tub resurfacing fumes apartment

She wont fix it since they are going to remodel in the future. Our research focused on worker exposures from methylene chloride during the process of stripping the old paint off of the tub prior to refinishing. Fumes associated with bathtub stripping chemicals have taken the lives of those that did not follow the warnings on the product. The use of methylene chloride killed many people in the industry. You may want to ask the installer for the products safety data sheet which may have useful information on curing times and precautions. I have been thinking about reglazing our kitchen countertop (tiles). They agreed to resurface it for me as they would not replace it. I understand the dangers of the application process, but what about the 2/3 days following the reglazing? I worked at [Company name removed] for 14years. There were 13 Fatal Exposures to Methylene Chloride Paint Strippers Among Bathtub Refinishers in the last decade. (Centers for Disease Control) Not to mention those who experience unexplained symptoms that go undiagnosed that may also be caused from these dangerous bathtub refinishing and paint stripping chemicals. God bless you! It is the first time I visit your blog, but I was extremely impressed. We had it done over a year ago, and even with ventilation, I was outside in January feezing temps. 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. Never stay where resurfacing is being done. Absolutely agree with this article. There is not any ventilation in the bathroom either. It feels toxic, but no one has instructed me to leave, so am I to assume that I am safe? However, products are more dangerous when they are sweet smelling, and as your article states your are already exposed once you smell it. After reading this post I think I can live with those scratches until I can hire a professional. Air-purifying respirators are not permitted due to the short service life of chemical cartridges when used for methylene chloride exposure. According to the Centers of Disease Control, more than half a million children ages 1-5 in the U.S. have blood lead levels high enough to damage their health. Contact me via e-mail njtragroup@gmail.com and send me your ideas. Find them at: http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Research/Pubs/#General Keep in mind that alternative products and other stripping agents may pose additional risks. I certainly will be approaching this much differently. I had to keep the windows shut with the air on all night. From now we must be aware if wanna to do that. Bathtub refinishing is a necessary maintenance step if you wish to improve the appearance and structural integrity of your tub. I only use stripper when absolutely necessary. Thanks! I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects Bathtub refinishing of such dangerous products. Very good to know, Ill let the pros do it from now on, and let my readers know the same. http://retrorenovation.com/2016/05/02/understanding-potential-lead-hazards-old-porcelain-enamel-bathtubs-sinks-ceramic-tile-any-age/#ixzz47UvHcM00. And that tub refinishing is at top of my list besides them running heat too much. Real time instruments such as Photoionization detectors (PIDs) can be used to measure volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Methylene chloride is extremely dangerous when not used properly. It smelled awful for days. I stripped the two sinks using a chisel and a heat gun. What is the LEAST TOXIC alternative for bathtub reglazing? We recommend that you consult your personal physician about your health issues, and your local health department for assistance with the building management. Leave the room immediately after applying the methylene chloride-based stripping agent to limit exposure to methylene chloride vapors. He did it 6 years ago when we moved in. We do not have any information about the paint chips that are peeling off of your refinished bathtub. Together we can make the nightmare of stripping bathtubs a thing of the past! We are in a rental and I had to stop allowing my daughter to take baths because its everywhere. But I keep on hitting dead ends. All the tips in the post are great. At high enough levels, it can stop breathing. If you feel you are in danger, you should contact your local emergency services for assistance. You may want to contact Product Safety Australia http://www.productsafety.gov.au, who assists with consumer concerns like the one you posted. It is now 5:30 p.m., and the fumes in the apartment are too much to bear. Our tub was just resurfaced today I was told six hours after they got done we could return to the apartment and stay the night just cant use the tub or take the tape off for 48 hours is that safe? What are the effects of being in the house during the process (for our pets) and after the process (chemical wise around our kids). Thanks for your comment. 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. I will stress this to home owners wanting to get bathtub resurfacing done. We work a lot with paints and try to stay abreast of the dangers when working with chemicals, solvents and paint compounds. 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. Bathtub refinishing fumes are most certainly dangerous during the application process and immediate curing process. 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. Maybe others reading this blog will be able to help point you in the right direction. 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). Methylene chlorides boiling point is just over 100 F, and has a vapor pressure of 350 mmHg. 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. They hold soap scum, body oils, dirt, basically everything that comes off the human body will form a paste of scum. The fog was so thick and i could barely take a breath even with fans on. 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. It hurt to know, the four of us where in a room together for what will be the very last time. I had no choice but to return home. Is that legal? Read more about our comment policy . 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. Perfect for renters, apartment dwellers, and residential or commercial tubs, sinks, showers. I have been refinishing tubs for 23 years. It was not difficult and required no chemicals; the refinisher evidently did a very poor job of it. It's 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. Bare minimum, the ventilation should meet some requirements, and homeowners should HAVE to LEAVE THE HOUSE for 3 days. 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. After working in retail for many years, my mother retired, began buying and refinishing furniture. refinish or reglaze it or just replace it altogether. 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. I had a tub refinished with epoxy that had a bad smell, but nothing like this. Things just happen and when its our time to go, we go. If you are concerned for your pets, it may be a good idea to remove them from the home during the stripping process. Products containing methylene chloride should be avoided when possible. 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.. Look for an alternative to do the bathtub refinishing. I found out the hard way. I guess this is one of those occupational hazard jobs when doing bathtub refinishing. Some refinishing products may last longer than others, as with professional-grade finishers and DIY kits. If the vapor smell continues and is persistent you should call a safety and health professional to evaluate the area. Its in our best interest to devise a way to remove these coatings without harming ourselves or the environment. However, we have no information about the risks that might arise to the resident from exposure to the flaking surface of the refinished tub. Even low income people dont deserve treatment like Ive seen and been through. 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. Not worth it. It was a small job, and I messed up with the paint brush I used, leaving lines in the finished product. Second tub went smoother because I had a window to open for air circulation. Exposure to methylene chloride can be lethal. 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. Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and will fully evaporate shortly after the project is completed. In order to assess whether you may be experiencing health effects due to a toxic exposure, seek a medical evaluation from a healthcare provider. I use it in good ventilation and, if Im going to be doing much work, I use a respirator. Ron, I have a similar question to the one already asked. Its generally a task best performed by professionals due to the hazardous chemicals involved. I use all chemical-free products to clean, and cannot use otherwise or it affects me. 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. I washed the tub thoroughly and have been using it since. But two days later it still bothers me. We had maintenance workers come by and resurface it earlier this week, but they did not properly ventilate the chemical smell and the stench is still there. 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! 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/ ). 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. HomeAdvisors True Cost Guide puts the average cost to refinish a bathtub at about $450, while installing a new one runs about $3,000. Thanks for sharing such a helpful post. Remember, if it smells new, the fumes are too. I think this should not be happening after 4 weeks but dont know what to do about it. Most professionals use alternative methods when possible. It hurt to know he was no longer mentality or livingly present with us in that room. Keep posting as I am gonna come to read it everyday! I myself am in the process of creating a technique that will eliminate the need for methylene chloride. 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. Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, palpitations, dizziness or difficulty staying awake require immediate medical attention. So we need extra care. I wish they warned me and Id have had means to stay out of house for a few days. 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. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. Tub and tile were original to the 1957 home and were actually not in bad shape. NIOSH work in this area only pertains to workers exposed when using stripping agents containing methylene chloride during bathtub refinishing. 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 . Mostly problem is that it can broken. ), [Its] a great way to make a grimy, stain-ridden bathtub look new again, says Dan DiClerico, HomeAdvisor'ssmart home strategistand home expert. Lowering exposures, even below the PEL, is considered to be good industrial hygiene practice. Quite naive of me. Simply not worth the risk. I already have cancer, my throat was raw and I had a headache. Agree with your perspective. How much should you renovate your NYC apartment before selling it? 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. Thanks if you reply. I think regulators should be aware of these dangers. This study is great for warning against the potential dangers. Then, remove any cover plates, drain plugs and bathtub spouts. Being relatively poor most of my life Ive always been a do-it-yourselfer. We're starting to see chipped areasThey're more in the tub than on the walls. Please do not use a torch either The fumes will kill use. 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. Right now, I am surrounded by vacant apartments, and the new owner is reglazing all of the tubs. I had my tub reglazed recently. Brick Underground articles occasionally include the expertise of, or information about, advertising partners when relevant to the story. 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. Do these products continue to leech into air/water once project is completed? Coatings suitable for bathtub reglazing include: You can use these materials on several surfaces, including acrylic, ceramic, porcelain, and fiberglass bathtubs. He came home and seemed fine for a few days and then suddenly died. This is a great article. However no one is to blame, and no one is at fault. The epoxy coatings used to finish bathtubs can also emit dangerous vapors such as isocyanates when sprayed. Products with these types of known harmful ingredients must require special labeling with clearer health and safety warnings for users. After collecting these samples following the NIOSH analytical method the samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis. During the entire refinishing process, the room should be adequately ventilated to protect workers. At Specialized Refinishing, we have a team of highly experienced, certified refinishing and reglazing technicians who can restore and revitalize a wide variety of surfaces and fixtures in your rental property or before you put a house on the market. It was not adequately explained and we should have asked more questions. As far as we are concerned, 2k urethane systems should not be allowed in residential use. However since Kevin was an organ donor, they kept his body on life support, in order to preserve is heart, liver, and kidneys. Capital region housing in edmonton is the worst. Personally the bathtub reglazing odor resembles the aroma of a room after it has been painted and therefore the fragrance will keep within the facility for up to 2 days, this is not body odor we are . Bathroom fans or open windows do not provide adequate ventilation. Please respond quickly. He also had a small fan in the bathroom window to remove the fumes, as well as towels on the floor to prevent odors from coming into the living area. I dont know of incidents that may have occurred, buy you can never be too careful with peoples lives. 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 . There is also a short-term exposure limit (STEL) for which the average exposure cannot exceed 125 ppm over any 15-minute period. 21 people who I worked with at that time have all died,one very recently with cancer. 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 thought it would be a simple spray paint job. I never post anything anywhere. Other uses, such as use by professionals outside industrial installations or household use by individuals is forbidden. Patrick. 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 Pre-leasing now launched at 595 Dean St., the newest rental development in Brooklyn's vibrant Prospect Heights, The roommate dilemma: It's much more expensive to rent an apartment in NYC all by yourself now. 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. An expert starts by sanding down the tub's. Bathtub refinishing is very risky. Hover Image to Zoom. This is horrible People please do not use these DIY kits. The use of a respirator scrubber mask (gas mask) isnt complete protection. As a point of comparison, water boils at 212 F and has a room temperature vapor pressure of 17 mmHg. Theres no such thing as excessive safety precaution. I and my two other friends went to the hospital last night to say our goodbyes. Renewing is the affordable and fast alternative to replacing. 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. A bathtub replacement can cost around $2,900 on average and may add value to your property. Thank you so much! The first method uses a benzyl alcohol-based stripper as an alternative to MC and N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP)-based chemical strippers. What if your bathtub could be transformed in one day from embarrassing to your bathroom's sparkling centerpiece? I had my bathroom resurfaced including the bathtub 4 weeks ago. They took all precautions and said the fumes were gone, its only a smell. So, if the concentration were over the PEL, for example at 50 ppm, the workers would exceed the 25 ppm average limit in 4 hours. Thanks for the great post. I believe in situations like these, two or more workers would be present in the bathroom, when proper ventilation is impossible. Opening windows and moving away from areas with vapors can decrease or stop continued exposure. 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. NIOSH has continued to try to get the word out to workers and employers about the risks of working with methylene chloride. I like taking baths, but will not do so in this tub now knowing how unhealthy it actually is. I've set up fans to direct the fumes out the screen door and left the premises. While NIOSH research and prevention efforts typically focus on workers, worker representatives and employers, the readers of this blog may be able to help us reach the do-it-yourself community who can face the same risks. Im going to book mark your blog and keep checking for new information about once per week. Why is this not part of a home inspection, when you move into a house, built in 1950? Im a Painting Contractor in Anchorage, Alaska and this is a really good post for me to see! We cannot provide individual medical advice on the NIOSH Science Blog, but we suggest that you see a doctor. Thanks for sharing such a helpful information. Saving Lives, Protecting People, Methylene Chloride Hazards for Bathtub Refinishers, http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Research/Pubs/#General, http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/SWA, http://retrorenovation.com/2016/05/02/understanding-potential-lead-hazards-old-porcelain-enamel-bathtubs-sinks-ceramic-tile-any-age/#ixzz47UvHcM00, https://www.publicintegrity.org/2015/09/21/17991/common-solvent-keeps-killing-workers-consumers, http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/isocyanates/default.html, http://jwcpropertyservices.co.uk/bathtub-refinishing-dangers/, https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/indoor-air-quality-apartments, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. I have an article on my site entitled Are Bathtub Refinishing Fumes Dangerous. If I had of done a little research I guess I would of been more informed. Melissa. If the chemical you are using is marked as flammable then you can be sure that it is not 100% MC. These instruments are non-specific and will measure other VOCs present in the area in addition to methylene chloride. Your local health department may be able to provide assistance. Acid is then applied to deglaze the tub and/or tile, followed by a bonding agent or primer, and finally, a urethane topcoat is applied. My husband and I have been thinking about getting our master bathtub refinished so we will have to keep this information in mind. I very much agree with you, that safety and health is a very important thing in our lives, The past three days have been the hardest in my entire life. The apt right next to me was just resurfaced and the chemicals came through the air vents. I blog often and I really appreciate your content. We have absolutely no ventilation in our apartment. When selecting a PID care must be taken to make sure that the instrument is equipped with a lamp that has the ionization potential necessary to detect methylene chloride (11.7 eV lamp). Methylene chloride, a chlorinated solvent, is a volatile, colorless liquid with a sweet-smelling odor. Making safety precautions is the priority for all kinds of work. These cookies may also be used for advertising purposes by these third parties. After the bathtub has been stripped and resurfaced how long is the danger from the Methylene chloride still in the air? 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. thank you. A great thanks to you to let us know about the fact. We are sorry to hear about your symptoms. I went outside after he was finished. The odor and fumes were suffocating. My little dog had trouble breathing during the night and I had to go to urgent care for a chest xray. Is there any type of detector on the market that will detect high levels of methlene chloride vapors? Alternative products and processes exist for bathtub refinishing. 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. Usually coatings can be removed with a good razor scraper.sure it takes longer but it keeps me from using more harmful chemicals. Liners can leak and create mold problems. Thats why we see it a lot in historic neighborhoods.. Almost any color or appearance can be achieved, including the look of natural stone or marble. Stripping products may also contain flammable solvents and flammability may be a concern. Dont do it if you have to stay in your home immediately after. If youve been considering a bathroom remodel, then replacing an older tub might just make sense. 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. 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 is an odd sized bathtub so I did not even consider ordering a replacement custom-made. The bathtub/shower in my apartment was reglazed this morning. NIOSH research and prevention efforts focus on worker risk, so we are not able to address this kind of exposure. 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. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. Also, you may want to ask the installer for the products safety data sheet which may have useful information on curing times and precautions. 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. 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. My business is in the UK, safety of workers is as important over here. Not sure if it can come through the walls. We tried to open our window a bit. This is a moderated site and your comments will be reviewed before they are posted. If they continue, you should consult your doctor. The warning labels should be more elaborate about the safety requirements. thank you so much. Lowering exposures, even below the permissible exposure limit (PEL), is considered to be good industrial hygiene practice. After a few years, she was diagnosed with lung cancer (she never smoked) and died in 1999. 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. Bathtub refinishing is the process of restoring the surface of an old bathtub to improve the bathtub's appearance and repair surface damage. We also welcome your input on the prevention practices mentioned above. Contact Us Today For A Free Bathtub Refinish Estimate Call [phone] or complete the contact form below for a FREE estimate! Your article has truly peaked my interest. I know this because the epoxy finish began peeling away within a couple months of daily use. 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. A person directly outside the door and 30 seconds could have saved our best friends life. I wish I discovered this post a few weeks earlier. Thanks for sharing such a helpful article about bathtub refinishing. We pride ourselves on the work we do and strive to provide the best quality service in the refinishing and resurfacing industry. Tenant and all occupants in the apartment hereby release Bathtub Refinishing and Fiberglass Expert. This is in Australia. 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 didnt know that the bathroom fans and windows wouldnt provide the right amount of ventilation.

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