Hovering over a bathtub, unprotected, while stripping it would overtake anyone in a very short amount of time. I think our tub would look so much nicer if we had it refinished. Follow good housekeeping measures, including spill and leak control and appropriate personal hygiene practices (such as making skin washing areas available to workers). Thanks to those whoever posted this article. I have contacted the government,the union head [name removed], and the legal ombudsman but to no avail. That is pretty serious stuff. Methylene chloride is extremely dangerous when not used properly, this is an understatement, but Im glad its finally being brought to peoples attention. I had to keep the windows shut with the air on all night. 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! 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)). Since Bathtub Refinishing can also be a consumer issue, another potential resource is Product Safety Australia http://www.productsafety.gov.au. good information Gail Scott i agree with you . 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. Thank you so much for this great article and hope that others now are aware of the safety measures that need to be followed. Pay $64.00 after $25 OFF your total qualifying purchase upon opening a new card. So, it should not present a long-term hazard to the resident and pets after the project is completed. I know this because the epoxy finish began peeling away within a couple months of daily use. What if they put a horrible smell into the product that would alert the user before overexposure. After collecting these samples following the NIOSH analytical method the samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis. NIOSH cannot provide individual medical advice. Thank you for the great information. Your local health department may be able to provide assistance. 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. Thank for speaking about about tub refinishing. However since Kevin was an organ donor, they kept his body on life support, in order to preserve is heart, liver, and kidneys. Bathtub. Bathtub Refinishing | Benefits & Considerations in 2023 | REthority Provided your surface was prepped correctly, you can expect your reglazed tub and/or tile to be good for about seven to 10 years, and the more you take care of it, the longer it will last. We are sorry to hear about your symptoms. 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. 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. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. This seems informative and makes a very nice image on the topic in my mind. The health issues that you can face immediately and also in the future are not worth the risk. The fumes are strong in the bathroom so I have the bathroom door closed, vent on. I am concerned about having a surface that is toxic and that can harm my family in the long run. Bathtub Reglazing Los Angeles CA | Fiberglass Porcelain Refinishing Thanks for your comment. [Its] a great way to make a grimy, stain-ridden bathtub look new again, says. My landlord want to have our tub regalzed. It is definitely a good idea to ventilate the area as much as possible to remove the residual vapors. I have 2 small kids and an infant. Together we can make the nightmare of stripping bathtubs a thing of the past! Here's how to do it, How buying real estate in NYC is unlike anywhere else, A guide to using a no-fee renovation loan from a NYC real estate firm, How to make your NYC renovation more pet-friendly, From Boerum Hill to Prospect Lefferts Gardens: After years of renting, we wanted to buy a condo with amenities, What to know about buying in Briarwood, Queens, where you may score a house with a driveway and garage. Also, you may want to ask the installer for the products safety data sheet which may have useful information on curing times and precautions. What are the governing bodies that oversee these applications? Wearing a dust mask should not be confused with fitting a respirator with organic cartridges. As a point of comparison, water boils at 212 F and has a room temperature vapor pressure of 17 mmHg. 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! We are not familiar with the finishes you mention. It hurt to know that such a good person you loved and cared about so much is now gone. *Note that there are reports that a fresh air system is . I have an article on my site entitled Are Bathtub Refinishing Fumes Dangerous. 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. 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. Mimi OConnor has written about New York City real estate for publications that include Brick Underground, Refinery29, and Thrillist. (323) 396-1030. sales@reglazinglosangeles.com. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DRY SO NO DANGEROUS FUMES? Extraction during the process is everything. Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, palpitations, dizziness or difficulty staying awake require immediate medical attention. Instead, many homeowners have the existing tub reglazed or refinished, which typically costs $300-$600, depending on the area and process. The first method uses a benzyl alcohol-based stripper as an alternative to MC and N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP)-based chemical strippers. They agreed to resurface it for me as they would not replace it. Its in our best interest to devise a way to remove these coatings without harming ourselves or the environment. There are a few scratches and black marks from a previously installed shower door that was installed on the tub. Opening the windows is necessary, but it's certainly not enough if you're working with methylene chloride. It is really shocking that stripping agents contrain toxic elements in them. If you are concerned for your pets, it may be a good idea to remove them from the home during the stripping process. I now have a colostomy, urostomy,skin cancers and CKD(chronic kidney disease)with only one kidney working and that only functions at 15%. Proper ventilation and a proper fitting organic vapor respirator are an absolute requirement for DIY bathtub refinishing. I was weak though and shaking, felt faint and nauseated. 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. How to effectively get rid of bathtub resurface smell in my apartment I am exposing myself by soaking in this tub? These comments do not represent the official views of CDC, and CDC does not guarantee that any Effective ventilation would have to be ensured in order to shield the worker from toxic fumes of the process. 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. I had my bathtub refinished yesterday and the door to the bathroom had remained closed while the worker was doing the job. Very interesting. I own a small bathtub refinishing business and we have committed to stay away from M.C. Traditional methods used for detecting methylene chloride involve air sampling pumps (calibrated at the desired air flow) and a sampling train with charcoal tubes as the collection media for methylene chloride. I personally have never heard of this being such a serious problem. She enjoyed improving discarded furniture, then selling it it was like art to her. But the air looked pretty fume filled to me This is a nightmare for someone with my health issues! Today, my apartment filled with fumes, and I feel sick. A bathtub replacement can cost around $2,900 on average and may add value to your property. Thank you for taking the time to confirm your preferences. She wont fix it since they are going to remodel in the future. There is also a short-term exposure limit (STEL) for which the average exposure cannot exceed 125 ppm over any 15-minute period. Even if you hire a professional to reglaze or refinish your bathtub, you and your family or other residents should leave the property during the entire process, including while the epoxy coat cures after application. Thanks if you reply. Bathtub refinishing can be very dangerous indeed, I have seen many poorly trained so called bathtub refinishing specialists using dangerous chemicals to refinish bathtubs in peoples homes without the proper ventilation systems in place and without using the proper protective equipment necessary. You may want to contact the Environmental Protection Agency or The Consumer Product Safety Commission. Thanks for telling us now. 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. i come back again this blog, any way i think Im not aware of any can anyone point me in the right direction please? Wow! CDC twenty four seven. Bathtub Refinishing vs. Liner: Whats Right for Your Home. 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 Simply not worth the risk. The fumes were in her room not mine, i didnt know until i opened the door, we had put on the fan origionally for the smell, fumes came full blown after. I think they want things swept under the carpet. Cristine. The past three days have been the hardest in my entire life. 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. "My glazing lasted three weeks before it began to peel from a tiny spot in the center of the tub," she says. Concessions return to the NYC rental market as recession fears slow leasing activity, The pros and cons of buying a penthouse apartment, Racism and the lack of diversity in the appraisal business, Making sense of the NYC real estate market with Jonathan Miller, The Brick Underground Podcast: Predators in the NYC rental market, with Hannah Levintova from Mother Jones, The Brick Underground Podcast: Protecting against fire and floods in your NYC apartment, The Brick Underground Podcast: Finding a deal as NYC landlords pull concessions and raise rents, The Brick Underground Podcast: Trading your NYC apartment for a cheap(er) vacation. The paint in the bath tub is pealing off after one use. Thanks for your comment. 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. 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. The toxins became so concentrated in a short period of time due to lack if ventilation and confined space. Myths About Bathtub Refinishing | Specialized Refinishing Co. 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. Leave the room immediately after applying the methylene chloride-based stripping agent to limit exposure to methylene chloride vapors. Workers often spray or pour a bathtub stripping product into the basin of the bathtub and then brush the product onto the tub surface. Delivered to your inbox twice weekly - for free. Methylene chloride cannot be smelled until the level in the air is higher than OSHAs permissible exposure limits (PELs). 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/. This may be an ignorant comment, so please accept my apology preemptively if so. To ensure their safety, the employees should have left the room immediately after applying the methylene chloride-based stripping agent to limit exposure to methylene chloride vapors. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. Who cares what a bathtub looks like as long as it works? We are sorry to hear about the symptoms that you experienced and hope you are doing better. I am a 48 year old single woman, who tries to do everything myself, and I am really concerned about how dangerous this is. I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects Bathtub refinishing of such dangerous products. I had a tub refinished with epoxy that had a bad smell, but nothing like this. This Northern California real estate agent is living the green Dream. Bathtub Refinishing Fumes - How To Protect Yourself - EzineArticles Your blog has provided useful information for the work. I just bought this old house that has this beautiful tub if only it can get restored back to new. Thanks! Refinishing Porcelain & Fiberglass Bathtub Reglazing/Refinishing Service. Thanks for sharing, Im sure it will really come in handy. 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. For consumer-related questions after the tub has been refurbished, please contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission. I already have cancer, my throat was raw and I had a headache. Some refinishing products may last longer than others, as with professional-grade finishers and DIY kits. So, once workers can smell methylene chloride they are already being overexposed.. This is a moderated site and your comments will be reviewed before they are posted. Surface Designers Remodeling Inc - Bathtub Refinishing in Houston, Texas 9 Easy Steps to Refinish Your Bathtub | Lowe's I have personally resurfaced in the past for investment properties, and have smelt the sweet smell, but never was affected , luckily. Half-mask respirators may NOT be used because methylene chloride may cause eye irritation or damage. They know where people bathe. I did not use any safety precautions, but I was in the garage with a fan and the garage door opened. Never stay where resurfacing is being done. This bathtub renovation option goes by many names resurfacing, recoating, refinishing or reglazing but has a pretty straightforward process. Im positing now with the hope it may influence one decision. After reading this post I think I can live with those scratches until I can hire a professional. 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. theyre dangerous if not dealt with properly. White advises keeping away fromcleansers likebleach oreven Soft Scrub. 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. Keep in mind that alternative products and other stripping agents may pose additional risks. I have stripped hundreds of tubs. The fumes are stronger fumes so we do not allow anyone to be in the apartment for 8 hours. Other uses, such as use by professionals outside industrial installations or household use by individuals is forbidden. Please take proper safety precautions, as well as warn others of these seriously dangerous situations. Its either not portable or cost prohibitive. I feel sure many, many more have died from methylene chloride than we know why is this so? No one deserves to go through this heartache of losing a friend, due to a situation that could have easily been avoided. Tenant and all occupants in the apartment hereby release Bathtub Refinishing and Fiberglass Expert. We have absolutely no ventilation in our apartment. Products containing methylene chloride should be avoided when possible. Like many cancer-causing agents, any level of exposure, even concentrations below applicable occupational exposure limits, may pose a residual cancer risk. Bathtub refinishing fumes are dangerous and you do not want yourself or anyone in the home breathing them. Ya, very helpful articles are posted. I will stress this to home owners wanting to get bathtub resurfacing done. Our beloved pet went into respiratory failure the next day, was rushed to the ER and spent three nights in the veterinarian ICU. My little dog had trouble breathing during the night and I had to go to urgent care for a chest xray. Thanks for sharing such a helpful information. I have never thought of this before! If this could be dangerous, government should put strict in purchasing this kind of toxic to avoid casualties for workers and even consumers. Step 1: Set up the ventilation system. 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. Tub reglazing: What you need to know about this affordable but stinky Thanks! 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 . The story notes also that worker protections are weak a shop in Chattanooga TN with numerous OSHA violations got fined only $1500 for the death of a teenage employee in 1999, and 7 years later, still had not implemented required safety measures. I would really like some reassurance. Thanks for your comment. Keep posting as I am gonna come to read it everyday! 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 just rented a housing association flat with an unsightly, badly marked tub. Hi, this is all so helpful. The only ventilation in the hours between the reglazing and now was provided by the slatted windows in the bathroom. Thanks for sharing such a helpful post. But because were low income, we also do not get the luxury of telling management or housingno. I like taking baths, but will not do so in this tub now knowing how unhealthy it actually is. NIOSH work in this area only pertains to workers exposed when using stripping agents containing methylene chloride during bathtub refinishing. If you feel you are in danger, you should contact your local emergency services for assistance. You also want to keep shampoo bottles and other products off the surface, aswell as a mat with suction cups. Thank you for this post. We share your concern for the workers who worked on the tub in a confined space with the door closed. keep blogging~! You may want to contact Product Safety Australia http://www.productsafety.gov.au, who assists with consumer concerns like the one you posted. The bathroom was small, and the door was closed due to restricted access to the bathtub. Maybe others reading this blog will be able to help point you in the right direction. Any other surfaces in the vicinity of the tub should be covered in protective paper and drop cloths, and you should wait a day or two to remove everything and use your bathroom and tub. Is that legal? Theres no such thing as excessive safety precaution. I use a flexible flat blade scraper and then sand with an aggressive grit. In workers with heart disease, an increase in carbon monoxide may lead to early onset heart attacks and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). They hold soap scum, body oils, dirt, basically everything that comes off the human body will form a paste of scum. I thought it was re-porcelained but have just been told that it was refinished with a polyurethane/acrylic finish. They were wearing some gas mask type stuff while they were doing it, but I have noticed even after spraying the fumes were strong; and I was outside when they did this. Lowering exposures, even below the PEL, is considered to be good industrial hygiene practice. The bathtub/shower in my apartment was reglazed this morning. Thanks for your comment. I say this because his co workers where in the other bathroom working. With just a day or two of work, reglazing the centerpiece of your bathroom with a durable coating and color is an easy way to give your tub a quick facelift without breaking the bank. This is horrible People please do not use these DIY kits. If I had of done a little research I guess I would of been more informed. This is great information to share to hopefully make us more aware and careful. Almost every technical field has harmful effects but its on the company or professional person that how they can deal with it. We do have pets and have young kids. Her writing on New York City, parenting, events, and culture has also appeared in Parents, Red Tricycle, BizBash, and Time Out New York. Great Post i appreciate this thanks for sharing this post . Your new bathroom's finish won't have any . 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. It was not difficult and required no chemicals; the refinisher evidently did a very poor job of it. Don't Replace, Renew | Surface Renew Even low income people dont deserve treatment like Ive seen and been through. Frequently Asked Questions - Bathtub Refinishing - Miracle Method Is that smell dangerous for children? thank you so much. 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. Is Bathtub Refinishing Safe? | Tub Reglazing Fumes & Safety - Angi This may sound extreme, but I assure you, neglect to safety is not worth the life of a co worker, family member, or in my case a best friend. I attempt to lead a very clean life and avoid many commercial products (body care products, cleaning products, sprays etc). Right now, I am surrounded by vacant apartments, and the new owner is reglazing all of the tubs. good cotent, i like it. 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 certainly will be approaching this much differently. As a result, most tenants moved. At least 14 workers have died since 2000 as a result of using stripping agents containing methylene chloride during bathtub refinishing. Methylene chloride exposure may cause dizziness, fatigue, headaches, nausea, a feeling of intoxication, and eye, nose, and throat irritation. Successful bathtub stripping with benzyl alcohol as an alternative to methylene chloride-based paint strippers In order to assess learn more about the products that are being used for the re-glazing, assess the air quality of your apartment, prevent exposure or remediate any hazards, seek assistance from the building owner or manager. Prolonged skin contact may cause irritation and even chemical burns. I hope many people will now be thinking at least thrice before making use of such chemicals. Could you please advise, will this chemical leech into the water? The concentration of the exposure is important too. I have been refinishing tubs for 23 years. After working in retail for many years, my mother retired, began buying and refinishing furniture. Air-purifying respirators are not permitted due to the short service life of chemical cartridges when used for methylene chloride exposure. She and her contractor agreed to wait until the weather cooledto remedy the situation. Tub Cast Ekopel 2K Bathtub Refinishing Kit - Made In The USA - Odorless 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. It is an odd sized bathtub so I did not even consider ordering a replacement custom-made. Do fumes from reglazing a bathtub/shower make an apartment If your bathtub is on the older side, then youll need to determine whether its worthwhile to refinish or reglaze it or just replace it altogether. Usually coatings can be removed with a good razor scraper.sure it takes longer but it keeps me from using more harmful chemicals. You must ventilate your workspace to minimize tub reglazing fumes. I did two tubs in old houses yesterday. The vapors should subside after awhile and you should not be able to smell the strong odor. The fumes had traveled through the vent into her adjacent room. I blog often and I really appreciate your content. I have 15 years experience with bathtub refinishing and stripping. Thats why we see it a lot in historic neighborhoods.. 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. Everything You Need to Know About Bathtub Refinishing Are Bathtub Refinishing Fumes Dangerous? There is a lot of toxicological information available on the Internet which can be found by joining the term MSDS with as specific a description of the product about which you are interested in knowing. I have been thinking about reglazing our kitchen countertop (tiles). It won't last forever, but it's a pretty good temporary fix. We use a spray-on compound that hardens to a polished and durable, like-new finish. It is the first time I visit your blog, but I was extremely impressed. Especially if chosen to be done in small places like a bathroom. Finding a Miracle Method office. Thanks! 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. His go-to isScrubbing Bubbles. Qualified pros will have all the necessary protective gear, including coveralls and masks with HEPA air filters. 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. I am unknown form this . I have been in hat business for 20 years. More needs to be done to protect the workers!. It is the first time I visit your blog, but I was extremely impressed. We can ask questions and be well-informed. We need to care when the baths are refinished. This is in Australia. Consult the OSHA/NIOSH Hazard Alert for specific information regarding engineering controls, exposure levels and air monitoring, personal protective equipment, worker training and medical surveillance. For example, if you have a beautiful clawfoot tub made from heavy cast iron, refinishing is absolutely the way to go. As a point of comparison, water boils at 212 F and has a room temperature vapor pressure of 17 mmHg. Most professionals use alternative methods when possible. 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. (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.). Thank you for your comment.