Avoid or minimize spraying methylene chloride. Many stripping products (including those that may also be available to consumers) contain high percentages of methylene chloride. We can ask questions and be well-informed. We use MC (methylene chloride) in my furniture shop. We cannot provide individual medical advice on the NIOSH Science Blog, but we suggest that you see a doctor. Prolonged skin contact may cause irritation and even chemical burns. Thanks! They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. However, it's not necessary if the bathroom is properly ventilated. So, once workers can smell methylene chloride they are already being overexposed.. Our apartment filled with these toxic fumes. 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? Obviously, I would have paid any price to do this rather than suffer these sad consequences. Methylene chloride cannot be smelled until the level in the air is higher than OSHAs permissible exposure limits (PELs). Ive also learned that without experience or training, what may be simple in concept is often the opposite in practice. I have been home for about 3 hours now with every window and balcony open and these posts are freaking me out! Your local health department may also be able to provide more assistance or information. I cant tell you how many times Ive told others in the field that are doing this to make sure they have more ventilation and to remove or re-coat the tube out of the bathroom and to at least not to do it without the proper breathing apparatus. We need to know what all are used while doing refinishing. Very interesting. good cotent, i like it. 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. Its used to strip paint and varnish from furniture which will be refinished. Needless to say, I was shocked, I am taken aback by the statistics. So, it presents no long-term hazard to the resident. Use long-handled tools (e.g., scrapers, brushes) to avoid leaning into the bathtub. My puppy also is constantly licking the floor. This is poor. The bathroom was small, and the door was closed due to restricted access to the bathtub. Coatings suitable for bathtub reglazing include: You can use these materials on several surfaces, including acrylic, ceramic, porcelain, and fiberglass bathtubs. 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. 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. Our research focused on worker exposures from methylene chloride during the process of stripping the old paint off of the tub prior to refinishing. Resurfacing is when we paint the counters, cabinets or tubs. I have read many articles but this is different one. Thanks! I personally have never heard of this being such a serious problem. refinish or reglaze it or just replace it altogether. 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. Is there some disconnect between science, policy and legal enforcement? A bathtub in our old home was reglazed a few weeks ago. 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. I had my tub reglazed recently. I regret it so much! I had no choice but to return home. In workers with heart disease, an increase in carbon monoxide may lead to early onset heart attacks and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). 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. It got so strong it burned my throat and eyes. Great amazing blog post I really love such lovely blog posts. White advises keeping away fromcleansers likebleach oreven Soft Scrub. I wish I discovered this post a few weeks earlier. For consumer-related questions after the tub has been refurbished, please contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Is that smell dangerous for children? My friends name is Kevin H. The incident happened Thursday April 27th at 4pm. You also want to keep shampoo bottles and other products off the surface, aswell as a mat with suction cups. What is this stuff? More needs to be done to protect the workers!. When working with stripper or using solvents,acid,etcas well as applying your refinishing product.ALWAYS USE A FRESH-AIR SYSTEM..NOT MASKSmasks leak so they dont give the protection you need for long term exposure.I use a mask only when Im outside mixing or gathering my equipment when the job is finished and I should be using the fresh air system while I do that.Also cover your skinsome of these chemical will get into your body through your skin.Good LuckKeep yourself safe..DO YOUR RESEARCH. Publication number 81-8c-2013. Dont do it if you have to stay in your home immediately after. Im also dealing with such kinds of things because Im a plumber by profession. I smelled that horrible smell for nearly 3 weeks after he was doneeven my cigarette smoke couldnt compete. We tried to open our window a bit. It was a cold day, so I went back inside. We should all gather together and come up with solutions that are even better than what we are presented with now. I would like to know. Your new bathroom's finish won't have any . Thanks so much for the info! We would appreciate your assistance in circulating the information in this blog and the Hazard Alert to those involved in bathtub refinishing. If proper ventilation is not possible, there needs to be a supervisor on watch in the room, or at least directly outside the door, ready to open immediately if the worker inside does not verbally respond to continuous 30 second verbal safety checks. Thank you for your comment. This post is so informative and makes a very nice image on the topic in my mind. 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). So, it should not present a long-term hazard to the resident and pets after the project is completed. NYC Renovation Chronicles: 5 ways to save on your bathroom renovation, Renovating a co-op? Its not bad to ask especially if we dont know anything about something. Thanks for your comment. Hi, this is all so helpful. During this process, the holes and cracks in the bathtub will also be repaired. She said if its not life threatening then they wont do it. If youve got an old bathtub(or bathroom) and youre investigating your options for giving it an upgrade, youve likely come across the term reglazingalso known as refinishing or recoating, which can revive a tiredtub or evenold bathroom tile. Will these chemicals be leaching out of the surface, presenting a health concern from contact? Is there any danger that the enamel could have absorbed the refinishing chemicals to be released into my bath water at this later date? I had no problems with it and thought they knew what they were doing as it happens all the time here. I have an article on my site entitled Are Bathtub Refinishing Fumes Dangerous. For consumer concerns such as this you may want to contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Those DIY kits are not cutting it. You can refinish a tub yourself if youre a true DIY-er, but the new finish can look painted or different than the original color or texture. 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. What a great reminder to always plan for and wear personal protective equipment. Right now, I am surrounded by vacant apartments, and the new owner is reglazing all of the tubs. When we find a company to do it, Ill be sure to make sure that there is plenty of fresh air. TENANT INSTRUCTIONS: . So, it presents no long-term hazard to the resident. No warning that fumes would make me sick. 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. And I havent been able to use mine in years to due mobility being so compromised. The NIOSH studies pertained only to workers who were applying methylene chloride directly, and we have not studied consumer-related exposure. She refinished furniture in our garage. Bare minimum, the ventilation should meet some requirements, and homeowners should HAVE to LEAVE THE HOUSE for 3 days. I worked at [Company name removed] for 14years. With just a day or two of work, reglazing the centerpiece of your bathroom with a durable coating and color is an easy way to give your tub a quick facelift without breaking the bank. We were told when we did it that it only lasts about five years and I'm finding that to betrue, she says. [Its] a great way to make a grimy, stain-ridden bathtub look new again, says. I refer to this CDC article a few times a month when answering questions from customers. 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. This research only focused on worker methylene chloride exposures during bathtub refinishing. NIOSH research and prevention efforts focus on worker risk, so we are not able to address this kind of exposure. The first method uses a benzyl alcohol-based stripper as an alternative to MC and N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP)-based chemical strippers. Thanks if you reply. Even with treatment, lead poisoning can permanently affect a childs development. 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. Barely 3 days later I now have pluracy and bronchitis, i feel the building should be held responsible as we werent notified of the dangers. ARE THESE REGLAZED TUBS DANGEROUS AFTER THE PROCESS DRIES? Im 70 and have no place to go except my apartment. I have 2 small kids and an infant. I think our tub would look so much nicer if we had it refinished. thanks Ron Hall for such a valuable information, its horrible, why its still available in the market, it should be banned from the market. We share your concern for the workers who worked on the tub in a confined space with the door closed. Kimberly Evans. Thanks for sharing such a helpful information. I was researching because i just had a bad experience. I think this type of finish should be banned. I would also like to issue one other caveat. Its highly toxic Teri. Reglazing a tub doesnt actually take that long to do. My concern is whether it is safe to take long soaks in this tub. My tub will soon be refinished and I am glad I have read this article. These comments do not represent the official views of CDC, and CDC does not guarantee that any 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. It hurt to know my best friend was no longer alive but his body stayed warm and breathing only by use of machines. Proper ventilation and a proper fitting organic vapor respirator are an absolute requirement for DIY bathtub refinishing. Thanks for telling us now. My question is, am I in danger using the peeling bathtub??? MC is not flammable on its own. Thank you for introducing this sensitive topic in such a way I never thought these chemicals were so dangerous. 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. I like taking baths, but will not do so in this tub now knowing how unhealthy it actually is. Thanks for your comment. Its thick, full-seal coating restores tub surfaces to a "like new" bright gloss. 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. 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. Awsome and useful informations too, thanks for sharing this educational post! Ive asked for a materials data sheet and nothing. Adults? I take epsom salt baths and the salts are absorbed systemically. sprayed with materials that emit fumes which may be hazardous to the tenant's health if inhaled in the working concentration within the first 4-6 hours after completion of the job. I had my bathroom resurfaced including the bathtub 4 weeks ago. I am a first time user of the refinishing kit. I will always do the research beforehand going forward. As a point of comparison, water boils at 212 F and has a room temperature vapor pressure of 17 mmHg. If I do decide to hire a professional, I will make sure they have the ventilation equipment described here. ), [Its] a great way to make a grimy, stain-ridden bathtub look new again, says Dan DiClerico, HomeAdvisor'ssmart home strategistand home expert. 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. 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. 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. Your local health department may be able to provide assistance. This study is great for warning against the potential dangers. The vapors should subside after awhile and you should not be able to smell the strong odor. Using methylene chloride products in a bathroom is extremely dangerous as bathrooms are often small, enclosed spaces with little or no ventilation. Myown life was almost cut short stripping a bathtub and I was using the best Equipment money can buy but machinery or equipment can fail. The most dangerous part of the bathtub refinishing process is inhaling the fumes associated with the job. I noticed the odor every time they went in or out of the room, and had the bedroom doors all closed. Now its already peeling. My husband and I have been thinking about getting our master bathtub refinished so we will have to keep this information in mind. There are exposure limits, but they are not based solely on how long a worker may be exposed to the chemical. Is it safe to stay???? Workers often spray or pour a bathtub stripping product into the basin of the bathtub and then brush the product onto the tub surface. Bathtub refinishing fumes are most certainly dangerous during the application process and immediate curing process. loss or damage resulting from reliance on any such information. My tub didnt look.bad at all except for being dusty from disuse.maybe they cant tell the difference. How much does moving to the suburbs cost vs. staying in NYC? It is amazing that I get over 100 hits per month on the article from homeowners who are fumed out during and after refinishing. Very good to know, Ill let the pros do it from now on, and let my readers know the same. It is now 5:30 p.m., and the fumes in the apartment are too much to bear. Most tubs can be reglazed if they are not overly damaged, but the process is generally recommended for steel, cast iron, or fiberglass tubs. My little dog had trouble breathing during the night and I had to go to urgent care for a chest xray. 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. I also worry about the health of those doing this kind of work. Provide local exhaust ventilation (LEV) and fresh makeup air to exhaust vapors released from the stripping agents in the bathtub. Your blog has provided useful information for the work. Bathtub refinishing is the process of restoring the surface of an old bathtub to improve the bathtubs appearance and repair surface damage. I had my bathtub refinished yesterday and the door to the bathroom had remained closed while the worker was doing the job. The use of a respirator scrubber mask (gas mask) isnt complete protection. I started reading articles and ended up reading most of the comments in this blog. Thank you for your comment. The tub needs to go. This forces a refinisher to use a very strong stripper. If you are concerned about the smells, you could seek help from your local health department. ive found a majority of the time the diy kits people use never adhere well. *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. 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. Bathtub refinishing is amazing. 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. I think this type of finish should be banned. The NIOSH studies pertained only to workers who were applying methylene chloride (paint stripper) directly, and we have not studied consumer-related exposure. If you've been considering a bathroom remodel, then replacing an older tub might just make sense. The prep is the most important part of the job, says White. Is there any type of detector on the market that will detect high levels of methlene chloride vapors? The fumes had traveled through the vent into her adjacent room. My apartment manager refinished my bathtub about 2 1/2 years ago instead of buying a new one. Its like trying to paint a car yourself. Thank you so much for this great article and hope that others now are aware of the safety measures that need to be followed. This is great information to share to hopefully make us more aware and careful. Second tub went smoother because I had a window to open for air circulation. Thanks for sharing. 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 . I am ok with both tub and tile appearance until I can afford a replacement/bath remodel. Great article. Also my bedroom windows are both open, and that door is closed as well. 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. Some healthcare providers specialize in assessing environmental exposures (see http://www.aoec.org/index.htm). However, products are more dangerous when they are sweet smelling, and as your article states your are already exposed once you smell it. Pros will have the correct gear, knowledge of how to ventilate the space and protect themselves, and familiarity with the various chemicals used so you dont need to worry about keeping yourself safe. My best friend was killed two days ago due to over exposure while cleaning a bath tub. Are these chemicals only toxic while being applied, or can they still be harmful later as used? I own a home built in 1940 and have been considering getting my cast iron bathtub refinished. I have used this product recently on a tub used all the proper PPE and approved NIOSH mask and jump suit and I have tasted this awful taste in my mouth for a couple of days its been 2 weeks and I still kinda feel it in my chest. 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/. Consult the OSHA/NIOSH Hazard Alert for specific information regarding engineering controls, exposure levels and air monitoring, personal protective equipment, worker training and medical surveillance. 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. I hope many people will now be thinking at least thrice before making use of such chemicals. 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. Is that dangerous as well? Brick Underground articles occasionally include the expertise of, or information about, advertising partners when relevant to the story. A great thanks to you to let us know about the fact. Usually coatings can be removed with a good razor scraper.sure it takes longer but it keeps me from using more harmful chemicals.
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