tub resurfacing fumes apartment

Ive asked for a materials data sheet and nothing. 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 was researching because i just had a bad experience. In years past, when lead-based paints were used in various home applications, various studies showed that small children (toddlers) were known to ingest (eat) paint chips. Why is this not part of a home inspection, when you move into a house, built in 1950? Thank you for your comment. We had one bathtub redone in our old house a few years ago but I think they just re-coated it. My heart goes out to those who lost friends and/or loved ones due to CM. I regret it so much! thank you so much. 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. 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. I have an article on my site entitled Are Bathtub Refinishing Fumes Dangerous. As a result, most tenants moved. There is not any ventilation in the bathroom either. We need to care when the baths are refinished. This is horrible People please do not use these DIY kits. I would really like some reassurance. Takes longer and cost more but the client can pay the labor or feel free to do it themselves. The Centers for Disease Control has more information on lead hazards on their web site. I would also like to issue one other caveat. Refinishing a bathtub is a less costly . According to OSHA, you must also provide local exhaust ventilation and make-up air to replace the vapors removed by the exhaust. 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. We are not familiar with the finishes you mention. The epoxy coatings used to finish bathtubs can also emit dangerous vapors such as isocyanates when sprayed. It is amazing that I get over 100 hits per month on the article from homeowners who are fumed out during and after refinishing. Absolutely agree with this article. And Bathtub Aliphatic Acrylic Urethane MSDS. Follow the links to the Material Data Safety Sheet (MSDS) that the search will find. A 2015 report by the Center for Public Integrity on U.S. deaths connected to methylene chloride noted that researchers have argued for 30 years that regulation of methylene chloride in the U.S. isnt strong enough to protect workers and that warnings on labels for consumers are insufficient. 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 have learned some incredible information in this report. Do these products continue to leech into air/water once project is completed? The restrictions on placing on the market and use is a consequence of many incidents with lethal outcome. Renewing is the affordable and fast alternative to replacing. We do have pets and have young kids. 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. But the air looked pretty fume filled to me This is a nightmare for someone with my health issues! I went to clean out the tub to take another shower myself and by just barely cleaning it a whole bunch of paint came off, like over a foot and I was just barely scrubbing! However, products are more dangerous when they are sweet smelling, and as your article states your are already exposed once you smell it. I am thankful to those who began to get the word out to the general public, you have certainly saved lives by doing so. Our research focused on worker exposures from methylene chloride during the process of stripping the old paint off of the tub prior to refinishing. Melissa. This research only focused on worker methylene chloride exposures during bathtub refinishing. i like it. Hovering over a bathtub, unprotected, while stripping it would overtake anyone in a very short amount of time. 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. After collecting these samples following the NIOSH analytical method the samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis. Thanks for your comment. I used this kit 6 weeks ago. Thanks for this information. Using methylene chloride products in a bathroom is extremely dangerous as bathrooms are often small, enclosed spaces with little or no ventilation. We pride ourselves on the work we do and strive to provide the best quality service in the refinishing and resurfacing industry. I have been home for about 3 hours now with every window and balcony open and these posts are freaking me out! You may want to ask the installer for the products safety data sheet which may have useful information on curing times and precautions. Our beloved pet went into respiratory failure the next day, was rushed to the ER and spent three nights in the veterinarian ICU. This is great information to share to hopefully make us more aware and careful. Thank for speaking about about tub refinishing. The health issues that you can face immediately and also in the future are not worth the risk. Bathtub Refinishing Countertop Refinishing Vanity Refinishing Fiberglass Enclosures Wall Tile Bathtub stripping vapors must be taken seriously. My best friend was killed two days ago due to over exposure while cleaning a bath tub. I dont think I had the right mask on. Now its already peeling. 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. Resurfacing with "Noxious Fumes" - Apartment Ideas - Multifamily Insiders Scratching the tub would not release any methylene chloride vapors. 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. loss or damage resulting from reliance on any such information. Vanity of a tub isnt worth it. You should contact 911 and move to an area with fresh air (outside), or if possible open an window to let fresh air in. Liners can leak and create mold problems. How Long Does a Landlord Have to Fix a Plumbing Problem? Use long-handled tools (e.g., scrapers, brushes) to avoid leaning into the bathtub. She refinished furniture in our garage. /box. Really I like got very valuable information here and Looking forward to read your Upcoming Post. We also welcome your input on the prevention practices mentioned above. This may be less of a danger than with old lead-based paints, but something to be aware of. Some refinishing products may last longer than others, as with professional-grade finishers and DIY kits. Your article has truly peaked my interest. Vapors from this liquid can collect in the bottom of the tub and cause the person refinishing the tub to asphyxiate or even suffer from a heart attack because methyl chloride turns to carbon monoxide in the body, cutting off oxygen supply. 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. It was not adequately explained and we should have asked more questions. Most professionals use alternative methods when possible. 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. 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. And that tub refinishing is at top of my list besides them running heat too much. 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. Will these chemicals be leaching out of the surface, presenting a health concern from contact? Is there some disconnect between science, policy and legal enforcement? My building was recently sold and our rent was raised by 100 percent. You should ask the installer to check that the product was applied correctly. Lead poisoning is a serious risk for young kids. Bathtub. There are a few scratches and black marks from a previously installed shower door that was installed on the tub. White is popular, but we can do pretty much any color you have in mind. He came home and seemed fine for a few days and then suddenly died. We use a spray-on compound that hardens to a polished and durable, like-new finish. Proper ventilation and a proper fitting organic vapor respirator are an absolute requirement for DIY bathtub refinishing. It is often referred to as dichloromethane and has many industrial uses, such as paint stripping, metal cleaning, and degreasing. My apartment complex refinished nicks in tub. It hurt to know that such a good person you loved and cared about so much is now gone. Wow, great article on the dangers and Health Effects when methylene chloride is used. Its also useful to mention that there are different types of chemicals which use MC as an active ingredient. I have read many articles but this is different one. Im going to book mark your blog and keep checking for new information about once per week. After an hour again, I decided to take a ride to feel fresh air. I regret it so much now and want the tub out of the house. As far as we are concerned, 2k urethane systems should not be allowed in residential use. Follow all applicable OSHA standards, including the Methylene Chloride standard (. I wonder if it healthy & ok to use the tub for baths after a certain period of tome (days?). I am all for saving money and dont wish to come off like I dont appreciate the effort but if your already saving $5000 why not let a pro do it. The most dangerous part of the bathtub refinishing process is inhaling the fumes associated with the job. We are in a rental and I had to stop allowing my daughter to take baths because its everywhere. IF THE GLAZED TUB IS SCRATCHED LATER DOES THAT RELEASE TOXIC FUMES? Thank you. Thats why we see it a lot in historic neighborhoods.. 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. *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 had it done over a year ago, and even with ventilation, I was outside in January feezing temps. Thanks for your comment. How do I know if this is toxic? Im 70 and have no place to go except my apartment. It is unsafe that s why we recomendto contact a professional to stripit for you. thanks Ron Hall for such a valuable information, its horrible, why its still available in the market, it should be banned from the market. Always check product labels and safety data sheets to understand the recommended and required precautions. Almost any color or appearance can be achieved, including the look of natural stone or marble. I have blocked the drain over night but it did not eliminate the smell. I used a paint scraper and razor to completely strip the tub. And again, dont be afraid to ask. Products containing methylene chloride should be avoided when possible. Thanks for sharing. 9 Easy Steps to Refinish Your Bathtub | Lowe's information posted by individuals on this site is correct, and disclaims any liability for any 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. I know this because the epoxy finish began peeling away within a couple months of daily use. I gave my 2 year old a bath a little more came off. They hold soap scum, body oils, dirt, basically everything that comes off the human body will form a paste of scum. I blog often and I really appreciate your content. 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. Works on all types of surfaces. That is really great to know. Just wonderful post, personally i am very interested for this topic. I am ok with both tub and tile appearance until I can afford a replacement/bath remodel. My puppy also is constantly licking the floor. I did two tubs in old houses yesterday. All comments posted become a part of the public domain, and users are responsible for their comments. Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and would have fully evaporated shortly after the project was completed. But two days later it still bothers me. Hi, this is all so helpful. NIOSH cannot provide individual medical advice. If methylene chloride is used, ensure that the room is adequately ventilated during the entire refinishing process. It is the first time I visit your blog, but I was extremely impressed. Thanks for the post on this. We can ask questions and be well-informed. ), [Its] a great way to make a grimy, stain-ridden bathtub look new again, says Dan DiClerico, HomeAdvisor'ssmart home strategistand home expert. Bathtub refinishing is also known as reglazing, or resurfacing. Not worth it. From now we must be aware if wanna to do that. They take the dirt out but also take part of the glaze, he says. CDR Hall is the Deputy Branch Chief of the Engineering and Physical Hazards Branch in the NIOSH Division of Applied Research and Technology. The prep is the most important part of the job, says White. I wish I discovered this post a few weeks earlier. Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and will fully evaporate shortly after the project is completed. Thanks for your comment. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DRY SO NO DANGEROUS FUMES? I have 15 years experience with bathtub refinishing and stripping. Bathtub Refinishing matters should be left to professionals to complete. The bathroom was small, and the door was closed due to restricted access to the bathtub. I am a first time user of the refinishing kit. If the chemical you are using is marked as flammable then you can be sure that it is not 100% MC. My cat was crying and jumping on the door to get out. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. Acid is then applied to deglaze the tub and/or tile, followed by a bonding agent or primer, and finally, a urethane topcoat is applied. Fumes associated with bathtub stripping chemicals have taken the lives of those that did not follow the warnings on the product. Especially if chosen to be done in small places like a bathroom. It was a cold day, so I went back inside. Refinishing a bathtub is a fraction of the cost to replace your bathtub (around $2,900), so if youre at all hesitant about your DIY skills, hiring a pro is a somewhat small price to pay for your health and safety. Because this process, which involves spraying a new topcoat on your existing tub and/or tile, is significantly cheaper, easier, cleaner, and less time-consuming than actually replacing a tub. For example, if you have a beautiful clawfoot tub made from heavy cast iron, refinishing is absolutely the way to go. Theyll also ensure adequate ventilation during the project, if necessary deploying powerful fans with duct extensions to exhaust hazardous vapors to the outdoors, says DeClerico. Earlier this week NIOSH and OSHA released a joint Hazard Alert titled Methylene Chloride Hazards for Bathtub Refinishers. 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. If this could be dangerous, government should put strict in purchasing this kind of toxic to avoid casualties for workers and even consumers. Ventilate Your Work Area. There is apparently limited research on this issue, but there are case studies of some children getting lead poisoning from bathing in an old bathtub that was leaching lead. What is an escalation clause and what are the risks? Care must be taken to ensure that workers are not overexposed to particulates being generated during sanding operations. Publication number 81-8b-2012, Successful bathtub stripping using sanding as an alternative to methylene chloride The company who gave me 6 year warranty has disconnected the phone number. Unless you have access to all the necessary protective clothing and equipment and are confident in your bathrooms ventilation system as well as your DIY capabilities, you should hire a professional to handle it. This forces a refinisher to use a very strong stripper. I would concenr it to home owners wanting to get bathtub resurfacing done. I had my bathroom resurfaced including the bathtub 4 weeks ago. 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. good cotent, i like it. I just bought this old house that has this beautiful tub if only it can get restored back to new. share Share. 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. And, are there any substances that are dangerous and can later leach into bath water and be absorbed by the skin? I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects of such dangerous products. theyre dangerous if not dealt with properly. I am unknown form this . Specifically, typical mobile LEV units have a fan, flexible ductwork, and a hood near the tub that exhausts hazardous vapors to the outdoors. Bathtub refinishing is the process of restoring the surface of an old bathtub to improve the bathtub's appearance and repair surface damage. Look for an alternative to do the bathtub refinishing. DIY Bathtub Refinish Kit with SlipGuard in White. Her writing on New York City, parenting, events, and culture has also appeared in Parents, Red Tricycle, BizBash, and Time Out New York. I personally have never heard of this being such a serious problem. The fumes are stronger fumes so we do not allow anyone to be in the apartment for 8 hours. 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. PDF BATHTUB REFINISHING AND FIBERGLASS EXPERT - Reglazing Los Angeles What are the effects of being in the house during the process (for our pets) and after the process (chemical wise around our kids). Why? I have one side of my nose feeling congested and post nasal drip and a headache. We're starting to see chipped areasThey're more in the tub than on the walls. Patrick. Saving Lives, Protecting People, Methylene Chloride Hazards for Bathtub Refinishers, http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Research/Pubs/#General, http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/SWA, http://retrorenovation.com/2016/05/02/understanding-potential-lead-hazards-old-porcelain-enamel-bathtubs-sinks-ceramic-tile-any-age/#ixzz47UvHcM00, https://www.publicintegrity.org/2015/09/21/17991/common-solvent-keeps-killing-workers-consumers, http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/isocyanates/default.html, http://jwcpropertyservices.co.uk/bathtub-refinishing-dangers/, https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/indoor-air-quality-apartments, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. I like taking baths, but will not do so in this tub now knowing how unhealthy it actually is. Brooklyn resident Emily Gilbert had her familys tub and part of the bathroom wall reglazed four-and-a-half years ago (read more about that here), and overall, is pleased with the results. Im a Painting Contractor in Anchorage, Alaska and this is a really good post for me to see! White uses a portable fume exhauster, and HVLP, or high-volume, low-pressure sprayers, which produce less overspray. The only ventilation in the hours between the reglazing and now was provided by the slatted windows in the bathroom. 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. 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. Its the very first time I call at your blog, however was very impressed. I have no experience in this type of work, my day job is a guidance counselor, but I started thinking about how we might prevent these fatalities from happening going forward, if using MC. Not sure if it can come through the walls. Even low income people dont deserve treatment like Ive seen and been through. Great article. Thank for sharing about bathtub refinishing. If you feel you are in danger, you should contact your local emergency services for assistance. Agree with your perspective. Very helpful and will definitely be one of the things to look out for on my rehabs.. Great article. You may want to contact the Environmental Protection Agency or The Consumer Product Safety Commission. Hello. Air-purifying respirators are not permitted due to the short service life of chemical cartridges when used for methylene chloride exposure. I had my cast iron tub reglazed on a very hot humid day. In order to assess whether you may be experiencing health effects due to a toxic exposure, seek a medical evaluation from a healthcare provider. Thanks for the great post. If you've been considering a bathroom remodel, then replacing an older tub might just make sense. However, it's not necessary if the bathroom is properly ventilated. The bath was not stripped just resurfaced with a very thin layer of the napco product paint. I very much agree with you, that safety and health is a very important thing in our lives, 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. Lowering exposures, even below the PEL, is considered to be good industrial hygiene practice. The process commonly involves removing the bathtub's existing finish before applying a new coating, usually a synthetic finish such as polyurethane or epoxy. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. According to the Centers of Disease Control, more than half a million children ages 1-5 in the U.S. have blood lead levels high enough to damage their health. THANK YOU! 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. I was weak though and shaking, felt faint and nauseated. Thank you for your comment. I am linking an article from the Retro Renovation blog on safety that includes links to other sources on this. Do-it-yourself bathtub refinishing kits and professional refinishing products alike are not to be inhaled or absorbed by your skin. Sometimes, it's less expensive to replace a tub than to get it refinished, especially if it's a rare type of tub made of an unusual material. This article does a good job calling attention to the dangers of methylene chloride products and noting that many people dont know how dangerous it is. A great thanks to you to let us know about the fact. If you are concerned about the smells, you could seek help from your local health department. During the entire refinishing process, the room should be adequately ventilated to protect workers. Find them at: http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Research/Pubs/#General If you have a tub that has seen better days, but you dont want to remove and replace it completely, then you may need to have it reglazed or refinished to restore it to its original state. Which brand names or compounds should consumers ask for? Pay $64.00 after $25 OFF your total qualifying purchase upon opening a new card. White advises keeping away fromcleansers likebleach oreven Soft Scrub. I could not believe how hard it was to even find a kit to purchase, which led me to wonder why. What's included in a deal sheet when you buy a NYC apartment? 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 . Who cares what a bathtub looks like as long as it works? The standard also sets a 12.5 ppm action level (AL) which triggers periodic monitoring and medical surveillance provisions. Surface Designers have been in business for over 20 years resurfacing bathtubs and countertops. Maybe others reading this blog will be able to help point you in the right direction. Half-mask respirators may NOT be used because methylene chloride may cause eye irritation or damage. Also my bedroom windows are both open, and that door is closed as well. 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. When there is not a properly designed local exhaust ventilation system to remove vapors, the workers should have used full-face supplied-air respirators, protective gloves, and other appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) that is resistant to methylene chloride during the entire refinishing process. 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 The toxins became so concentrated in a short period of time due to lack if ventilation and confined space. Thorough prep and and cleaning can preventbig headaches down the road. You can review and change the way we collect information below. If you are concerned for your pets, it may be a good idea to remove them from the home during the stripping process. Fatal Exposure to Methylene Chloride Among Bathtub Refinishers United I repaired the tile finish as best I could and covered it with 123 primer and latex kitchen/bath paint by mohair brush. When we find a company to do it, Ill be sure to make sure that there is plenty of fresh air. What that means is that at room temperature, methylene chloride will evaporate very rapidly, much more rapidly than water. Overwhelming toxic fumes from renovations on a neighbor's apartment There may also be substitute stripping products or methods however, please be aware that substitute stripping products may include other harmful chemicals or hazards, so use substitutes safely. NIOSH analytical method 1001 is typically used to sample for methylene chloride in a workers breathing zone. I have contacted the government,the union head [name removed], and the legal ombudsman but to no avail. Dust masks do not protect you from bathtub refinishing vapors. 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 hurt to know, the four of us where in a room together for what will be the very last time. I washed the tub thoroughly and have been using it since. 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.

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