using the peeling bathtub??? It hurt to know that such a good person you loved and cared about so much is now gone. We refinish or "reglaze" bathtubs, showers, wall tile, bathroom sinks and counters as well as . Mimi OConnor has written about New York City real estate for publications that include Brick Underground, Refinery29, and Thrillist. Its generally a task best performed by professionals due to the hazardous chemicals involved. NIOSH research and prevention efforts focus on worker risk, so we are not able to address this kind of exposure. Alternative products and processes exist for bathtub refinishing. So, once workers can smell methylene chloride they are already being overexposed. 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. Concessions return to the NYC rental market as recession fears slow leasing activity, The pros and cons of buying a penthouse apartment, Racism and the lack of diversity in the appraisal business, Making sense of the NYC real estate market with Jonathan Miller, The Brick Underground Podcast: Predators in the NYC rental market, with Hannah Levintova from Mother Jones, The Brick Underground Podcast: Protecting against fire and floods in your NYC apartment, The Brick Underground Podcast: Finding a deal as NYC landlords pull concessions and raise rents, The Brick Underground Podcast: Trading your NYC apartment for a cheap(er) vacation. Thanks! Bathtub Refinishing | Benefits & Considerations in 2023 | REthority Im positing now with the hope it may influence one decision. If I had of done a little research I guess I would of been more informed. DIY Bathtub Refinish Kit with SlipGuard in White. I didnt realize this was so deadly. Methyl chloride has high vapor pressure, meaning that it evaporates extremely quickly and turns into gas that can easily be inhaled, especially in a small bathroom that may not be adequately ventilated. Hello my name is Kris I amthe owner at Tub Klass NJ. Who cares what a bathtub looks like as long as it works? Some refinishing products may last longer than others, as with professional-grade finishers and DIY kits. The bathtub/shower in my apartment was reglazed this morning. 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. The NIOSH studies pertained only to workers who were applying methylene chloride directly, and we have not studied consumer-related exposure. This post was helpful to me too. I think this type of finish should be banned. I would concenr it to home owners wanting to get bathtub resurfacing done. Very good info. This toxic chemical which is known to be carcinogenic is still used with no warnings of the dangers. (Removing a tub and installing a new one can cost thousands, and if youre in an apartment building, it might even require getting your downstairs neighbor involved as it may impact plumbing beyond your apartment. Which brand names or compounds should consumers ask for? When I smell the tiles I can not smell anything but with my nose close to the bathtub I can smell a sweetish sour chemical smell. Tub reglazing: What you need to know about this affordable but stinky I hope the fumes and the tub return to a safe level. I've set up fans to direct the fumes out the screen door and left the premises. Now what about substances that are used in bathtub refinishing as final top-coats such as Aliphatic Acrylic Urethane, or, another, as one company advertises: Porcelain Glaze-a new type of chemical finish. What is porcelain glaze? So how and why are these places allowed to keep doing that tub refinishing if its so dangerous?? You should contact 911 and move to an area with fresh air (outside), or if possible open an window to let fresh air in. Thank you for your comment. Its better not to use methylene chloride for the safety of everybody. 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. This bathtub renovation option goes by many names resurfacing, recoating, refinishing or reglazing but has a pretty straightforward process. We are sorry to hear about your symptoms. My friends name is Kevin H. The incident happened Thursday April 27th at 4pm. There are alternatives to using methylene chloride (MC) for bathtub stripping. This is a great article. *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. When the project is complete, you can take a relaxing soak in your new tub, knowing it was refinished correctly and safely. The Perfect Drying Conditions You should let the tub surface to cure for 24 to 48 hours. If you need to go back and make any changes, you can always do so by going to our Privacy Policy page. If safety is not enough to discourage the DIY Kits then maybe aesthetics will. Bathtub Refinishing Fumes - How To Protect Yourself - EzineArticles My tub was removed from my home and refinished by a company here in Portland, OR. If it is an occupied apartment, they have to sign a waiver that they will be gone the required amount of time. We understand the importance of protecting ourselves, the environment and most importantly our customers. Fumes associated with bathtub stripping chemicals have taken the lives of those that did not follow the warnings on the product. I have 2 small kids and an infant. HomeAdvisors True Cost Guide puts the average cost to refinish a bathtub at about $450, while installing a new one runs about $3,000. Id thought of using a refinishing kit, but after reading this, I guess Ill just live with the chip. Let the physician or health care professional know the specific products and chemicals used and the environment you were working in. And if we can afford it, let the pros do their jobs. 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. 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 attempt to lead a very clean life and avoid many commercial products (body care products, cleaning products, sprays etc). very good and helpful post thanks to author. Thanks for your comment. Thanks for your comment. This is great information to share to hopefully make us more aware and careful. This may be an ignorant comment, so please accept my apology preemptively if so. I live in low income housing, a few years ago they said my tub need to be refinished. I thought it was re-porcelained but have just been told that it was refinished with a polyurethane/acrylic finish. Almost any color or appearance can be achieved, including the look of natural stone or marble. I was researching because i just had a bad experience. If you are concerned about the smells, you could seek help from your local health department. Should you refinish, reglaze or replace your bathtub? - Today