Are Bathtub Refinishing Fumes Dangerous? Ms. Scott thank you for your interest in our blog Dangers of Bathtub Refinishing and your question regarding how to assess exposure to toxic vapors. Works on all types of surfaces. When the project is complete, you can take a relaxing soak in your new tub, knowing it was refinished correctly and safely. Understanding the Fumes Associated with Bathtub Refinishing Ventilate Your Work Area. It is an odd sized bathtub so I did not even consider ordering a replacement custom-made. Bathroom fans or open windows do not provide adequate ventilation. In February 2012, a worker using a product containing methylene chloride to refinish a bathtub was found dead, slumped over a bathtub in an unventilated bathroom. Quite naive of me. Making safety precautions is the priority for all kinds of work. 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. Exposure to as little as six ounces of methylene chloride-based material has been enough to cause death. Its either not portable or cost prohibitive. The epoxy coatings used to finish bathtubs can also emit dangerous vapors such as isocyanates when sprayed. Karma: 3. We are in a rental and I had to stop allowing my daughter to take baths because its everywhere. Everything You Need to Know About Bathtub Refinishing 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. I have been home for about 3 hours now with every window and balcony open and these posts are freaking me out! For example, if your pipes have burst, spilling water into the unit, a day or two may be reasonable, assuming that the landlord can employ a qualified repair person within that time period . Lead poisoning is a serious risk for young kids. Tub Cast Ekopel 2K Bathtub Refinishing Kit - Made In The USA - Odorless You may want to ask the installer for the products safety data sheet which may have useful information on curing times and precautions. The Perfect Drying Conditions You should let the tub surface to cure for 24 to 48 hours. Its staff and technicians from any and . It was a small job, and I messed up with the paint brush I used, leaving lines in the finished product. That is really great to know. I did not use any safety precautions, but I was in the garage with a fan and the garage door opened. I and my two other friends went to the hospital last night to say our goodbyes. Find them at: http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Research/Pubs/#General The fog was so thick and i could barely take a breath even with fans on. I guess this is one of those occupational hazard jobs when doing bathtub refinishing. Methylene chloride cannot be smelled until the level in the air is higher than OSHAs permissible exposure limits (PELs). White is popular, but we can do pretty much any color you have in mind. My apartment complex refinished nicks in tub. I have contacted the government,the union head [name removed], and the legal ombudsman but to no avail. I have never thought of this before! We always use full-face air-supplied masks and full protective gloves in order to get the job done correctly AND safely. Or should I leave? This is in Australia. We pride ourselves on the work we do and strive to provide the best quality service in the refinishing and resurfacing industry. Earlier this week NIOSH and OSHA released a joint Hazard Alert titled Methylene Chloride Hazards for Bathtub Refinishers. If I had of done a little research I guess I would of been more informed. OSHAs Methylene Chloride standard (29 CFR 1910.1052) requires employers to test the air to determine the concentration of methylene chloride present in the air when a product containing methylene chloride is used (29 CFR 1910.1052(d)). He wore proper equipment, however ventilation was not adequate. 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. Kimberly Evans. If the vapor smell continues and is persistent you should call a safety and health professional to evaluate the area. Thanks! Could you please advise, will this chemical leech into the water? My business is in the UK, safety of workers is as important over here. Superior heavy duty Reglazing. I only use stripper when absolutely necessary. But I keep on hitting dead ends. Then, remove any cover plates, drain plugs and bathtub spouts. 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. Simply not worth the risk. AND DURING CLEANING. Always wear hand and eye protection. We do not have any information about leaching of polyurethane/acrylic bathtub finishing. I use all chemical-free products to clean, and cannot use otherwise or it affects me. The Centers for Disease Control has more information on lead hazards on their web site. I never post anything anywhere. The NIOSH studies pertained only to workers who were applying methylene chloride (paint stripper) directly, and we have not studied consumer-related exposure. We are inconsolable. I have no shower, only this bath and no space for one. Air-purifying respirators are not permitted due to the short service life of chemical cartridges when used for methylene chloride exposure. Did you know that the fumes from the chemical used to refinish or reglaze your bathtub can be hazardous to your health? Thanks for the post on this. Thank you for sharing this useful information. The apt right next to me was just resurfaced and the chemicals came through the air vents. I am a 48 year old single woman, who tries to do everything myself, and I am really concerned about how dangerous this is. The home I purchased a few years ago came with cast iron bathtub and ceramic tile walls that had been covered with a 2-step epoxy finish. Using methylene chloride products in a bathroom is extremely dangerous as bathrooms are often small, enclosed spaces with little or no ventilation. She enjoyed improving discarded furniture, then selling it it was like art to her. No one deserves to go through this heartache of losing a friend, due to a situation that could have easily been avoided. Scratching the tub would not release any methylene chloride vapors. My cat was crying and jumping on the door to get out. Ive also learned that without experience or training, what may be simple in concept is often the opposite in practice. We cannot provide individual medical advice on the NIOSH Science Blog, but we suggest that you see a doctor. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. I am older with heart disease and lung disease. I had to keep the windows shut with the air on all night. Eyes, skin and residual in clothing adsorbption can also be significant and detrimental. Specifically, typical mobile LEV units have a fan, flexible ductwork, and a hood near the tub that exhausts hazardous vapors to the outdoors. Long story short, today my face is red as a tomato and I feel very unsettled and almost as if i drank 3 beer. After an hour again, I decided to take a ride to feel fresh air. I think people always take safety for too lightly. 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 . It took me a little bit to get used to, and while it doesn't look super cool, it's clean and an upgrade from the '90s pink tile for sure.. Liners can leak and create mold problems. As a point of comparison, water boils at 212 F and has a room temperature vapor pressure of 17 mmHg. Methylene chlorides boiling point is just over 100 F, and has a vapor pressure of 350 mmHg. After collecting these samples following the NIOSH analytical method the samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis. 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. Refinishing a tub consists of applying a new chemical coating with a special brush or roller to an acrylic, porcelain, fiberglass, or cultured marble bathtub without removing the old layer first. (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.). Now Im cleaning up the interior; its not in terrible condition, but it has a few chips and the surface is not as smooth as Id like. I wish I had read this blog before the procedure. Very good info. Is it safe to bath in especially for my toddler??? After the bathtub has been stripped and resurfaced how long is the danger from the Methylene chloride still in the air? Methylene chloride exposure may cause dizziness, fatigue, headaches, nausea, a feeling of intoxication, and eye, nose, and throat irritation. It is now 5:30 p.m., and the fumes in the apartment are too much to bear. If you know the name of the product that was used, you may be able to find it by searching on the Internet. 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. The bath was not stripped just resurfaced with a very thin layer of the napco product paint. $ 89 00. THANK YOU! There is also a short-term exposure limit (STEL) for which the average exposure cannot exceed 125 ppm over any 15-minute period. You can also use your favorite search engine and search using the following key words: Bathtub Porcelain Glaze MSDS We are sorry to hear about the symptoms that you experienced and hope you are doing better. Winter renters lose leverage, questions for condo and co-op buyers, & more, The allure of tax abatements, a Chelsea affordable housing lottery, & more, Co-ops may have some 'splaining to do, renting a penthouse, & more. Methylene chloride is extremely dangerous when not used properly. (Obviously, no, but you get the idea.). White uses a portable fume exhauster, and HVLP, or high-volume, low-pressure sprayers, which produce less overspray. How Long Does It Take the Tub to Dry After Reglazing? Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and would fully evaporate shortly after a project is completed. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. Mimi OConnor has written about New York City real estate for publications that include Brick Underground, Refinery29, and Thrillist. However no one is to blame, and no one is at fault. Lowering exposures, even below the PEL, is considered to be good industrial hygiene practice. Hi, so I had my bathtub reglazed in March. IT IS REALLY VERY HELPFUL FOR ME.I LIKE YOUR POST BECAUSE IT IS VERY USEFUL FOR ME AS WELL. Thanks! Why? Most professionals use alternative methods when possible. We had one bathtub redone in our old house a few years ago but I think they just re-coated it. I think regulators should be aware of these dangers. Don't Replace, Renew | Surface Renew White advises keeping away fromcleansers likebleach oreven Soft Scrub. 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). Second tub went smoother because I had a window to open for air circulation. So, it should not present a long-term hazard to the residents after the project. 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. Anyone who is curious to try alternatives to MC-based strippers are encouraged to read these small business success stories. Every 10 minutes or so I would have to leave and go outside because my eyes burning so bad. Why is this not part of a home inspection, when you move into a house, built in 1950? The bathroom was small, and the door was closed due to restricted access to the bathtub. Wow, great article on the dangers and Health Effects when methylene chloride is used. As far as we are concerned, 2k urethane systems should not be allowed in residential use. Tenant and all occupants in the apartment hereby release Bathtub Refinishing and Fiberglass Expert. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. Thanks for sharing such a helpful post. The fumes had traveled through the vent into her adjacent room. If your bathroom has a window, set a fan near it pointing outwards; this will help move air and dissipate the fumes. God bless you! Takes longer and cost more but the client can pay the labor or feel free to do it themselves. Bathtub refinishing is also known as reglazing, or resurfacing. 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. Finding a Miracle Method office. 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. I have 15 years experience with bathtub refinishing and stripping. 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. Even a tiny bit? 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 . 21 people who I worked with at that time have all died,one very recently with cancer. I think there should be more regulation on access to such chemicals and certainly there should be stringent training laws in place when it comes to using such chemicals. Does anyone know if I should be worried? Step 1: Set up the ventilation system. 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. 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. Open the bathroom door and as many . Agree with your perspective. 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. We understand the importance of protecting ourselves, the environment and most importantly our customers. 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. 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. Its the very first time I call at your blog, however was very impressed. Just trying to speak up for low income and maybe other apartment dwellers too. All the tips in the post are great. Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and would have fully evaporated shortly after the project was completed. 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. All are members dread strip jobs.Frankly I dont know why someone would choose them. Keep posting as I am gonna come to read it everyday! If youve been considering a bathroom remodel, then replacing an older tub might just make sense. If it is an occupied apartment, they have to sign a waiver that they will be gone the required amount of time. It is often referred to as dichloromethane and has many industrial uses, such as paint stripping, metal cleaning, and degreasing. Very interesting. All comments posted become a part of the public domain, and users are responsible for their comments. Its like trying to paint a car yourself. Thank you. The past three days have been the hardest in my entire life. Bathtub refinishing fumes are most certainly dangerous during the application process and immediate curing process. We do not tread lightly, so I think we are a good example to work off of in terms of durability., Of the overall aesthetic, particularly the walls, she says: If you look closely, it's a little weird as you see the indent of the grout lines, but it's all one texture. IF THE GLAZED TUB IS SCRATCHED LATER DOES THAT RELEASE TOXIC FUMES? Renewing is the affordable and fast alternative to replacing. 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. My Landlord is planning on re glazing our tub and we are leaving for the weekend. He did it 6 years ago when we moved in. But if we get together as a group of experienced bathtub refinishers I am positive that we can come up with a simple solution that will keep us safe. The paint in the bath tub is pealing off after one use. As exposure increases so do the health effects, with a potential for suffocation, loss of consciousness, coma, and sudden death. Fumes associated with bathtub stripping chemicals have taken the lives of those that did not follow the warnings on the product. I gave my 2 year old a bath a little more came off. The company who gave me 6 year warranty has disconnected the phone number. 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. 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. But it's not just about looks. Or will we be ok?? Please take proper safety precautions, as well as warn others of these seriously dangerous situations. How Long Does a Landlord Have to Fix a Plumbing Problem? The health issues that you can face immediately and also in the future are not worth the risk. Products with these types of known harmful ingredients must require special labeling with clearer health and safety warnings for users. Being relatively poor most of my life Ive always been a do-it-yourselfer. When is the best time of year to buy or sell a NYC apartment? There are a few scratches and black marks from a previously installed shower door that was installed on the tub. 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. 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. It hurt to know, the four of us where in a room together for what will be the very last time. I am thankful to those who began to get the word out to the general public, you have certainly saved lives by doing so. My tub didnt look.bad at all except for being dusty from disuse.maybe they cant tell the difference. I have learned some incredible information in this report. I just bought this old house that has this beautiful tub if only it can get restored back to new. Cookies used to make website functionality more relevant to you. And I havent been able to use mine in years to due mobility being so compromised. CDC twenty four seven. This is great information to share to hopefully make us more aware and careful. Traditional Spray Paint Style Refinishing has certain inherent dangers that you should be aware of. What's included in a deal sheet when you buy a NYC apartment? Methylene chlorides boiling point is just over 100 F, and has a vapor pressure of 350 mmHg. When engineering and work practice controls cannot decrease methylene chloride levels below OSHAs PELs (25 ppm over an 8-hour TWA or 125 ppm over a 15-minute period), employers must provide their workers with full-face atmosphere-supplying respirators. PDF Acute Lung Disease from Bathtub Refinishing - University of California 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. I took a shower and a 3 inch or so came off. The Health and Safety Executive is our policing force that helps prevent the tragic consequences of injuries and even fatalities in the workplace. What's the difference between jumbo and conforming loans? TENANT INSTRUCTIONS: . I regret it so much now and want the tub out of the house. "[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. Read more about our comment policy . Based on this information, I think I can live with a less-than-perfect finish until we are able to get the tub professionally refinished. And if we can afford it, let the pros do their jobs. Surely the proper checks should be taken before the products leaves the factory. 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. From now we must be aware if wanna to do that. NYC Renovation Chronicles: 5 ways to save on your bathroom renovation, Renovating a co-op? Cookies used to track the effectiveness of CDC public health campaigns through clickthrough data. Dust masks do not protect you from bathtub refinishing vapors. Last night I went to bed with a headache, then vomited on and off throughout the night. My question is, am I in danger using the peeling bathtub??? Myths About Bathtub Refinishing | Specialized Refinishing Co. There are exposure limits, but they are not based solely on how long a worker may be exposed to the chemical. I was doing some research on tub reglazing when I found this article. Surface Designers have been in business for over 20 years resurfacing bathtubs and countertops. My concern is whether it is safe to take long soaks in this tub. Whenever respirators are required to be worn, the employer must establish and implement a complete respiratory protection program that meets the requirements of OSHAs Respiratory Protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134), including proper selection, usage, training and medical surveillance (OSHA/NIOSH Hazard Alert: Methylene Chloride Hazards for Bathtub Refinishers, February 2013, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication Number 2013-110 http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2013-110/ ). Thanks! I am linking an article from the Retro Renovation blog on safety that includes links to other sources on this. Is it dangerous to any or all of us? Is it safe to stay???? Apartments | Specialized Refinishing Co. Your local health department may be able to provide assistance. I use a flexible flat blade scraper and then sand with an aggressive grit. NIOSH research and prevention efforts focus on worker risk, so we are not able to address this kind of exposure. I have been refinishing tubs for 23 years. Bathtub Refinishing Countertop Refinishing Vanity Refinishing Fiberglass Enclosures Wall Tile I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects of such dangerous products. Successful bathtub stripping with benzyl alcohol as an alternative to methylene chloride-based paint strippers Thank for speaking about about tub refinishing. I found out the hard way. He was formally pronounced brain dead at the hospital, the same day of the incident. How much should you renovate your NYC apartment before selling it? And that tub refinishing is at top of my list besides them running heat too much. ), [Its] a great way to make a grimy, stain-ridden bathtub look new again, says Dan DiClerico, HomeAdvisor'ssmart home strategistand home expert. *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. 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? She her nextwalked over to-door neighbor's apartment, where a team weari ng respirators was refinishi ng the bathroom with a spray-on resurfacing material and a chemical accelerator. Should you refinish, reglaze or replace your bathtub? - Today Stay safe! PDF Methylene Chloride Hazards for Bathtub Refinishers It smelled awful for days. Are these chemicals only toxic while being applied, or can they still be harmful later as used? Awsome and useful informations too, thanks for sharing this educational post! Is there any type of detector on the market that will detect high levels of methlene chloride vapors? How to effectively get rid of bathtub resurface smell in my apartment? Thanks for the great post. As a result, most tenants moved. It is now peeling off. Your new bathroom's finish won't have any . If you have concerns you should discuss them with a medical professional. Its better not to use methylene chloride for the safety of everybody. Care must be taken to ensure that workers are not overexposed to particulates being generated during sanding operations. 22 oz. DIY Bathtub Refinish Kit with SlipGuard in White I have a chipped tub that is built in with tile walls. I am Gary Goel owner of the Professional Bathtub Refinishers Association. If youre nervous, leaving your apartment for the duration of the job is always an option. Please, if you know anyone who refinishes bathtubs, make sure they are VERY AWARE of the dangers and the different situations. The fact of the matter is that using a professional that is trained and well-versed in the safety measures of bathtub refinishing; is critical, and can not only protect the owners of the property, but those performing the job! Perfect for renters, apartment dwellers, and residential or commercial tubs, sinks, showers. a great article! Bathtub refinishing is the process of restoring the surface of an old bathtub to improve the bathtubs appearance and repair surface damage. I think there are actually regulations on workers on how long they may be subjected to this chemical during a work day. What is this stuff? The only ventilation in the hours between the reglazing and now was provided by the slatted windows in the bathroom. I had a tub refinished with epoxy that had a bad smell, but nothing like this. We also welcome your input on the prevention practices mentioned above. I have one side of my nose feeling congested and post nasal drip and a headache. I have read many articles but this is different one. Bathtub refinishing is very dangerous. As a point of comparison, water boils at 212 F and has a room temperature vapor pressure of 17 mmHg. Look for an alternative to do the bathtub refinishing. However, products are more dangerous when they are sweet smelling, and as your article states your are already exposed once you smell it. I already have cancer, my throat was raw and I had a headache. What a Useful Post and great shared to Plumbing Service, Thanks author your Awesome tropic and Excellent Content. 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. Hi I have very sensitive skin, and covered in psoriasis and eczema. There are a few scratches and black marks from a previously installed shower door that was installed on the tub. However, it's not necessary if the bathroom is properly ventilated. 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? We'll put an entirely new finish over the existing tub or tile in your bathroom.