tub resurfacing fumes apartment

thanks Ron Hall for such a valuable information, its horrible, why its still available in the market, it should be banned from the market. Tenant and all occupants in the apartment hereby release Bathtub Refinishing and Fiberglass Expert. Obviously, I would have paid any price to do this rather than suffer these sad consequences. Changing up your tub is a great way to give your bathroom a makeover on a budget, Visit the Solution Center to Explore Articles. i like it. I think this blog is very helpful in knowing about the bad effects Bathtub refinishing of such dangerous products.We need to know what all are used while doing refinishing.Thanks a lot for sharing. He was found unconscious minutes later and was rushed to the emergency room, several neuro tests where done and they all concluded the same thing.. Kevin had been brain dead before he was found on the job. 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. Also you should understand between difference between Refinishing (without removing the old layer first) and Reglazing (stripping off the previous coating and sanding down the tub) a Bathtub. Animal studies have shown that exposure to methylene chloride may lead to liver and lung cancer, as well as tumors in the breast and salivary glands. 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 . Absolutely agree with this article. I own a home built in 1940 and have been considering getting my cast iron bathtub refinished. Im 70 and have no place to go except my apartment. Thank you so much for this great article and hope that others now are aware of the safety measures that need to be followed. So, it should not present a long-term hazard to the residents after the project. The only ventilation in the hours between the reglazing and now was provided by the slatted windows in the bathroom. It hurt to know that such a good person you loved and cared about so much is now gone. A lot of times when a solvent stinks, you realize you need the right protective equipment and ventilation. If bathroom smells awful two days after resurfacing is that just the coating or also the dangerous MC? Its in our best interest to devise a way to remove these coatings without harming ourselves or the environment. Price changing out your bathtubs before ever considering a refinishing product that is known to be toxic! Exposure to methylene chloride can be lethal. 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. I didnt know that the bathroom fans and windows wouldnt provide the right amount of ventilation. I hope the fumes and the tub return to a safe level. White is popular, but we can do pretty much any color you have in mind. 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. All are members dread strip jobs.Frankly I dont know why someone would choose them. Why? 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. 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? Posts: 19. As exposure increases so do the health effects, with a potential for suffocation, loss of consciousness, coma, and sudden death. NIOSH research and prevention efforts focus on worker risk, so we are not able to address this kind of exposure. 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. Proper ventilation and a proper fitting organic vapor respirator are an absolute requirement for DIY bathtub refinishing. And again, dont be afraid to ask. Prolonged skin contact may cause irritation and even chemical burns. But it's not just about looks. We need to care when the baths are refinished. Is the Bathtub Reglazing Odor Terrible? Learn About the Bathtub Ive also learned that without experience or training, what may be simple in concept is often the opposite in practice. Comments listed below are posted by individuals not associated with CDC, unless otherwise stated. I understand the dangers of the application process, but what about the 2/3 days following the reglazing? My heart goes out to those who lost friends and/or loved ones due to CM. I dont know of incidents that may have occurred, buy you can never be too careful with peoples lives. 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! I am concerned about having a surface that is toxic and that can harm my family in the long run. Bathtub refinishing fumes are most certainly dangerous during the application process and immediate curing process. Wow! We will never promote an advertiser's product without making the relationship clear to our readers. Need professional help with your project? Bathroom fans or open windows do not provide adequate ventilation. They hold soap scum, body oils, dirt, basically everything that comes off the human body will form a paste of scum. *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. 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. The fumes are stronger fumes so we do not allow anyone to be in the apartment for 8 hours. Those DIY kits are not cutting it. 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. My cat was crying and jumping on the door to get out. We refinish or "reglaze" bathtubs, showers, wall tile, bathroom sinks and counters as well as . We have had a terrible experience. 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. What a Useful Post and great shared to Plumbing Service, Thanks author your Awesome tropic and Excellent Content. Your email address will not be published. Always check product labels and safety data sheets to understand the recommended and required precautions. These are classified as potential human carcinogens according to the U.S. Department of Labor, and protective gear should be worn when working with them. Thanks for your comment. Cookies used to track the effectiveness of CDC public health campaigns through clickthrough data. Proper ventilation and a proper fitting organic vapor respirator are an absolute requirement for DIY bathtub refinishing. 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. I own a home built in 1940 and have been considering getting my cast iron bathtub refinished. 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. Thanks for your comment. Follow good housekeeping measures, including spill and leak control and appropriate personal hygiene practices (such as making skin washing areas available to workers). I say this because his co workers where in the other bathroom working. You may want to contact the Environmental Protection Agency or The Consumer Product Safety Commission. The two maintenance men pulled the man off of the tub. Understanding the Fumes Associated with Bathtub Refinishing It hurt to know he was no longer mentality or livingly present with us in that room. This post was helpful to me too. Thank you for introducing this sensitive topic in such a way I never thought these chemicals were so dangerous. This post is so informative and makes a very nice image on the topic in my mind. What is the LEAST TOXIC alternative for bathtub reglazing? 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. The Centers for Disease Control has more information on lead hazards on their web site. My Landlord is planning on re glazing our tub and we are leaving for the weekend. loss or damage resulting from reliance on any such information. 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. 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. 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. Another interest in re-glazing is being fueled by informed masses who have shown a continued interest in "greening" their homes, particularly in making them more . $ 89 00. They took all precautions and said the fumes were gone, its only a smell. If you just bought a Mercedes, would you put a rubber mat on the roof? White asks. document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address: We take your privacy seriously. I think there are actually regulations on workers on how long they may be subjected to this chemical during a work day. The product they used is from Napco and is supposed to a lot less toxic than other products. I have read many articles but this is different one. As a point of comparison, water boils at 212 F and has a room temperature vapor pressure of 17 mmHg. 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. The first one was a very long process because there was no air circulation what so ever si the two part paint kit kept separating from one another which kept me in the room with only my Tshirt pulled over my nose. Good to see so much effort going into bringing awareness to bathtub refinishing in Waltham. This seems informative and makes a very nice image on the topic in my mind. I certainly will be approaching this much differently. Frequently Asked Questions - Bathtub Refinishing - Miracle Method 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. I live in a small one bedroom apartment and I just had my tub resurfaced. I blog often and I really appreciate your content. I have 2 small kids and an infant. 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. What separates a good job from a not-so-good job is not so much how it looks, its the prep. Renewing is the affordable and fast alternative to replacing. Quite naive of me. And, are there any substances that are dangerous and can later leach into bath water and be absorbed by the skin? Provide local exhaust ventilation (LEV) and fresh makeup air to exhaust vapors released from the stripping agents in the bathtub. Refinishing a bathtub is a less costly . I have one side of my nose feeling congested and post nasal drip and a headache. We are in a rental and I had to stop allowing my daughter to take baths because its everywhere. Opening the windows is necessary, but it's certainly not enough if you're working with methylene chloride. I have blocked the drain over night but it did not eliminate the smell. Their cost is at least twice as expensive as Miracle Method refinishing and can take up to 3 to 4 weeks from ordering to installation. If you feel you are in danger, you should contact your local emergency services for assistance. Thank you. Refinishing is also the best option with antique tubs that dont lend themselves to relining. I also had diarrhea several times this morning. I opened my windows, all four. Thank you. Use full-face air-supplied respirators, protective gloves, and other appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) that is resistant to methylene chloride during the entire refinishing process. 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. a great article! Maybe others reading this blog will be able to help point you in the right direction. Specifically, typical mobile LEV units have a fan, flexible ductwork, and a hood near the tub that exhausts hazardous vapors to the outdoors. There are a few scratches and black marks from a previously installed shower door that was installed on the tub. I think this should not be happening after 4 weeks but dont know what to do about it. Thanks to those whoever posted this article. I asked the doctors if they collect lifestyle information and report it to the government so correlations can be made about cause and effect they said no. Surely the proper checks should be taken before the products leaves the factory. After most fumes and smell went away two days later i still had muscle pain and spasms all over, headache, very sick and weak, skin burned and stung, could feel it in my lungs. It smelled awful for days. However since Kevin was an organ donor, they kept his body on life support, in order to preserve is heart, liver, and kidneys. Dont do it if you have to stay in your home immediately after. 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/. Thanks for your comment. Bare minimum, the ventilation should meet some requirements, and homeowners should HAVE to LEAVE THE HOUSE for 3 days. That is pretty serious stuff. But the air looked pretty fume filled to me This is a nightmare for someone with my health issues! Tub Cast Ekopel 2K Bathtub Refinishing Kit - Made In The USA - Odorless This forces a refinisher to use a very strong stripper. You should ask the installer to check that the product was applied correctly. We are a BBB Certified Resurfacing company located in Houston, Texas. If you are concerned about the smells, you could seek help from your local health department. Rents an apartment with ventilation that mixes with neighbors and brings odors from adjacent apartments, Was subjected to highly toxic fumes from maintenance being performed on a neighboring apartment Suffered from effects of those fumes, and nearly succumbing to them 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. Right now, I am surrounded by vacant apartments, and the new owner is reglazing all of the tubs. Methylene chloride, a new chlorinated solvent, is usually a risky, without color liquid having a sweet-smelling smell. Together we can make the nightmare of stripping bathtubs a thing of the past! She refinished furniture in our garage. Is there some disconnect between science, policy and legal enforcement? Making safety precautions is the priority for all kinds of work. After an hour again, I decided to take a ride to feel fresh air. Please take proper safety precautions, as well as warn others of these seriously dangerous situations. 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. We cannot provide individual medical advice on the NIOSH Science Blog, but we suggest that you see a doctor. Dust masks do not protect you from bathtub refinishing vapors. We need to know what all are used while doing refinishing. 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. Thanks for your comment. and products contain ISOs. My concern is whether it is safe to take long soaks in this tub. Who cares what a bathtub looks like as long as it works? 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. Things just happen and when its our time to go, we go. I know this because the epoxy finish began peeling away within a couple months of daily use. Although we cant say there is any particular hazard from these paint chips, it would be prudent to prevent your toddler from eating the paint chips or bathing the toddler in water with material that is degrading from the tub into the water. Are these chemicals only toxic while being applied, or can they still be harmful later as used? How Long Does Reglazing a Tub Last and How Does it Work Gerda. Fatal Exposure to Methylene Chloride Among Bathtub Refinishers United Avoid use of methylene chloride or minimize the amount of methylene chloride used at each site. ECO-FRIENDLY No Odor Tub Reglazing: Fumes-free and made without harmful chemicals, Ekopel's long-lasting, oil-free glaze never peels! If the area is poorly ventilated (which is common in bathrooms) or the person doing the work isnt wearing the appropriate protective gear, they could stop breathing, or worsemethyl chloride has an effect similar to carbon monoxide poisoning. However, you need to keep these essential health and safety considerations in mind whether you hire a contractor to refinish your tub or do it yourself. These comments do not represent the official views of CDC, and CDC does not guarantee that any 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. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DRY SO NO DANGEROUS FUMES? Most professionals use alternative methods when possible. tl;dr: Accidentally fell in the bathtub so hard it left a hole. 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. Surface Designers have been in business for over 20 years resurfacing bathtubs and countertops. But I keep on hitting dead ends. Bathtub Reglazing Los Angeles CA | Fiberglass Porcelain Refinishing I am not an overly caution person, but I understand that in certain instances it is important to exercise caution. Usually coatings can be removed with a good razor scraper.sure it takes longer but it keeps me from using more harmful chemicals. Vanity of a tub isnt worth it. Until the finishing dries, it is a good idea to leave the house. Thats perhaps the number one reason trying to DIY it is not advisable (kits are available, but just leave it to the professionals). You can also use your favorite search engine and search using the following key words: Bathtub Porcelain Glaze MSDS The restrictions on placing on the market and use is a consequence of many incidents with lethal outcome. Coatings suitable for bathtub reglazing include: You can use these materials on several surfaces, including acrylic, ceramic, porcelain, and fiberglass bathtubs. 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? Thanks for sharing such a helpful post. 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 I do decide to hire a professional, I will make sure they have the ventilation equipment described here. Thank you for your comment. Keep posting as I am gonna come to read it everyday! 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. Without a thorough investigation of the respirator, process used, and procedures it would be hard to identify the source of this adverse effect. Bathtub refinishing is a necessary maintenance step if you wish to improve the appearance and structural integrity of your tub. 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. Its also useful to mention that there are different types of chemicals which use MC as an active ingredient. Bathtub refinishing fumes are dangerous and you do not want yourself or anyone in the home breathing them. The concentration of the exposure is important too. I certainly will be approaching this much differently. At high enough levels, it can stop breathing. It is now peeling off. Then, remove any cover plates, drain plugs and bathtub spouts. This post was helpful to me too. Most tubs can be reglazed if they are not overly damaged, but the process is generally recommended for steel, cast iron, or fiberglass tubs. I went outside after he was finished. Located at [http://www.refinishersonline.com] and I helped in two the studies before this report was finalized. Bathtub Refinishing 101: Tackle This DIY Project in 7 Steps If the chemical you are using is marked as flammable then you can be sure that it is not 100% MC. 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. If those working with these finishes have concerns about their health they can request a Health Hazard Evaluation from NIOSH at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/. In workers with heart disease, an increase in carbon monoxide may lead to early onset heart attacks and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). Does anyone know what would cause the reglazing to peel and chip from the tub? Wow this is kinda hard to believe that even a thing such as messing with a bathtub can be so dangerous. 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. Perfect for renters, apartment dwellers, and residential or commercial tubs, sinks, showers. PDF Acute Lung Disease from Bathtub Refinishing - University of California The first method uses a benzyl alcohol-based stripper as an alternative to MC and N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP)-based chemical strippers. The second method uses no chemical stripper but relies instead on scraping and mechanical sanding to remove bathtub finishes. As a result, most tenants moved. We always use full-face air-supplied masks and full protective gloves in order to get the job done correctly AND safely. I have been refinishing tubs for 23 years. 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. Thanks for your comment. 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 You can review and change the way we collect information below. The NIOSH studies pertained only to workers who were applying methylene chloride directly, and we have not studied consumer-related exposure. Wow, great article on the dangers and Health Effects when methylene chloride is used. Agree with your perspective. Keep in mind that alternative products and other stripping agents may pose additional risks.