A lot of times when a solvent stinks, you realize you need the right protective equipment and ventilation. NIOSH work in this area only pertains to workers exposed when using stripping agents containing methylene chloride during bathtub refinishing. The NIOSH studies pertained only to workers who were applying methylene chloride directly, and we have not studied consumer-related exposure. Will these chemicals be leaching out of the surface, presenting a health concern from contact? What that means is that at room temperature, methylene chloride will evaporate very rapidly, much more rapidly than water. IT IS REALLY VERY HELPFUL FOR ME.I LIKE YOUR POST BECAUSE IT IS VERY USEFUL FOR ME AS WELL. Usually coatings can be removed with a good razor scraper.sure it takes longer but it keeps me from using more harmful chemicals. Dear Mr. Ronald M. Hall, you probably save my life with this article! Bathtub refinishing is also known as reglazing, or resurfacing. I use all chemical-free products to clean, and cannot use otherwise or it affects me. Its highly toxic Teri. However no one is to blame, and no one is at fault. I feel sure many, many more have died from methylene chloride than we know why is this so? I think this should not be happening after 4 weeks but dont know what to do about it. I blog often and I really appreciate your content. 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. 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. The bathtub/shower in my apartment was reglazed this morning. I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects Bathtub refinishing of such dangerous products. Our apartment filled with these toxic fumes. Not worth it. This is a great article. We had one bathtub redone in our old house a few years ago but I think they just re-coated it. Things just happen and when its our time to go, we go. Cookies used to enable you to share pages and content that you find interesting on CDC.gov through third party social networking and other websites. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. The two maintenance men pulled the man off of the tub. I will stress this to home owners wanting to get bathtub resurfacing done. If they continue, you should consult your doctor. We have had a terrible experience. Bathtub Refinishing vs. Liner: Whats Right for Your Home. Follow good housekeeping measures, including spill and leak control and appropriate personal hygiene practices (such as making skin washing areas available to workers). Because this process, which involves spraying a new topcoat on your existing tub and/or tile, is significantly cheaper, easier, cleaner, and less time-consuming than actually replacing a tub. Himmelstein McConnell Gribben & Joseph LLP. He was formally pronounced brain dead at the hospital, the same day of the incident. Then, remove any cover plates, drain plugs and bathtub spouts. What is the difference between a muntin and a mullion and are they still used in windows? Agree with your perspective. Almost any color or appearance can be achieved, including the look of natural stone or marble. My head and stomach hurts, and I have a bad taste in my mouth. If the job is not done right it starts to peel, he says. ), [Its] a great way to make a grimy, stain-ridden bathtub look new again, says Dan DiClerico, HomeAdvisor'ssmart home strategistand home expert. White uses a portable fume exhauster, and HVLP, or high-volume, low-pressure sprayers, which produce less overspray. tl;dr: Accidentally fell in the bathtub so hard it left a hole. We pride ourselves on the work we do and strive to provide the best quality service in the refinishing and resurfacing industry. I guess this is one of those occupational hazard jobs when doing bathtub refinishing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. Now Im cleaning up the interior; its not in terrible condition, but it has a few chips and the surface is not as smooth as Id like. Right now, I am surrounded by vacant apartments, and the new owner is reglazing all of the tubs. Long story short, today my face is red as a tomato and I feel very unsettled and almost as if i drank 3 beer. (323) 396-1030. sales@reglazinglosangeles.com. 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. Other uses, such as use by professionals outside industrial installations or household use by individuals is forbidden. When methylene chloride enters the human body, it affects brain function, such as concentration. I cannot replace the tub without it being a major, expensive remodel. Im going to book mark your blog and keep checking for new information about once per week. However, it's not necessary if the bathroom is properly ventilated. thanks Ron Hall for such a valuable information, its horrible, why its still available in the market, it should be banned from the market. My friend was left to work alone in the small enclosed space, with out supervision. There is an incredible amount of data If this could be dangerous, government should put strict in purchasing this kind of toxic to avoid casualties for workers and even consumers. I think people always take safety for too lightly. These cookies may also be used for advertising purposes by these third parties. If you have concerns you should discuss them with a medical professional. Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and will fully evaporate shortly after the project is completed. Bathtub refinishing is the process of restoring the surface of an old bathtub to improve the bathtub's appearance and repair surface damage. We will never promote an advertiser's product without making the relationship clear to our readers. I worked at [Company name removed] for 14years. For example, if you have a beautiful clawfoot tub made from heavy cast iron, refinishing is absolutely the way to go. Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and would fully evaporate shortly after a project is completed. a great article! I already have cancer, my throat was raw and I had a headache. I have read reglazing tub reviews where a few customers couldn't take the scent while others had no issue with the bathtub reglazing odor. We would appreciate your assistance in circulating the information in this blog and the Hazard Alert to those involved in bathtub refinishing. I noticed the odor every time they went in or out of the room, and had the bedroom doors all closed. 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. Thank you for taking the time to confirm your preferences. 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. Keep posting at all like me gonna turned up at write out paper everyday! Last night I went to bed with a headache, then vomited on and off throughout the night. Sad to hear, but at least proves to me that I was right! 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. 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. My tub will soon be refinished and I am glad I have read this article. Brooklyn resident Emily Gilbert had her familys tub and part of the bathroom wall reglazed four-and-a-half years ago (, Moving to NYC after college? 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. Many stripping products (including those that may also be available to consumers) contain high percentages of methylene chloride. 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. A bathtub replacement can cost around $2,900 on average and may add value to your property. She wont fix it since they are going to remodel in the future. I regret it so much! I didnt realize this was so deadly. She is the recipient of two awards from the National Association of Real Estate Editors for interior design and service journalism. Comments listed below are posted by individuals not associated with CDC, unless otherwise stated. I am a 48 year old single woman, who tries to do everything myself, and I am really concerned about how dangerous this is. Hello. How to get your plans past the board, 3 NYC apartment bathroom renovation veterans on what they learned from the process, How to read a NYC co-op or condo buildings financial statement. 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. Never stay where resurfacing is being done. Are these chemicals only toxic while being applied, or can they still be harmful later as used? Keep posting as I am gonna come to read it everyday! 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. They were wearing some gas mask type stuff while they were doing it, but I have noticed even after spraying the fumes were strong; and I was outside when they did this. Here's how to do it, How buying real estate in NYC is unlike anywhere else, A guide to using a no-fee renovation loan from a NYC real estate firm, How to make your NYC renovation more pet-friendly, From Boerum Hill to Prospect Lefferts Gardens: After years of renting, we wanted to buy a condo with amenities, What to know about buying in Briarwood, Queens, where you may score a house with a driveway and garage. MC is not flammable on its own. I have no shower, only this bath and no space for one. UNTIL RE-GLAZED? It is now 5:30 p.m., and the fumes in the apartment are too much to bear. 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. Melissa. You also want to keep shampoo bottles and other products off the surface, aswell as a mat with suction cups. I have blocked the drain over night but it did not eliminate the smell. It was a cold day, so I went back inside. Today, my apartment filled with fumes, and I feel sick. Price changing out your bathtubs before ever considering a refinishing product that is known to be toxic! 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! I have actually replaced a dead refinisher who has lossed his life stripping a bathtub. Maybe others reading this blog will be able to help point you in the right direction. Or will we be ok?? 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). But I keep on hitting dead ends. This Northern California real estate agent is living the green Dream. When we find a company to do it, Ill be sure to make sure that there is plenty of fresh air. I have no experience in this type of work, my day job is a guidance counselor, but I started thinking about how we might prevent these fatalities from happening going forward, if using MC. 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. Its generally a task best performed by professionals due to the hazardous chemicals involved. I would concenr it to home owners wanting to get bathtub resurfacing done. You can also use your favorite search engine and search using the following key words: Bathtub Porcelain Glaze MSDS I will always do the research beforehand going forward. Contact Us Today For A Free Bathtub Refinish Estimate Call [phone] or complete the contact form below for a FREE estimate! Is that legal? 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. 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. Since methylene chloride is a volatile organic compound that will evaporate faster when sprayed, brushed, or poured, the chemical vapors can quickly build up in small spaces. We are not familiar with the finishes you mention. Unfortunately, manufacturers tend to play-down the immediate and especially long-term exposure risks from degassing (fumes) that occur perhaps over the next month or more. The fumes are stronger fumes so we do not allow anyone to be in the apartment for 8 hours. It is definitely a good idea to ventilate the area as much as possible to remove the residual vapors. Thank for sharing about bathtub refinishing. NIOSH has continued to try to get the word out to workers and employers about the risks of working with methylene chloride. Please, if you know anyone who refinishes bathtubs, make sure they are VERY AWARE of the dangers and the different situations. I was doing some research on tub reglazing when I found this article. We are inconsolable. Refinishing is also the best option with antique tubs that dont lend themselves to relining. 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. I also had diarrhea several times this morning. My tub was removed from my home and refinished by a company here in Portland, OR. As a point of comparison, water boils at 212 F and has a room temperature vapor pressure of 17 mmHg. As a result, most tenants moved. However, products are more dangerous when they are sweet smelling, and as your article states your are already exposed once you smell it. 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 am sleeping in the living room under many blankets with the balcony door wide openis it safe? If the chemical you are using is marked as flammable then you can be sure that it is not 100% MC. I have one side of my nose feeling congested and post nasal drip and a headache. Surface Designers have been in business for over 20 years resurfacing bathtubs and countertops. Just wonderful post, personally i am very interested for this topic. Second tub went smoother because I had a window to open for air circulation. I sure wish homeowners not use those diy Kits. Reglazing a tub doesnt actually take that long to do. 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. Thanks for sharing such a helpful information. The odor is still very strong and I am wondering how long it will take before I can go back in that room? I started reading articles and ended up reading most of the comments in this blog. Bathtub Refinishing Countertop Refinishing Vanity Refinishing Fiberglass Enclosures Wall Tile I think they want things swept under the carpet. If you are concerned for your pets, it may be a good idea to remove them from the home during the stripping process. Very interesting. Im also dealing with such kinds of things because Im a plumber by profession. I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects Bathtub refinishing of such dangerous products. 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/ ). Its thick, full-seal coating restores tub surfaces to a "like new" bright gloss. Her writing on New York City, parenting, events, and culture has also appeared in Parents, Red Tricycle, BizBash, and Time Out New York. 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 . It feels toxic, but no one has instructed me to leave, so am I to assume that I am safe? What is the LEAST TOXIC alternative for bathtub reglazing? More needs to be done to protect the workers!. As exposure increases so do the health effects, with a potential for suffocation, loss of consciousness, coma, and sudden death. Thank you for spreading the word on the importance of this! Patrick. Methylene chloride cannot be smelled until the level in the air is higher than OSHAs permissible exposure limits (PELs). Hello Lowering exposures, even below the PEL, is considered to be good industrial hygiene practice. "My glazing lasted three weeks before it began to peel from a tiny spot in the center of the tub," she says. Earlier this week NIOSH and OSHA released a joint Hazard Alert titled Methylene Chloride Hazards for Bathtub Refinishers. Some healthcare providers specialize in assessing environmental exposures (see http://www.aoec.org/index.htm). I own a small bathtub refinishing business and we have committed to stay away from M.C. These chemicals are no joke and need to be taken seriously. https://www.publicintegrity.org/2015/09/21/17991/common-solvent-keeps-killing-workers-consumers. Thats why we see it a lot in historic neighborhoods.. We should all gather together and come up with solutions that are even better than what we are presented with now. There is also a short-term exposure limit (STEL) for which the average exposure cannot exceed 125 ppm over any 15-minute period. This is a moderated site and your comments will be reviewed before they are posted. I found out the hard way. Some refinishing products may last longer than others, as with professional-grade finishers and DIY kits. Please take proper safety precautions, as well as warn others of these seriously dangerous situations. Thank you! Avoid use of methylene chloride or minimize the amount of methylene chloride used at each site. The standard also sets a 12.5 ppm action level (AL) which triggers periodic monitoring and medical surveillance provisions. Its also useful to mention that there are different types of chemicals which use MC as an active ingredient. Thank you for sharing this useful information. Hovering over a bathtub, unprotected, while stripping it would overtake anyone in a very short amount of time. 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. Our apartment building had the next apt tub realized these morons did this in winter and there was no windows open. 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. So, once workers can smell methylene chloride they are already being overexposed. Needless to say, I was shocked, I am taken aback by the statistics. Is there any danger that the enamel could have absorbed the refinishing chemicals to be released into my bath water at this later date? Products containing methylene chloride should be avoided when possible. I am exposing myself by soaking in this tub? These comments do not represent the official views of CDC, and CDC does not guarantee that any Works on all types of surfaces. Thank you for your comment. 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. 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. In order to assess whether you may be experiencing health effects due to a toxic exposure, seek a medical evaluation from a healthcare provider. Ms. Scott thank you for your interest in our blog Dangers of Bathtub Refinishing and your question regarding how to assess exposure to toxic vapors. Capital region housing in edmonton is the worst. *Note that there are reports that a fresh air system is . Unless you have access to all the necessary protective clothing and equipment and are confident in your bathrooms ventilation system as well as your DIY capabilities, you should hire a professional to handle it. 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. The toxins became so concentrated in a short period of time due to lack if ventilation and confined space. Step 1: Remove Tub Hardware Shut off the water supply to your tub and drain any water from the line before you begin. This seems informative and makes a very nice image on the topic in my mind. She and her contractor agreed to wait until the weather cooledto remedy the situation. Migraine, dizzy, shortness of breath. 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? God bless you! Methylene chlorides boiling point is just over 100 F, and has a vapor pressure of 350 mmHg. Use a qualified occupational safety and health specialist to assist in the design and installation of local exhaust ventilation (LEV) to effectively control vapors to below applicable PELs. Without a thorough investigation of the respirator, process used, and procedures it would be hard to identify the source of this adverse effect. 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. My cat was crying and jumping on the door to get out. All the tips in the post are great. I have been thinking about reglazing our kitchen countertop (tiles). The product they used is from Napco and is supposed to a lot less toxic than other products. What if your bathtub could be transformed in one day from embarrassing to your bathroom's sparkling centerpiece? If your bathroom has a window, set a fan near it pointing outwards; this will help move air and dissipate the fumes. They were all exposed to open tanks of Methylene Chloride and cutting up bodies causing carbon monoxide. Changing up your tub is a great way to give your bathroom a makeover on a budget, Visit the Solution Center to Explore Articles. Id thought of using a refinishing kit, but after reading this, I guess Ill just live with the chip. It was not difficult and required no chemicals; the refinisher evidently did a very poor job of it. I live in a small one bedroom apartment and I just had my tub resurfaced. The tub needs to go. But the air looked pretty fume filled to me This is a nightmare for someone with my health issues! Thanks for the post on this. The NIOSH studies pertained only to workers who were applying methylene chloride (paint stripper) directly, and we have not studied consumer-related exposure. if we do we get evicted. NIOSH analytical method 1001 is typically used to sample for methylene chloride in a workers breathing zone. Bathtub refinishing is very dangerous. He wore proper equipment, however ventilation was not adequate. Thanks. 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. 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. They hold soap scum, body oils, dirt, basically everything that comes off the human body will form a paste of scum. Fumes associated with bathtub stripping chemicals have taken the lives of those that did not follow the warnings on the product. 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.. 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. It won't last forever, but it's a pretty good temporary fix. I have never thought of this before! Tenant and all occupants in the apartment hereby release Bathtub Refinishing and Fiberglass Expert. It has one small rust stain and is still moderately shiny. THANK YOU! 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. 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. Hi, so I had my bathtub reglazed in March. Thanks for sharing such a helpful article about bathtub refinishing. Does anyone know what would cause the reglazing to peel and chip from the tub?