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. These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. Until the finishing dries, it is a good idea to leave the house. 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. The tub needs to go. Thanks for your comment. [Its] a great way to make a grimy, stain-ridden bathtub look new again, says. I attempt to lead a very clean life and avoid many commercial products (body care products, cleaning products, sprays etc). Its good to know that if you have your bathtub reglazed, you much have proper ventilation. She is the recipient of two awards from the National Association of Real Estate Editors for interior design and service journalism. You can review and change the way we collect information below. Barely 3 days later I now have pluracy and bronchitis, i feel the building should be held responsible as we werent notified of the dangers. I have read many articles but this is different one. This Northern California real estate agent is living the green Dream. Thank for sharing about bathtub refinishing. As far as we are concerned, 2k urethane systems should not be allowed in residential use. Good to see so much effort going into bringing awareness to bathtub refinishing in Waltham. What's the difference between jumbo and conforming loans? Animal studies have shown that exposure to methylene chloride may lead to liver and lung cancer, as well as tumors in the breast and salivary glands. Technicians have been properly trained to do this type of work. The apt right next to me was just resurfaced and the chemicals came through the air vents. Another interest in re-glazing is being fueled by informed masses who have shown a continued interest in "greening" their homes, particularly in making them more . Then, remove any cover plates, drain plugs and bathtub spouts. Today, my apartment filled with fumes, and I feel sick. 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. Methylene chloride exposure may cause dizziness, fatigue, headaches, nausea, a feeling of intoxication, and eye, nose, and throat irritation. 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. Thanks! Coatings suitable for bathtub reglazing include: You can use these materials on several surfaces, including acrylic, ceramic, porcelain, and fiberglass bathtubs. If you are concerned about the smells, you could seek help from your local health department. Thank for sharing about bathtub refinishing. Step 1: Remove Tub Hardware Shut off the water supply to your tub and drain any water from the line before you begin. 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 work in this area only pertains to workers exposed when using stripping agents containing methylene chloride during bathtub refinishing. Follow all applicable OSHA standards, including the Methylene Chloride standard (. I smelled that horrible smell for nearly 3 weeks after he was doneeven my cigarette smoke couldnt compete. She and her contractor agreed to wait until the weather cooledto remedy the situation. Refinishing Porcelain & Fiberglass Bathtub Reglazing/Refinishing Service. I would like to know. Thanks! My friend was in the bathroom for only 4 minutes until his co workers had discovered him lying head first into the bathtub, still wearing proper mask and gloves both of which in good condition. I remember my grandfather saying something about antifreeze having that safety precaution I believe. Right now, I am surrounded by vacant apartments, and the new owner is reglazing all of the tubs. Proper ventilation and a proper fitting organic vapor respirator are an absolute requirement for DIY bathtub refinishing. Id thought of using a refinishing kit, but after reading this, I guess Ill just live with the chip. They hold soap scum, body oils, dirt, basically everything that comes off the human body will form a paste of scum. a great article! No one deserves to go through this heartache of losing a friend, due to a situation that could have easily been avoided. But the air looked pretty fume filled to me This is a nightmare for someone with my health issues! The bathtub/shower in my apartment was reglazed this morning. Opening the windows is necessary, but it's certainly not enough if you're working with methylene chloride. 22 oz. 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. Traditional Spray Paint Style Refinishing has certain inherent dangers that you should be aware of. Let the physician or health care professional know the specific products and chemicals used and the environment you were working in. I also have a 6 year oldshould we leave? If they continue, you should consult your doctor. How can -re-glazers be allowed to do this line of work if it is dangerous to everyone involved? Comments listed below are posted by individuals not associated with CDC, unless otherwise stated. If you feel you are in danger, you should contact your local emergency services for assistance. Posts: 19. We do have pets and have young kids. The epoxy coatings used to finish bathtubs can also emit dangerous vapors such as isocyanates when sprayed. He was formally pronounced brain dead at the hospital, the same day of the incident. You must ventilate your workspace to minimize tub reglazing fumes. I now have a colostomy, urostomy,skin cancers and CKD(chronic kidney disease)with only one kidney working and that only functions at 15%. What are the governing bodies that oversee these applications? 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. The two maintenance men pulled the man off of the tub. 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. Great Post i appreciate this thanks for sharing this post . I used a paint scraper and razor to completely strip the tub. 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. The fumes had traveled through the vent into her adjacent room. I am unknown form this . If you just bought a Mercedes, would you put a rubber mat on the roof? White asks. I believe in situations like these, two or more workers would be present in the bathroom, when proper ventilation is impossible. Ask Sam: Will the U.S. Supreme Court end rent stabilization? Liners can leak and create mold problems. The concentration of the exposure is important too. thank you so much. I will stress this to home owners wanting to get bathtub resurfacing done. Is that dangerous as well? i like it. It won't last forever, but it's a pretty good temporary fix. Its the very first time I call at your blog, however was very impressed. 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. Thank you for introducing this sensitive topic in such a way I never thought these chemicals were so dangerous. I have been refinishing tubs for 23 years. This is a moderated site and your comments will be reviewed before they are posted. I am sleeping in the living room under many blankets with the balcony door wide openis it safe? We refinish or "reglaze" bathtubs, showers, wall tile, bathroom sinks and counters as well as . We do not have any information about the paint chips that are peeling off of your refinished bathtub. The fog was so thick and i could barely take a breath even with fans on. The maintenance man telephoned 911 and then a second maintenance man. When I smell the tiles I can not smell anything but with my nose close to the bathtub I can smell a sweetish sour chemical smell. Need professional help with your project? (Obviously, no, but you get the idea.). 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. My head and stomach hurts, and I have a bad taste in my mouth. Very helpful and will definitely be one of the things to look out for on my rehabs.. Great article. Making safety precautions is the priority for all kinds of work. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. Lowering exposures, even below the PEL, is considered to be good industrial hygiene practice. Even with treatment, lead poisoning can permanently affect a childs development. This toxic chemical which is known to be carcinogenic is still used with no warnings of the dangers. Gerda. Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you. 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. Are these chemicals only toxic while being applied, or can they still be harmful later as used? The whole job will take around 5 hours after which you will have a reglazed bathtub. I have learned some incredible information in this report. 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 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.. I usually like to do things myself, but I think I will have to find someone to do my bathtub repair in concord ma. Thanks so much for the info! Thanks for this information. You should ask the installer to check that the product was applied correctly. If it is an occupied apartment, they have to sign a waiver that they will be gone the required amount of time. Very good to know, Ill let the pros do it from now on, and let my readers know the same! How do I know if this is toxic? White uses a portable fume exhauster, and HVLP, or high-volume, low-pressure sprayers, which produce less overspray. You may want to contact the Environmental Protection Agency or The Consumer Product Safety Commission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. Every 10 minutes or so I would have to leave and go outside because my eyes burning so bad. Her writing on New York City, parenting, events, and culture has also appeared in Parents, Red Tricycle, BizBash, and Time Out New York. (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. Without a thorough investigation of the respirator, process used, and procedures it would be hard to identify the source of this adverse effect. Remember, if it smells new, the fumes are too. Thanks for sharing. 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. Thanks for sharing. Im not aware of any can anyone point me in the right direction please? Wow this is kinda hard to believe that even a thing such as messing with a bathtub can be so dangerous. The fumes from stripping a tub of its previous coating(s) can contain methylene chloride, a colorless liquid that smells similar to chloroform and emits VOCs, aka volatile organic compounds. Provide local exhaust ventilation (LEV) and fresh makeup air to exhaust vapors released from the stripping agents in the bathtub. Things just happen and when its our time to go, we go. 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 regret it so much now and want the tub out of the house. There are exposure limits, but they are not based solely on how long a worker may be exposed to the chemical. It's also possible to injure yourself if the product comes in contact with the skin. 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. A lot of times when a solvent stinks, you realize you need the right protective equipment and ventilation. Is there any danger that the enamel could have absorbed the refinishing chemicals to be released into my bath water at this later date? I just bought this old house that has this beautiful tub if only it can get restored back to new. Methylene chloride, a chlorinated solvent, is a volatile, colorless liquid with a sweet-smelling odor. The prep is the most important part of the job, says White. Thanks to those whoever posted this article. UNTIL RE-GLAZED? My tub didnt look.bad at all except for being dusty from disuse.maybe they cant tell the difference. We pride ourselves on the work we do and strive to provide the best quality service in the refinishing and resurfacing industry. At least 14 workers have died since 2000 as a result of using stripping agents containing methylene chloride during bathtub refinishing. For consumer concerns such as this you may want to contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Find them at: http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Research/Pubs/#General During this process, the holes and cracks in the bathtub will also be repaired. Refinishing a tub consists of applying a new chemical coating with a special brush or roller to an acrylic, porcelain, fiberglass, or cultured marble bathtub without removing the old layer first. 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. They yellow like crazy, and they are solvent based, slow drying so they off gas, and they never hold up. Does anyone know if I should be worried? And I havent been able to use mine in years to due mobility being so compromised. HOPING THE SAME FINEST OPERATE IN THE UP COMING DAYS ALSO. Although we cant say there is any particular hazard from these paint chips, it would be prudent to prevent your toddler from eating the paint chips or bathing the toddler in water with material that is degrading from the tub into the water. At high enough levels, it can stop breathing. Is it dangerous to any or all of us? For consumer-related questions after the tub has been refurbished, please contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission. 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/ ). I have used this product recently on a tub used all the proper PPE and approved NIOSH mask and jump suit and I have tasted this awful taste in my mouth for a couple of days its been 2 weeks and I still kinda feel it in my chest. If you need to go back and make any changes, you can always do so by going to our Privacy Policy page. NIOSH research and prevention efforts focus on worker risk, so we are not able to address this kind of exposure. So, it presents no long-term hazard to the resident. 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. I live in low income housing, a few years ago they said my tub need to be refinished. Bathtubs should be refinished every seven to 10 years, or more frequently if there is significant damage, stained, or you (or your homes previous owners) havent been cleaning your bathtub the right way. Your blog has provided useful information for the work. I wish I had read this blog before the procedure. Its in our best interest to devise a way to remove these coatings without harming ourselves or the environment. 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. Could you please advise, will this chemical leech into the water? keep blogging~! theyre dangerous if not dealt with properly. Moreover, because methylene chloride evaporates quickly (it has a high vapor pressure), vapors can collect in the bottom of a bathtub and in the workers breathing zone when working in the bathtub. 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. (323) 396-1030. sales@reglazinglosangeles.com. Price changing out your bathtubs before ever considering a refinishing product that is known to be toxic! And if we can afford it, let the pros do their jobs. After a few years, she was diagnosed with lung cancer (she never smoked) and died in 1999. Vanity of a tub isnt worth it. The NIOSH studies pertained only to workers who were applying methylene chloride directly, and we have not studied consumer-related exposure. Wow! Also, you may want to ask the installer for the products safety data sheet which may have useful information on curing times and precautions. This is horrible People please do not use these DIY kits. As a point of comparison, water boils at 212 F and has a room temperature vapor pressure of 17 mmHg. 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. Leave the room immediately after applying the methylene chloride-based stripping agent to limit exposure to methylene chloride vapors. I think there are actually regulations on workers on how long they may be subjected to this chemical during a work day. Its either not portable or cost prohibitive. 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. thank you. I personally have never heard of this being such a serious problem. What is the difference between a muntin and a mullion and are they still used in windows? 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 been in hat business for 20 years. These chemicals are no joke and need to be taken seriously. All comments posted become a part of the public domain, and users are responsible for their comments. Not sure if it can come through the walls. NIOSH research and prevention efforts focus on worker risk, so we are not able to address this kind of exposure. Thats why we see it a lot in historic neighborhoods.. Its in our best interest to devise a way to remove these coatings without harming ourselves or the environment. This situation creates dangerously high concentrations of methylene chloride and even replaces the breathable air. For consumer-related questions after the tub has been refurbished, please contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Im 70 and have no place to go except my apartment. THANK YOU! Does anyone know what would cause the reglazing to peel and chip from the tub? Thanks! 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. The use of a respirator scrubber mask (gas mask) isnt complete protection. You can refinish a tub yourself if youre a true DIY-er, but the new finish can look painted or different than the original color or texture. However, products are more dangerous when they are sweet smelling, and as your article states your are already exposed once you smell it. Or should I leave? Maybe others reading this blog will be able to help point you in the right direction. Methyl chloride has high vapor pressure, meaning that it evaporates extremely quickly and turns into gas that can easily be inhaled, especially in a small bathroom that may not be adequately ventilated. Products with these types of known harmful ingredients must require special labeling with clearer health and safety warnings for users. Workers often spray or pour a bathtub stripping product into the basin of the bathtub and then brush the product onto the tub surface. Avoid use of methylene chloride or minimize the amount of methylene chloride used at each site. I only use stripper when absolutely necessary. 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.