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. Hello Im Derrick I used this last night now this morning Im sick as a dog headache stomachache am throwing up I didnt use a mask. I use it in good ventilation and, if Im going to be doing much work, I use a respirator. 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. From now we must be aware if wanna to do that. Its highly toxic Teri. After a few years, she was diagnosed with lung cancer (she never smoked) and died in 1999. 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. Technicians have been properly trained to do this type of work. Methylene chloride, a chlorinated solvent, is a volatile, colorless liquid with a sweet-smelling odor. Opening windows and moving away from areas with vapors can decrease or stop continued exposure. I also have a 6 year oldshould we leave? 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. I use a flexible flat blade scraper and then sand with an aggressive grit. Keep in mind that alternative products and other stripping agents may pose additional risks. Products with these types of known harmful ingredients must require special labeling with clearer health and safety warnings for users. You should ask the installer to check that the product was applied correctly. Bathtub Refinishing matters should be left to professionals to complete. I think this should not be happening after 4 weeks but dont know what to do about it. We always use full-face air-supplied masks and full protective gloves in order to get the job done correctly AND safely. Great article. When methylene chloride enters the human body, it affects brain function, such as concentration. Sometimes, you may need to refinish your bathtub which requires chemical coating with special kind of brush or roller to an acrylic, porcelain, fiberglass, or cultured marble bathtub. 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. Is it safe to stay???? This article does a good job calling attention to the dangers of methylene chloride products and noting that many people dont know how dangerous it is. Fumes associated with bathtub stripping chemicals have taken the lives of those that did not follow the warnings on the product. Use long-handled tools (e.g., scrapers, brushes) to avoid leaning into the bathtub. We had one bathtub redone in our old house a few years ago but I think they just re-coated it. Its really awesome and very dangers take care guys So, it should not present a long-term hazard to the resident and pets after the project is completed. 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. It hurt to know that such a good person you loved and cared about so much is now gone. My heart goes out to those who lost friends and/or loved ones due to CM. Read more about our comment policy . Is that smell dangerous for children? 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. Will these chemicals be leaching out of the surface, presenting a health concern from contact? As my two other friends and I stood there over our lost brother, we could not help but cry, tell stories of our past together, and wish that he could hear us one last time. Thanks to those whoever posted this article. 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. For consumer-related questions after the tub has been refurbished, please contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission. My cat was crying and jumping on the door to get out. We are in a rental and I had to stop allowing my daughter to take baths because its everywhere. The use of methylene chloride killed many people in the industry. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. Refinishing is also the best option with antique tubs that dont lend themselves to relining. He was formally pronounced brain dead at the hospital, the same day of the incident. I myself am in the process of creating a technique that will eliminate the need for methylene chloride. As a research agency, we do not have regulatory authority over the labeling or regulating on how methylene chloride is sold. Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, palpitations, dizziness or difficulty staying awake require immediate medical attention. I very much agree with you, that safety and health is a very important thing in our lives, Bathtub refinishing is amazing. The use of a respirator scrubber mask (gas mask) isnt complete protection. I have one side of my nose feeling congested and post nasal drip and a headache. My tub was removed from my home and refinished by a company here in Portland, OR. And, are there any substances that are dangerous and can later leach into bath water and be absorbed by the skin? We were told when we did it that it only lasts about five years and I'm finding that to betrue, she says. Bathtub Refinishing vs. Liner: Whats Right for Your Home. Thank you for introducing this sensitive topic in such a way I never thought these chemicals were so dangerous. I have asked for the list of chemicals they use but have not heard anything. MC is not flammable on its own. 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 . Thank you for this post. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance. My question is, am I in danger using the peeling bathtub??? Is there any danger that the enamel could have absorbed the refinishing chemicals to be released into my bath water at this later date? Ask Sam: Will the U.S. Supreme Court end rent stabilization? Reglazing a tub doesnt actually take that long to do. Capital region housing in edmonton is the worst. 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 was not adequately explained and we should have asked more questions. Eyes, skin and residual in clothing adsorbption can also be significant and detrimental. So we need extra care. Im a Painting Contractor in Anchorage, Alaska and this is a really good post for me to see! I just rented a housing association flat with an unsightly, badly marked tub. Especially if chosen to be done in small places like a bathroom. I have no shower, only this bath and no space for one. I dont think I had the right mask on. It is definitely a good idea to ventilate the area as much as possible to remove the residual vapors. 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 manage a home related business in Australia and we are often exposed to applications that we are unsure of what dangers we could be exposed to. I guess this is one of those occupational hazard jobs when doing bathtub refinishing. I am ok with both tub and tile appearance until I can afford a replacement/bath remodel. I am older with heart disease and lung disease. Thank for sharing about bathtub refinishing. Hi I have very sensitive skin, and covered in psoriasis and eczema. I think there are actually regulations on workers on how long they may be subjected to this chemical during a work day. AND DURING CLEANING. 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. Are these chemicals only toxic while being applied, or can they still be harmful later as used? It is often referred to as dichloromethane and has many industrial uses, such as paint stripping, metal cleaning, and degreasing. Dear Mr. Ronald M. Hall, you probably save my life with this article! I hope many people will now be thinking at least thrice before making use of such chemicals. It is the first time I visit your blog, but I was extremely impressed. if we do we get evicted. 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. She wont fix it since they are going to remodel in the future. The NIOSH studies pertained only to workers who were applying methylene chloride (paint stripper) directly, and we have not studied consumer-related exposure. Some many companies and professionals are offering their services for the people for refinishing, repairing, remodeling things. "My glazing lasted three weeks before it began to peel from a tiny spot in the center of the tub," she says. 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. My landlord want to have our tub regalzed. If you know the name of the product that was used, you may be able to find it by searching on the Internet. Is that legal? I wish they warned me and Id have had means to stay out of house for a few days. Half-mask respirators may NOT be used because methylene chloride may cause eye irritation or damage. Thanks! When the project is complete, you can take a relaxing soak in your new tub, knowing it was refinished correctly and safely. Not worth it. White advises keeping away fromcleansers likebleach oreven Soft Scrub. We use MC (methylene chloride) in my furniture shop. Some healthcare providers specialize in assessing environmental exposures (see http://www.aoec.org/index.htm). Bathtub refinishing is the process of restoring the surface of an old bathtub to improve the bathtub's appearance and repair surface damage. Or will we be ok?? My puppy also is constantly licking the floor. If it is an occupied apartment, they have to sign a waiver that they will be gone the required amount of time. Thanks for your comment. I did not realize how strong the chemical is, and now I am concerned about any (however microscopic) of this leeching into my bathwater and onto my skin. Material data sheets, now referred to as Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are prepared by those who sell chemical products. discovered that the fumes were coming through the vent in her bathroom. 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 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 . Thanks for sharing such a helpful information. Is it safe to bath in especially for my toddler??? It can and will save your life. So, it presents no long-term hazard to the resident. A fresh air system is critical. How to effectively get rid of bathtub resurface smell in my apartment? If your bathroom has a window, set a fan near it pointing outwards; this will help move air and dissipate the fumes. I think regulators should be aware of these dangers. Your blog has provided useful information for the work. Since Bathtub Refinishing can also be a consumer issue, another potential resource is Product Safety Australia http://www.productsafety.gov.au. Or should I leave? These instruments are non-specific and will measure other VOCs present in the area in addition to methylene chloride. Methylene chloride exposure may cause dizziness, fatigue, headaches, nausea, a feeling of intoxication, and eye, nose, and throat irritation. This is in Australia. thank you. The company who gave me 6 year warranty has disconnected the phone number. The specific effects of methylene chloride exposure will vary depending on several factors, such as the amount of methylene chloride the worker is exposed to, how long the exposure lasts, and whether the worker has a higher susceptibility (for example, having a preexisting heart condition). CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. 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). Bathtub refinishing is the process of restoring the surface of an old bathtub to improve the bathtubs appearance and repair surface damage. Now its already peeling. Good to see so much effort going into bringing awareness to bathtub refinishing in Waltham. I hope the fumes and the tub return to a safe level. "[The problem area] now takes up about a third of the bottom of the tub, because every time the water runs, more comes off," she says. 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. You should contact 911 and move to an area with fresh air (outside), or if possible open an window to let fresh air in. We cannot provide individual medical advice on the NIOSH Science Blog, but we suggest that you see a doctor. I figure if its being done, it must be safe, or why else would people do it? Very interesting. If you just bought a Mercedes, would you put a rubber mat on the roof? White asks. 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 vapors should subside after awhile and you should not be able to smell the strong odor. I could not believe how hard it was to even find a kit to purchase, which led me to wonder why. What to know about adding skylights to your NYC brownstone or apartment, How to evaluate different types of NYC contractor bids when you're renovating, New Yorkers moving out of state save more money on housing than taxes, 5 houses for sale in Margaretville, NY, a small town in the Catskills, 5 houses for sale in Sagaponack, the most expensive zip code in NY. Wow this is kinda hard to believe that even a thing such as messing with a bathtub can be so dangerous. 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. There are a few scratches and black marks from a previously installed shower door that was installed on the tub. If you need to go back and make any changes, you can always do so by going to our Privacy Policy page. Heart attacks may occur even before any other symptoms of methylene chloride exposure occur. The NIOSH studies pertained only to workers who were applying methylene chloride directly, and we have not studied consumer-related exposure. What's included in a deal sheet when you buy a NYC apartment? I have tried a couple of my wifes lotions to easy the burning, which has only made it worse.. any suggestion on what to take the stinging away.. Obviously, I would have paid any price to do this rather than suffer these sad consequences. 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. I would really like some reassurance. I had my bathtub refinished yesterday and the door to the bathroom had remained closed while the worker was doing the job. It hurt to know, the four of us where in a room together for what will be the very last time. Thetoxic fumesreleased during the processnot only make your apartment smell bad, theyre dangerous if not dealt with properly. I and my two other friends went to the hospital last night to say our goodbyes. It was a small job, and I messed up with the paint brush I used, leaving lines in the finished product. Melissa. I am a 48 year old single woman, who tries to do everything myself, and I am really concerned about how dangerous this is. My building was recently sold and our rent was raised by 100 percent. We will never promote an advertiser's product without making the relationship clear to our readers. What separates a good job from a not-so-good job is not so much how it looks, its the prep. 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. I started reading articles and ended up reading most of the comments in this blog. My apartment complex refinished nicks in tub. 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/. 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. Very helpful and will definitely be one of the things to look out for on my rehabs.. Great article. IF THE GLAZED TUB IS SCRATCHED LATER DOES THAT RELEASE TOXIC FUMES? Thats why we see it a lot in historic neighborhoods.. I thought it would be a simple spray paint job. I have an article on my site entitled Are Bathtub Refinishing Fumes Dangerous. As far as we are concerned, 2k urethane systems should not be allowed in residential use. 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. She said if its not life threatening then they wont do it. So how and why are these places allowed to keep doing that tub refinishing if its so dangerous?? I noticed the odor every time they went in or out of the room, and had the bedroom doors all closed. You can also use your favorite search engine and search using the following key words: Bathtub Porcelain Glaze MSDS Bathtub Refinishing Countertop Refinishing Vanity Refinishing Fiberglass Enclosures Wall Tile However, the human body can quickly become desensitized to the smell and a worker may be overexposed even if he or she can no longer smell it. I live in low income housing, a few years ago they said my tub need to be refinished. Second tub went smoother because I had a window to open for air circulation. Thanks for this information. There is also a short-term exposure limit (STEL) for which the average exposure cannot exceed 125 ppm over any 15-minute period. Thanks for sharing. 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. 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. If they continue, you should consult your doctor. I think people always take safety for too lightly. If this could be dangerous, government should put strict in purchasing this kind of toxic to avoid casualties for workers and even consumers. I usually like to do things myself, but I think I will have to find someone to do my bathtub repair in concord ma. 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 . I believe in situations like these, two or more workers would be present in the bathroom, when proper ventilation is impossible. Its in our best interest to devise a way to remove these coatings without harming ourselves or the environment. A bathtub replacement can cost around $2,900 on average and may add value to your property. See the NIOSH topic page dedicated to occupational safety and health hazards associated with Isocyanates (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/isocyanates/default.html). This is in response to Chris concerning isocyanates use in coatings. I went outside after he was finished. He wore proper equipment, however ventilation was not adequate. Do-it-yourself bathtub refinishing kits and professional refinishing products alike are not to be inhaled or absorbed by your skin. We need to care when the baths are refinished. and it was very helpful for people, In addition to the hazards of strippers, old porcelain bathtubs, sinks and tiles manufactured before the mid-1990s could also have lead in the glaze, which could leach into bathwater, or if sanded or scraped could form a dust that if ingested by young children (who touch it with bare skin) could cause lead poisoning. At least 14 workers have died since 2000 as a result of using stripping agents containing methylene chloride during bathtub refinishing. Methylene chloride cannot be smelled until the level in the air is higher than OSHAs permissible exposure limits (PELs). After the surface has dried, it is 100% safe to use the bathroom fixture. Lowering exposures, even below the permissible exposure limit (PEL), is considered to be good industrial hygiene practice. 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 do home remodeling in Dallas, and many homeowners want to try to salvage some tubs, which is cost effective for some, but certainly a chemical risk for the workers and I would think the homeowners need to be made aware of this type of chemical being used in their home. Its used to strip paint and varnish from furniture which will be refinished. I am exposing myself by soaking in this tub? My cat and I were both really sick afterwards and my cat has now passed on.no one told us to go anywhere else, my cat was unable to be transported anyway and so was I since Im handicapped. 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. 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. 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. Instead, many homeowners have the existing tub reglazed or refinished, which typically costs $300-$600, depending on the area and process. And that tub refinishing is at top of my list besides them running heat too much. 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. Proper ventilation and a proper fitting organic vapor respirator are an absolute requirement for DIY bathtub refinishing. Exposure to methylene chloride can be lethal. Dust masks do not protect you from bathtub refinishing vapors. I also had diarrhea several times this morning. i like it. I had my cast iron tub reglazed on a very hot humid day. I know this because the epoxy finish began peeling away within a couple months of daily use. 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 . I am thankful to those who began to get the word out to the general public, you have certainly saved lives by doing so. If you've been considering a bathroom remodel, then replacing an older tub might just make sense. Should add the bathroom door was closed with towel under it but small window open for two days. The paint in the bath tub is pealing off after one use. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. Most tubs can be reglazed if they are not overly damaged, but the process is generally recommended for steel, cast iron, or fiberglass tubs. The concentration of the exposure is important too. We do not have any information about leaching of polyurethane/acrylic bathtub finishing. The legal basis is Annex XVII of the REACH regulation. More needs to be done to protect the workers!. Thank you for your comment. Bathtub refinishing is also known as reglazing, or resurfacing. The fumes are strong in the bathroom so I have the bathroom door closed, vent on. Prolonged skin contact may cause irritation and even chemical burns. 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 used a paint scraper and razor to completely strip the tub. I think they want things swept under the carpet. I am a first time user of the refinishing kit. Bathtub. No warning that fumes would make me sick. Her writing on New York City, parenting, events, and culture has also appeared in Parents, Red Tricycle, BizBash, and Time Out New York. I washed the tub thoroughly and have been using it since. My friends name is Kevin H. The incident happened Thursday April 27th at 4pm. It a huge peeled off spot in the tub, dangerous to me? *Note that there are reports that a fresh air system is . I just bought this old house that has this beautiful tub if only it can get restored back to new. Wow! Lead poisoning is a serious risk for young kids. Usually coatings can be removed with a good razor scraper.sure it takes longer but it keeps me from using more harmful chemicals. on the dangers of isocyanates in coatings and application hazards. I now have a colostomy, urostomy,skin cancers and CKD(chronic kidney disease)with only one kidney working and that only functions at 15%.
Don Wilson Obituary Rochester, Ny,
Why Did Tom Kill Sarah's Parents In Slasher,
Articles T