The bathroom was small, and the door was closed due to restricted access to the bathtub. If you know the name of the product that was used, you may be able to find it by searching on the Internet. The coating and sanding are done alternatively. My friends name is Kevin H. The incident happened Thursday April 27th at 4pm. Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and will fully evaporate shortly after the project is completed. ), [Its] a great way to make a grimy, stain-ridden bathtub look new again, says Dan DiClerico, HomeAdvisor'ssmart home strategistand home expert. If you just bought a Mercedes, would you put a rubber mat on the roof? White asks. An expert starts by sanding down the tub's. So we need extra care. Posts: 19. This is a moderated site and your comments will be reviewed before they are posted. Why? Alternatively, you can search on Methylene Chloride and Safety Data Sheet for a listing of various SDSs for similar products. Some will work but they require 24 hours of wet saturation and even then they require a lot of hard work. Thanks so much for the info! I live in a small one bedroom apartment and I just had my tub resurfaced. Wearing a dust mask should not be confused with fitting a respirator with organic cartridges. My tub didnt look.bad at all except for being dusty from disuse.maybe they cant tell the difference. This is great information to share to hopefully make us more aware and careful. You may want to ask the installer for the products safety data sheet which may have useful information on curing times and precautions. 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. thank you. Please take proper safety precautions, as well as warn others of these seriously dangerous situations. Its really awesome and very dangers take care guys I wish they warned me and Id have had means to stay out of house for a few days. Your new bathroom's finish won't have any . I refer to this CDC article a few times a month when answering questions from customers. Why can strippers with this ingredient be sold to consumers in U.S. hardware stores that do _not_ sell the full-face air supplied respirators that should be worn while using it? It is the first time I visit your blog, but I was extremely impressed. We can avoid being harmed if we will be knowledgeable about things. If methylene chloride was used to strip the old paint off of the tub prior to refinishing (the focus of our blog), it is a volatile liquid and would have fully evaporated shortly after the project was completed. Its good to know that if you have your bathtub reglazed, you much have proper ventilation. Some healthcare providers specialize in assessing environmental exposures (see http://www.aoec.org/index.htm). 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. This may be an ignorant comment, so please accept my apology preemptively if so. The use of methylene chloride killed many people in the industry. 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. A fresh air system is critical. Its generally a task best performed by professionals due to the hazardous chemicals involved. NIOSH has continued to try to get the word out to workers and employers about the risks of working with methylene chloride. It was not adequately explained and we should have asked more questions. Almost every technical field has harmful effects but its on the company or professional person that how they can deal with it. Its in our best interest to devise a way to remove these coatings without harming ourselves or the environment. The odor is still very strong and I am wondering how long it will take before I can go back in that room? Last night I went to bed with a headache, then vomited on and off throughout the night. 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. I hope the fumes and the tub return to a safe level. I live in Newark housing and I have been there for 11 years and every 9 months they have to paint the tub and I have to stay in the house after they paint it and it keeps messing up can you tell me what should I do. 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. I thought it would be a simple spray paint job. Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, palpitations, dizziness or difficulty staying awake require immediate medical attention. I myself am in the process of creating a technique that will eliminate the need for methylene chloride. My friend was left to work alone in the small enclosed space, with out supervision. Thank you so much for this great article and hope that others now are aware of the safety measures that need to be followed. I am older with heart disease and lung disease. What are the effects of being in the house during the process (for our pets) and after the process (chemical wise around our kids). That is a shocking statistic, At least 14 workers have died since 2000 as a result of using stripping agents containing methylene chloride during bathtub refinishing. The two maintenance men pulled the man off of the tub. So how and why are these places allowed to keep doing that tub refinishing if its so dangerous?? The restrictions on placing on the market and use is a consequence of many incidents with lethal outcome. 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 such a helpful information. A person directly outside the door and 30 seconds could have saved our best friends life. Your blog has provided useful information for the work. The NIOSH studies pertained only to workers who were applying methylene chloride (paint stripper) directly, and we have not studied consumer-related exposure. I have learned some incredible information in this report. We understand the importance of protecting ourselves, the environment and most importantly our customers. Some many companies and professionals are offering their services for the people for refinishing, repairing, remodeling things. ive found a majority of the time the diy kits people use never adhere well. The NIOSH studies pertained only to workers who were applying methylene chloride directly, and we have not studied consumer-related exposure. 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. My question is about whether it leaches during use. I own a home built in 1940 and have been considering getting my cast iron bathtub refinished. Thanks for telling us now. Our research focused on worker exposures from methylene chloride during the process of stripping the old paint off of the tub prior to refinishing. Thanks for sharing. IF THE GLAZED TUB IS SCRATCHED LATER DOES THAT RELEASE TOXIC FUMES? We have for years been trying to come up with a Stripper that will remove Epoxy DIY kits that do not have the Methylene Chloride but time is an issue. My heart goes out to those who lost friends and/or loved ones due to CM. I had no problems with it and thought they knew what they were doing as it happens all the time here. Thanks if you reply. We're starting to see chipped areasThey're more in the tub than on the walls. I opened my windows, all four. I just rented a housing association flat with an unsightly, badly marked tub. This post is so informative and makes a very nice image on the topic in my mind. If youve been considering a bathroom remodel, then replacing an older tub might just make sense. Second tub went smoother because I had a window to open for air circulation. I found out the hard way. Surely the proper checks should be taken before the products leaves the factory. Is it safe to stay???? Hello This study is great for warning against the potential dangers. White advises keeping away fromcleansers likebleach oreven Soft Scrub. MC is not flammable on its own. 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. Very interesting. Thank you for your comment. Thank you for your comment. 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. As a point of comparison, water boils at 212 F and has a room temperature vapor pressure of 17 mmHg. As owner of a tub refinishing company we have moved away from polyurethane isocyanate systems years ago because of the hazards but, for educational purposes, we provide a dedicated page with links to various articles on our website explaining the dangers of isocyanate coating use in residential markets. My apartment is very small and I sat in bedroom with my elderly cat not 20 feet away. If the room where it was used is flushed with fresh air, perhaps by using a small fan, it is unlikely that any methylene chloride will be present or continue to leech out days after the re-glazing was done. Methylene chlorides boiling point is just over 100 F, and has a vapor pressure of 350 mmHg. We are sorry to hear about your health issues. I was weak though and shaking, felt faint and nauseated. Wow, great article on the dangers and Health Effects when methylene chloride is used. If the vapor smell continues and is persistent you should call a safety and health professional to evaluate the area. Usually coatings can be removed with a good razor scraper.sure it takes longer but it keeps me from using more harmful chemicals. I already have cancer, my throat was raw and I had a headache. 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. I have no shower, only this bath and no space for one. Very good info. There are a few scratches and black marks from a previously installed shower door that was installed on the tub. I am a 48 year old single woman, who tries to do everything myself, and I am really concerned about how dangerous this is. See the NIOSH topic page dedicated to occupational safety and health hazards associated with Isocyanates (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/isocyanates/default.html). However since Kevin was an organ donor, they kept his body on life support, in order to preserve is heart, liver, and kidneys. I had no choice but to return home. 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. It was not difficult and required no chemicals; the refinisher evidently did a very poor job of it. My husband and I have been thinking about getting our master bathtub refinished so we will have to keep this information in mind. The only ventilation in the hours between the reglazing and now was provided by the slatted windows in the bathroom. Hello my name is Kris I amthe owner at Tub Klass NJ. Stay safe! Some refinishing products may last longer than others, as with professional-grade finishers and DIY kits. Hover Image to Zoom. As a result, most tenants moved. Methylene chloride, a chlorinated solvent, is a volatile, colorless liquid with a sweet-smelling odor. I now have a colostomy, urostomy,skin cancers and CKD(chronic kidney disease)with only one kidney working and that only functions at 15%. 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. 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. I could not believe how hard it was to even find a kit to purchase, which led me to wonder why. Sad to hear, but at least proves to me that I was right! Avoid use of methylene chloride or minimize the amount of methylene chloride used at each site. Also I have asthma, and after the job was done today I cant stop wheezing. Which brand names or compounds should consumers ask for? Please let me know where to seek more information, particularly in the Australian climate? Liners can leak and create mold problems. Karma: 3. This is in response to Chris concerning isocyanates use in coatings. Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and would fully evaporate shortly after a project is completed. I had to keep the windows shut with the air on all night. After a few years, she was diagnosed with lung cancer (she never smoked) and died in 1999. Workers are exposed to methylene chloride by breathing it in and by absorbing it through their skin. I did not use any safety precautions, but I was in the garage with a fan and the garage door opened. I think they want things swept under the carpet. They were all exposed to open tanks of Methylene Chloride and cutting up bodies causing carbon monoxide. I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects Bathtub refinishing of such dangerous products. 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. 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. Thanks for sharing such a helpful information. 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. Thank you. Qualified pros will have all the necessary protective gear, including coveralls and masks with HEPA air filters. 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 . This is a great article. The second method uses no chemical stripper but relies instead on scraping and mechanical sanding to remove bathtub finishes. discovered that the fumes were coming through the vent in her bathroom. Instead, many homeowners have the existing tub reglazed or refinished, which typically costs $300-$600, depending on the area and process. We slept inside the apartment after the workers did the bathtub glazing, should we go to the clinic to make sure we are fine? I am linking an article from the Retro Renovation blog on safety that includes links to other sources on this. But it's not just about looks. I am Gary Goel owner of the Professional Bathtub Refinishers Association. Thank you for introducing this sensitive topic in such a way I never thought these chemicals were so dangerous. 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. I didnt realize this was so deadly. We also welcome your input on the prevention practices mentioned above. Id thought of using a refinishing kit, but after reading this, I guess Ill just live with the chip. I had my cast iron tub reglazed on a very hot humid day. Or should I leave? 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. Bathtub stripping vapors must be taken seriously. Do-it-yourself bathtub refinishing kits and professional refinishing products alike are not to be inhaled or absorbed by your skin. Coatings suitable for bathtub reglazing include: You can use these materials on several surfaces, including acrylic, ceramic, porcelain, and fiberglass bathtubs. 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. I have been in hat business for 20 years. She said if its not life threatening then they wont do it. We are sorry to hear about your symptoms. Keep posting as I am gonna come to read it everyday! Bathroom fans or open windows do not provide adequate ventilation. Brick Underground articles occasionally include the expertise of, or information about, advertising partners when relevant to the story. I had my bathtub refinished yesterday and the door to the bathroom had remained closed while the worker was doing the job. This forces a refinisher to use a very strong stripper. And if we can afford it, let the pros do their jobs. Use long-handled tools (e.g., scrapers, brushes) to avoid leaning into the bathtub. 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. 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. Does anyone know if I should be worried? This is great information to share to hopefully make us more aware and careful. Reglazing a tub doesnt actually take that long to do. I stripped the two sinks using a chisel and a heat gun. loss or damage resulting from reliance on any such information. Pacific Reglazing provides high quality, affordable kitchen and bathroom repair and refinishing services throughout the Greater Los Angeles area, the San Fernando Valley, Ventura, Orange County and Riverside County. Why is this not part of a home inspection, when you move into a house, built in 1950? No warning that fumes would make me sick. I was doing some research on tub reglazing when I found this article. The whole job will take around 5 hours after which you will have a reglazed bathtub. Bathtub refinishing is the process of restoring the surface of an old bathtub to improve the bathtub's appearance and repair surface damage. So, it should not present a long-term hazard to the residents after the project. Proper ventilation and a proper fitting organic vapor respirator are an absolute requirement for DIY bathtub refinishing. Awsome and useful informations too, thanks for sharing this educational post! So, it should not present a long-term hazard to the resident and pets after the project is completed. Does anyone know what would cause the reglazing to peel and chip from the tub? What separates a good job from a not-so-good job is not so much how it looks, its the prep. Exposure to as little as six ounces of methylene chloride-based material has been enough to cause death. My Landlord is planning on re glazing our tub and we are leaving for the weekend. The bathtub/shower in my apartment was reglazed this morning. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. I wonder if it healthy & ok to use the tub for baths after a certain period of tome (days?). The fog was so thick and i could barely take a breath even with fans on. We are inconsolable. *Note that there are reports that a fresh air system is . They take the dirt out but also take part of the glaze, he says. Your local health department may be able to provide assistance. We have absolutely no ventilation in our apartment. 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. The paint in the bath tub is pealing off after one use. It won't last forever, but it's a pretty good temporary fix. Right now, I am surrounded by vacant apartments, and the new owner is reglazing all of the tubs. Is there any danger that the enamel could have absorbed the refinishing chemicals to be released into my bath water at this later date? 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. I and my two other friends went to the hospital last night to say our goodbyes. Thats why we see it a lot in historic neighborhoods.. I did two tubs in old houses yesterday. Kimberly Evans. Renewing is the affordable and fast alternative to replacing. Never stay where resurfacing is being done. I would also like to issue one other caveat. 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. 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. keep blogging~! However no one is to blame, and no one is at fault. In workers with heart disease, an increase in carbon monoxide may lead to early onset heart attacks and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). Im not aware of any can anyone point me in the right direction please? You should contact 911 and move to an area with fresh air (outside), or if possible open an window to let fresh air in. My head and stomach hurts, and I have a bad taste in my mouth. Thankyou for letting people know this danger alert! One of the significant risks of refinishing a bathtub is exposure to methylene chloride or dichloromethane, which strips the tub and removes the previous glaze or finish. I attempt to lead a very clean life and avoid many commercial products (body care products, cleaning products, sprays etc). 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. (Removing a tub and installing a new one can cost thousands, and if youre in an apartment building, it might even require getting your downstairs neighbor involved as it may impact plumbing beyond your apartment. I learned a lot and want to ask a question about the dangers. If I had of done a little research I guess I would of been more informed. Bathtub refinishing is very dangerous. We use a spray-on compound that hardens to a polished and durable, like-new finish. 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. Is there some disconnect between science, policy and legal enforcement? CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. Even low income people dont deserve treatment like Ive seen and been through. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DRY SO NO DANGEROUS FUMES?