So, it presents no long-term hazard to the resident. Hover Image to Zoom. Earlier this week NIOSH and OSHA released a joint Hazard Alert titled Methylene Chloride Hazards for Bathtub Refinishers. Brooklyn resident Emily Gilbert had her familys tub and part of the bathroom wall reglazed four-and-a-half years ago (, Moving to NYC after college? 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. 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? The fog was so thick and i could barely take a breath even with fans on. Agree with your perspective. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. I did not use any safety precautions, but I was in the garage with a fan and the garage door opened. Bathtub refinishing is the process of restoring the surface of an old bathtub to improve the bathtubs appearance and repair surface damage. http://retrorenovation.com/2016/05/02/understanding-potential-lead-hazards-old-porcelain-enamel-bathtubs-sinks-ceramic-tile-any-age/#ixzz47UvHcM00. It is unsafe that s why we recomendto contact a professional to stripit for you. You should ask the installer to check that the product was applied correctly. I think there are actually regulations on workers on how long they may be subjected to this chemical during a work day. How much should you renovate your NYC apartment before selling it? NIOSH cannot provide individual medical advice. 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. Then, remove any cover plates, drain plugs and bathtub spouts. I think people always take safety for too lightly. 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. I am concerned about having a surface that is toxic and that can harm my family in the long run. I will stress this to home owners wanting to get bathtub resurfacing done. Wow, great article on the dangers and Health Effects when methylene chloride is used. 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. Migraine, dizzy, shortness of breath. Changing ones business practices and methods can certainly be a daunting task and a big decision, but in the case of methylene chloride and bathtubs it is an important, potentially lifesaving one. We recommend that you consult your personal physician about your health issues, and your local health department for assistance with the building management. 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. What's the difference between jumbo and conforming loans? ive found a majority of the time the diy kits people use never adhere well. I think they want things swept under the carpet. Having your bathtub professionally refinished will cost around $460 (the national average), but you can expect to pay between $200 to $900 depending on the type of tub you have and the cost of labor in your location. 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. Alternatively, you can search on Methylene Chloride and Safety Data Sheet for a listing of various SDSs for similar products. We understand the importance of protecting ourselves, the environment and most importantly our customers. Her writing on New York City, parenting, events, and culture has also appeared in Parents, Red Tricycle, BizBash, and Time Out New York. The bathtub/shower in my apartment was reglazed this morning. (273) Questions & Answers (148) +3. Mostly problem is that it can broken. Wearing a dust mask should not be confused with fitting a respirator with organic cartridges. I own a home built in 1940 and have been considering getting my cast iron bathtub refinished. good information Gail Scott i agree with you . This toxic chemical which is known to be carcinogenic is still used with no warnings of the dangers. The coating and sanding are done alternatively. We slept inside the apartment after the workers did the bathtub glazing, should we go to the clinic to make sure we are fine? Thetoxic fumesreleased during the processnot only make your apartment smell bad, theyre dangerous if not dealt with properly. Liners can leak and create mold problems. Surely the proper checks should be taken before the products leaves the factory. For consumer concerns such as this you may want to contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Air-purifying respirators are not permitted due to the short service life of chemical cartridges when used for methylene chloride exposure. 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. Im not aware of any can anyone point me in the right direction please? 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. The Environmental Protection Agency provides general information and resources on indoor air quality in apartments, see https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/indoor-air-quality-apartments. We share your concern for the workers who worked on the tub in a confined space with the door closed. If the vapor smell continues and is persistent you should call a safety and health professional to evaluate the area. PDF BATHTUB REFINISHING AND FIBERGLASS EXPERT - Reglazing Los Angeles Bathtub Refinishing Countertop Refinishing Vanity Refinishing Fiberglass Enclosures Wall Tile Some many companies and professionals are offering their services for the people for refinishing, repairing, remodeling things. My apartment is very small and I sat in bedroom with my elderly cat not 20 feet away. We always use full-face air-supplied masks and full protective gloves in order to get the job done correctly AND safely. What separates a good job from a not-so-good job is not so much how it looks, its the prep. Could you please advise, will this chemical leech into the water? 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. It is the first time I visit your blog, but I was extremely impressed. There is an incredible amount of data Its thick, full-seal coating restores tub surfaces to a "like new" bright gloss. I have read many articles but this is different one. I have learned some incredible information in this report. Thank you for introducing this sensitive topic in such a way I never thought these chemicals were so dangerous. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. Anyone who is curious to try alternatives to MC-based strippers are encouraged to read these small business success stories. We have for years been trying to come up with a Stripper that will remove Epoxy DIY kits that do not have the Methylene Chloride but time is an issue. Did you know that the fumes from the chemical used to refinish or reglaze your bathtub can be hazardous to your health? Thanks for your comment. If you need to go back and make any changes, you can always do so by going to our Privacy Policy page. I only use stripper when absolutely necessary. Bathtub refinishing is being used more by hotels, apartment complexes and homeowners because of a housing downturn, a mortgage-meltdown, and overall depressed and depressing economy as a way to save money in their bathroom renovation. We are sorry to hear about the symptoms that you experienced and hope you are doing better. I didnt think too much about it. Tub Cast Ekopel 2K Bathtub Refinishing Kit - Made In The USA - Odorless Thanks for sharing. Exposure to as little as six ounces of methylene chloride-based material has been enough to cause death. Posts: 19. very good and helpful post thanks to author. *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. We can avoid being harmed if we will be knowledgeable about things. According to OSHA, you must also provide local exhaust ventilation and make-up air to replace the vapors removed by the exhaust. Specifically, typical mobile LEV units have a fan, flexible ductwork, and a hood near the tub that exhausts hazardous vapors to the outdoors. Superior heavy duty Reglazing. I've set up fans to direct the fumes out the screen door and left the premises. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The apt right next to me was just resurfaced and the chemicals came through the air vents. 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. Thanks to those whoever posted this article. The Health and Safety Executive is our policing force that helps prevent the tragic consequences of injuries and even fatalities in the workplace. It can and will save your life. I smelled that horrible smell for nearly 3 weeks after he was doneeven my cigarette smoke couldnt compete. Frequently Asked Questions - Bathtub Refinishing - Miracle Method 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. 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. Cookies used to make website functionality more relevant to you. Its good to know that if you have your bathtub reglazed, you much have proper ventilation. His go-to isScrubbing Bubbles. Mimi OConnor has written about New York City real estate for publications that include Brick Underground, Refinery29, and Thrillist. 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. My business is in the UK, safety of workers is as important over here. A bathtub replacement can cost around $2,900 on average and may add value to your property. I myself am in the process of creating a technique that will eliminate the need for methylene chloride. Material data sheets, now referred to as Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are prepared by those who sell chemical products. Thank you. What is this stuff? How to effectively get rid of bathtub resurface smell in my apartment? Thank you for sharing this useful information. Do fumes from reglazing a bathtub/shower make an apartment What that means is that at room temperature, methylene chloride will evaporate very rapidly, much more rapidly than water. Methylene chlorides boiling point is just over 100 F, and has a vapor pressure of 350 mmHg. I wish I had read this blog before the procedure. We're starting to see chipped areasThey're more in the tub than on the walls. (Airoldi'scontractor brought a fan and blew air out the bathroom window, and she was home during the job, but didn't find the smell intolerable.). 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. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. Please respond quickly. 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. Dangers of Bathtub Refinishing | Blogs | CDC A person directly outside the door and 30 seconds could have saved our best friends life. For example, if you have a beautiful clawfoot tub made from heavy cast iron, refinishing is absolutely the way to go. Is that dangerous as well? Finding a Miracle Method office. The paint in the bath tub is pealing off after one use. Its staff and technicians from any and . Refinishing Porcelain & Fiberglass Bathtub Reglazing/Refinishing Service. Your local health department may be able to provide assistance. The process commonly involves removing the bathtub's existing finish before applying a new coating, usually a synthetic finish such as polyurethane or epoxy. Avoid or minimize spraying methylene chloride. 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. White advises keeping away fromcleansers likebleach oreven Soft Scrub. Thank for sharing about bathtub refinishing. It feels toxic, but no one has instructed me to leave, so am I to assume that I am safe? Right now, I am surrounded by vacant apartments, and the new owner is reglazing all of the tubs. Usually coatings can be removed with a good razor scraper.sure it takes longer but it keeps me from using more harmful chemicals. When the project is complete, you can take a relaxing soak in your new tub, knowing it was refinished correctly and safely. NIOSH research and prevention efforts focus on worker risk, so we are not able to address this kind of exposure. As my two other friends and I stood there over our lost brother, we could not help but cry, tell stories of our past together, and wish that he could hear us one last time. 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. 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. We are in a rental and I had to stop allowing my daughter to take baths because its everywhere. Refinishing a bathtub is a less costly . Great Post i appreciate this thanks for sharing this post . 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). I stayed home all day, working around the house because there were two workers and didnt want to leave strangers in my home. NIOSH analytical method 1001 is typically used to sample for methylene chloride in a workers breathing zone. After collecting these samples following the NIOSH analytical method the samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis. White uses a portable fume exhauster, and HVLP, or high-volume, low-pressure sprayers, which produce less overspray. Your blog has provided useful information for the work. The epoxy coatings used to finish bathtubs can also emit dangerous vapors such as isocyanates when sprayed.