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. I had a tub refinished with epoxy that had a bad smell, but nothing like this. Opening windows and moving away from areas with vapors can decrease or stop continued exposure. I feel sure many, many more have died from methylene chloride than we know why is this so? Bathtub Refinishing 101: Tackle This DIY Project in 7 Steps Thank you. You should always wear protective clothing and use the appropriate safety-rated equipment whenever you are doing any household repair or remodeling work, and reglazing a bathtub is no exception. 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. White advises keeping away fromcleansers likebleach oreven Soft Scrub. Theyll also ensure adequate ventilation during the project, if necessary deploying powerful fans with duct extensions to exhaust hazardous vapors to the outdoors, says DeClerico. The only ventilation in the hours between the reglazing and now was provided by the slatted windows in the bathroom. Changing up your tub is a great way to give your bathroom a makeover on a budget, Visit the Solution Center to Explore Articles. 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. He came home and seemed fine for a few days and then suddenly died. It feels toxic, but no one has instructed me to leave, so am I to assume that I am safe? Absolutely agree with this article. We slept inside the apartment after the workers did the bathtub glazing, should we go to the clinic to make sure we are fine? These chemicals are no joke and need to be taken seriously. Let the physician or health care professional know the specific products and chemicals used and the environment you were working in. 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. You can also use your favorite search engine and search using the following key words: Bathtub Porcelain Glaze MSDS I opened my windows, all four. However, we have shared the findings of this work and made recommendations to manufacturers and with agencies that may have regulatory/legal authority, including those with oversight beyond the workplace. The Environmental Protection Agency provides general information and resources on indoor air quality in apartments, see https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/indoor-air-quality-apartments. I used a paint scraper and razor to completely strip the tub. NIOSH research and prevention efforts focus on worker risk, so we are not able to address this kind of exposure. I stripped the lead paint off the outside of an old cast iron tub using a low-VOC paint stripper suitable for lead paint, and then primed and painted the exterior. If you need to go back and make any changes, you can always do so by going to our Privacy Policy page. Is it safe to bath in especially for my toddler??? 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. Ron, I have a similar question to the one already asked. I took a shower and a 3 inch or so came off. Hover Image to Zoom. I am linking an article from the Retro Renovation blog on safety that includes links to other sources on this. My question is about whether it leaches during use. $ 89 00. An apartment maintenance man entered the apartment to look for the man and found him behind the closed bathroom door, unresponsive, and slumped over the tub. I understand the dangers of the application process, but what about the 2/3 days following the reglazing? How much should you renovate your NYC apartment before selling it? This research only focused on worker methylene chloride exposures during bathtub refinishing. Technicians have been properly trained to do this type of work. 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 Look for an alternative to do the bathtub refinishing. During this process, the holes and cracks in the bathtub will also be repaired. I have personally resurfaced in the past for investment properties, and have smelt the sweet smell, but never was affected , luckily. Needless to say, I was shocked, I am taken aback by the statistics. Bathtub refinishing is the process of restoring the surface of an old bathtub to improve the bathtubs appearance and repair surface damage. 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. Which brand names or compounds should consumers ask for? 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/. 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 . HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DRY SO NO DANGEROUS FUMES? Thank you. I have learned some incredible information in this report. I would like to know. It is the first time I visit your blog, but I was extremely impressed. Always check product labels and safety data sheets to understand the recommended and required precautions. Takes longer and cost more but the client can pay the labor or feel free to do it themselves. There is not any ventilation in the bathroom either. 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? Im not aware of any can anyone point me in the right direction please? This seems informative and makes a very nice image on the topic in my mind. It is often referred to as dichloromethane and has many industrial uses, such as paint stripping, metal cleaning, and degreasing. When methylene chloride enters the human body, it affects brain function, such as concentration. I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects Bathtub refinishing of such dangerous products. They took all precautions and said the fumes were gone, its only a smell. Perhaps this us not the case. Bathtub Refinishing Countertop Refinishing Vanity Refinishing Fiberglass Enclosures Wall Tile If it is an occupied apartment, they have to sign a waiver that they will be gone the required amount of time. Who cares what a bathtub looks like as long as it works? I have been in hat business for 20 years. Thanks for the post on this. I think people always take safety for too lightly. After an hour again, I decided to take a ride to feel fresh air. NIOSH work in this area only pertains to workers exposed when using stripping agents containing methylene chloride during bathtub refinishing. Ive also learned that without experience or training, what may be simple in concept is often the opposite in practice. Methylene chloride is extremely dangerous when not used properly, this is an understatement, but Im glad its finally being brought to peoples attention. A great thanks to you to let us know about the fact. Bathtub refinishing fumes are most certainly dangerous during the application process and immediate curing process. Most professionals use alternative methods when possible. Its staff and technicians from any and . At high enough levels, it can stop breathing. I sure wish homeowners not use those diy Kits. Use long-handled tools (e.g., scrapers, brushes) to avoid leaning into the bathtub. The fumes were so strong that it gave me a headache and caused me to become nauseated. Bare minimum, the ventilation should meet some requirements, and homeowners should HAVE to LEAVE THE HOUSE for 3 days. Thank you for your comment. We'll put an entirely new finish over the existing tub or tile in your bathroom. I have 3 kids in a tiny apt in Brooklyn. It has one small rust stain and is still moderately shiny. I think this type of finish should be banned. Methylene chlorides boiling point is just over 100 F, and has a vapor pressure of 350 mmHg. So, once workers can smell methylene chloride they are already being overexposed. I worked at [Company name removed] for 14years. White advises keeping away fromcleansers likebleach oreven Soft Scrub. In order to assess whether you may be experiencing health effects due to a toxic exposure, seek a medical evaluation from a healthcare provider. NIOSH work in this area only pertains to workers exposed when using stripping agents containing methylene chloride during bathtub refinishing. I already have cancer, my throat was raw and I had a headache. You may want to contact Product Safety Australia http://www.productsafety.gov.au, who assists with consumer concerns like the one you posted. Wow this is kinda hard to believe that even a thing such as messing with a bathtub can be so dangerous. 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. Bathtub refinishing is amazing. Vanity of a tub isnt worth it. information posted by individuals on this site is correct, and disclaims any liability for any You must ventilate your workspace to minimize tub reglazing fumes. You can review and change the way we collect information below. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 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. Stripping products may also contain flammable solvents and flammability may be a concern. I've set up fans to direct the fumes out the screen door and left the premises. Brooklyn resident (and Brick Underground contributor) Donna Airoldirecently hadher tub reglazed, and she even scrubbed it before her contractor cleaned it. For consumer-related questions after the tub has been refurbished, please contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission. 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. Methylene chloride, a new chlorinated solvent, is usually a risky, without color liquid having a sweet-smelling smell. Things just happen and when its our time to go, we go. We have absolutely no ventilation in our apartment. I am older with heart disease and lung disease. 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. "My glazing lasted three weeks before it began to peel from a tiny spot in the center of the tub," she says. We would appreciate your assistance in circulating the information in this blog and the Hazard Alert to those involved in bathtub refinishing. The odor and fumes were suffocating. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. So, it should not present a long-term hazard to the resident and pets after the project is completed. What's included in a deal sheet when you buy a NYC apartment? Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you. My head and stomach hurts, and I have a bad taste in my mouth. The company who gave me 6 year warranty has disconnected the phone number. Reglazing involves stripping off the previous coating and sanding down the tub.