When there is not a properly designed local exhaust ventilation system to remove vapors, the workers should have used full-face supplied-air respirators, protective gloves, and other appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) that is resistant to methylene chloride during the entire refinishing process. Do-it-yourself bathtub refinishing kits and professional refinishing products alike are not to be inhaled or absorbed by your skin. 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 chloride is extremely dangerous when not used properly. The past three days have been the hardest in my entire life. After collecting these samples following the NIOSH analytical method the samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis. From now we must be aware if wanna to do that. I have actually replaced a dead refinisher who has lossed his life stripping a bathtub. 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? 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. I would really like some reassurance. 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. Its in our best interest to devise a way to remove these coatings without harming ourselves or the environment. 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. That is pretty serious stuff. Publication number 81-8b-2012, Successful bathtub stripping using sanding as an alternative to methylene chloride Long story short, today my face is red as a tomato and I feel very unsettled and almost as if i drank 3 beer. But if we get together as a group of experienced bathtub refinishers I am positive that we can come up with a simple solution that will keep us safe. Publication number 81-8c-2013. Proper ventilation and a proper fitting organic vapor respirator are an absolute requirement for DIY bathtub refinishing. If I do decide to hire a professional, I will make sure they have the ventilation equipment described here. 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). I have asked for the list of chemicals they use but have not heard anything. Is that legal? Being relatively poor most of my life Ive always been a do-it-yourselfer. 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. We are in a rental and I had to stop allowing my daughter to take baths because its everywhere. 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. Lowering exposures, even below the PEL, is considered to be good industrial hygiene practice. It has one small rust stain and is still moderately shiny. Its good to know that if you have your bathtub reglazed, you much have proper ventilation. It was a cold day, so I went back inside. I know this because the epoxy finish began peeling away within a couple months of daily use. 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. Note that humidity affects both dry time and how well the topcoat bonds to the surface, so the cool, less-humid seasons of fall or spring providethe best conditions for this type of work. I didnt realize this was so deadly. Now its already peeling. I just rented a house. She enjoyed improving discarded furniture, then selling it it was like art to her. I understand the dangers of the application process, but what about the 2/3 days following the reglazing? Vapors from this liquid can collect in the bottom of the tub and cause the person refinishing the tub to asphyxiate or even suffer from a heart attack because methyl chloride turns to carbon monoxide in the body, cutting off oxygen supply. Which brand names or compounds should consumers ask for? Tenant and all occupants in the apartment hereby release Bathtub Refinishing and Fiberglass Expert. 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. This research only focused on worker methylene chloride exposures during bathtub refinishing. Migraine, dizzy, shortness of breath. Follow good housekeeping measures, including spill and leak control and appropriate personal hygiene practices (such as making skin washing areas available to workers). Usually coatings can be removed with a good razor scraper.sure it takes longer but it keeps me from using more harmful chemicals. Bathtub refinishing is the process of restoring the surface of an old bathtub to improve the bathtub's appearance and repair surface damage. Can you give me any help in researching to determine if the polyurethane/acrylic finishes leaches? Qualified pros will have all the necessary protective gear, including coveralls and masks with HEPA air filters. The following recommendations on respirator use are in the NIOSH/OSHA Alert. However, we have no information about the risks that might arise to the resident from exposure to the flaking surface of the refinished tub. Stripping products may also contain flammable solvents and flammability may be a concern. Thank you for spreading the word on the importance of this! After the surface has dried, it is 100% safe to use the bathroom fixture. Hi I have very sensitive skin, and covered in psoriasis and eczema. After working in retail for many years, my mother retired, began buying and refinishing furniture. Or will we be ok?? If it is an occupied apartment, they have to sign a waiver that they will be gone the required amount of time. I blog often and I really appreciate your content. Thanks for your comment. Thank you. What is the LEAST TOXIC alternative for bathtub reglazing? Also you should understand between difference between Refinishing (without removing the old layer first) and Reglazing (stripping off the previous coating and sanding down the tub) a Bathtub. You should ask the installer to check that the product was applied correctly. There is apparently limited research on this issue, but there are case studies of some children getting lead poisoning from bathing in an old bathtub that was leaching lead. I have blocked the drain over night but it did not eliminate the smell. 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. The NIOSH studies pertained only to workers who were applying methylene chloride directly, and we have not studied consumer-related exposure. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. "[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. The most dangerous part of the bathtub refinishing process is inhaling the fumes associated with the job. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. Your blog has provided useful information for the work. When working with stripper or using solvents,acid,etcas well as applying your refinishing product.ALWAYS USE A FRESH-AIR SYSTEM..NOT MASKSmasks leak so they dont give the protection you need for long term exposure.I use a mask only when Im outside mixing or gathering my equipment when the job is finished and I should be using the fresh air system while I do that.Also cover your skinsome of these chemical will get into your body through your skin.Good LuckKeep yourself safe..DO YOUR RESEARCH. NIOSH research and prevention efforts focus on worker risk, so we are not able to address this kind of exposure. However, during the refinishing process, it is not possible for us to guess what the airborne concentration of methylene chloride may be in your home without knowing how the workers will be using methylene chloride and how they plan to ventilate the work area and the house. You may want to contact Product Safety Australia http://www.productsafety.gov.au, who assists with consumer concerns like the one you posted. I had my bathroom resurfaced including the bathtub 4 weeks ago. This seems informative and makes a very nice image on the topic in my mind. 21 people who I worked with at that time have all died,one very recently with cancer. Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and would have fully evaporated shortly after the project was completed. 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. My building was recently sold and our rent was raised by 100 percent. This is great information to share to hopefully make us more aware and careful. Find them at: http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Research/Pubs/#General We recommend that you consult your personal physician about your health issues, and your local health department for assistance with the building management. 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. In September 2011, a worker using a product containing methylene chloride to strip the glaze from a bathtub collapsed in the bathtub and later died. Thats why we see it a lot in historic neighborhoods.. And again, dont be afraid to ask. Thanks for your comment. The toxins became so concentrated in a short period of time due to lack if ventilation and confined space. If you've been considering a bathroom remodel, then replacing an older tub might just make sense. If youre nervous, leaving your apartment for the duration of the job is always an option. NIOSH cannot provide individual medical advice. CDR Hall is the Deputy Branch Chief of the Engineering and Physical Hazards Branch in the NIOSH Division of Applied Research and Technology. Jimmy White of Staten Island-based Custom Spraying and Reglazing, who has been doing it for more than 30 years and is considered the reglazer to the starsheworked on Faye Dunaway's and Candace Bergens bathroomssays it can be done in a few hours, plus 24 hours of dry time. 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. How can -re-glazers be allowed to do this line of work if it is dangerous to everyone involved? 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. Refinishing Porcelain & Fiberglass Bathtub Reglazing/Refinishing Service. She wont fix it since they are going to remodel in the future. Thetoxic fumesreleased during the processnot only make your apartment smell bad. Thanks! If you are referring to paint strippers (which is what methylene Chloride is used for) one consideration would be using alternative methods, such as sanding. We had one bathtub redone in our old house a few years ago but I think they just re-coated it. Is it safe to bath in especially for my toddler??? 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. 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. Its the very first time I call at your blog, however was very impressed. All are members dread strip jobs.Frankly I dont know why someone would choose them. If I had of done a little research I guess I would of been more informed. Especially if chosen to be done in small places like a bathroom. We share your concern for the workers who worked on the tub in a confined space with the door closed. It is the first time I visit your blog, but I was extremely impressed. Thorough prep and and cleaning can preventbig headaches down the road. 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. Now what about substances that are used in bathtub refinishing as final top-coats such as Aliphatic Acrylic Urethane, or, another, as one company advertises: Porcelain Glaze-a new type of chemical finish. What is porcelain glaze? I had my cast iron tub reglazed on a very hot humid day. If you just bought a Mercedes, would you put a rubber mat on the roof? White asks. i like it. The company who gave me 6 year warranty has disconnected the phone number. A person directly outside the door and 30 seconds could have saved our best friends life. Long-term exposure may cause cancer in humans. The bath was not stripped just resurfaced with a very thin layer of the napco product paint. (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. *Note that there are reports that a fresh air system is . She said if its not life threatening then they wont do it. (Obviously, no, but you get the idea.). During this process, the holes and cracks in the bathtub will also be repaired. 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. I went to clean out the tub to take another shower myself and by just barely cleaning it a whole bunch of paint came off, like over a foot and I was just barely scrubbing! Our beloved pet went into respiratory failure the next day, was rushed to the ER and spent three nights in the veterinarian ICU. 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. Effective ventilation would have to be ensured in order to shield the worker from toxic fumes of the process. Perhaps this us not the case. I use it in good ventilation and, if Im going to be doing much work, I use a respirator. My puppy also is constantly licking the floor. Remove the overflow plate from the tub and begin the caulk removal stage.Start by removing the caulk around the tub where it meets the tile surround. We understand the importance of protecting ourselves, the environment and most importantly our customers. Price changing out your bathtubs before ever considering a refinishing product that is known to be toxic! Keep posting as I am gonna come to read it everyday! Of course I wont be using it for a good week or so just to be safe, but I dont even use bleach or Flash to clean my tub because of the chemicals getting into the bathwater; even rinsing thoroughly. Thank you. There are exposure limits, but they are not based solely on how long a worker may be exposed to the chemical. It feels toxic, but no one has instructed me to leave, so am I to assume that I am safe? Ill mention it to my readers on my real estate site. Thanks to those whoever posted this article. Also I have asthma, and after the job was done today I cant stop wheezing. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DRY SO NO DANGEROUS FUMES? The only ventilation in the hours between the reglazing and now was provided by the slatted windows in the bathroom. The tub needs to go. My business is in the UK, safety of workers is as important over here. I like taking baths, but will not do so in this tub now knowing how unhealthy it actually is. This is poor. 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. I would also like to issue one other caveat. Successful bathtub stripping with benzyl alcohol as an alternative to methylene chloride-based paint strippers If proper ventilation is not possible, there needs to be a supervisor on watch in the room, or at least directly outside the door, ready to open immediately if the worker inside does not verbally respond to continuous 30 second verbal safety checks. I own a home built in 1940 and have been considering getting my cast iron bathtub refinished. Coatings suitable for bathtub reglazing include: You can use these materials on several surfaces, including acrylic, ceramic, porcelain, and fiberglass bathtubs. Great article. 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. I opted in for your Feed too. 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/ ). Our apartment filled with these toxic fumes. A bathtub replacement can cost around $2,900 on average and may add value to your property. Bathtub refinishing is the process of restoring the surface of an old bathtub to improve the bathtubs appearance and repair surface damage. Contact me via e-mail [email protected] and send me your ideas. We should all gather together and come up with solutions that are even better than what we are presented with now. And I havent been able to use mine in years to due mobility being so compromised. 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. Prolonged skin contact may cause irritation and even chemical burns. Dont do it if you have to stay in your home immediately after. It is an odd sized bathtub so I did not even consider ordering a replacement custom-made. Not worth it. My apartment is very small and I sat in bedroom with my elderly cat not 20 feet away. This is in Australia. 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. THANK YOU! I hope many people will now be thinking at least thrice before making use of such chemicals. For consumer-related questions after the tub has been refurbished, please contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission. A bathtub replacement can cost around $2,900 on average and may add value to your property. Its better not to use methylene chloride for the safety of everybody. Material data sheets, now referred to as Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are prepared by those who sell chemical products. very good and helpful post thanks to author. Employers must ensure that workers are not exposed to levels above OSHAs permissible exposure limits (PELs) of 25 parts per million (ppm) over an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) and 125 ppm over any 15-minute period (short-term exposure limit or STEL) (29 CFR 1910.1052(c)). Its also useful to mention that there are different types of chemicals which use MC as an active ingredient. Ask Sam: I saw my apartment on a listing site, but I havent received any notice from my landlord. Half-mask respirators may NOT be used because methylene chloride may cause eye irritation or damage. Thanks so much for the info! I have learned some incredible information in this report. Their cost is at least twice as expensive as Miracle Method refinishing and can take up to 3 to 4 weeks from ordering to installation. I live in low income housing, a few years ago they said my tub need to be refinished. Instead, many homeowners have the existing tub reglazed or refinished, which typically costs $300-$600, depending on the area and process. thank you so much. These cookies may also be used for advertising purposes by these third parties. Its like trying to paint a car yourself. What a great reminder to always plan for and wear personal protective equipment. Good to see so much effort going into bringing awareness to bathtub refinishing in Waltham. Ive asked for a materials data sheet and nothing. I use a flexible flat blade scraper and then sand with an aggressive grit. 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. It a huge peeled off spot in the tub, dangerous to me? Bathtub. Many stripping products (including those that may also be available to consumers) contain high percentages of methylene chloride. This study is great for warning against the potential dangers. Quite naive of me. Gerda. According to OSHA, you must also provide local exhaust ventilation and make-up air to replace the vapors removed by the exhaust. 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. These cookies perform functions like remembering presentation options or choices and, in some cases, delivery of web content that based on self-identified area of interests. Methylene chloride is extremely dangerous when not used properly, this is an understatement, but Im glad its finally being brought to peoples attention. If you need to go back and make any changes, you can always do so by going to our Privacy Policy page. Bathtub Refinishing Countertop Refinishing Vanity Refinishing Fiberglass Enclosures Wall Tile Thanks. If you have concerns you should discuss them with a medical professional. 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. The use of methylene chloride can be reduced significantly by professionals. I have been refinishing tubs for 23 years. Vanity of a tub isnt worth it. 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. Other uses, such as use by professionals outside industrial installations or household use by individuals is forbidden. Step 1: Set up the ventilation system. In order to assess learn more about the products that are being used for the re-glazing, assess the air quality of your apartment, prevent exposure or remediate any hazards, seek assistance from the building owner or manager. The fumes are stronger fumes so we do not allow anyone to be in the apartment for 8 hours. Thank you so much for this great article and hope that others now are aware of the safety measures that need to be followed. The legal basis is Annex XVII of the REACH regulation. These are classified as potential human carcinogens according to the U.S. Department of Labor, and protective gear should be worn when working with them. Im going to book mark your blog and keep checking for new information about once per week. Why? Contact Us Today For A Free Bathtub Refinish Estimate Call [phone] or complete the contact form below for a FREE estimate! Thanks for sharing. Really I like got very valuable information here and Looking forward to read your Upcoming Post. 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. Perfect for renters, apartment dwellers, and residential or commercial tubs, sinks, showers. Thank you so much! Her writing on New York City, parenting, events, and culture has also appeared in Parents, Red Tricycle, BizBash, and Time Out New York. Having your bathtub professionally refinished will cost around $460 (the national average), but you can expect to pay between $200 to $900 depending on the type of tub you have and the cost of labor in your location. 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. 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. And, are there any substances that are dangerous and can later leach into bath water and be absorbed by the skin? You should contact 911 and move to an area with fresh air (outside), or if possible open an window to let fresh air in. During the entire refinishing process, the room should be adequately ventilated to protect workers. No warning that fumes would make me sick. It can and will save your life. on the dangers of isocyanates in coatings and application hazards. I had no choice but to return home. Thank you for the great information. Himmelstein McConnell Gribben & Joseph LLP. The concentration of the exposure is important too. Thanks for your comment.