I learned a lot and want to ask a question about the dangers. Very interesting. I will always do the research beforehand going forward. It won't last forever, but it's a pretty good temporary fix. The process commonly involves removing the bathtub's existing finish before applying a new coating, usually a synthetic finish such as polyurethane or epoxy. We have absolutely no ventilation in our apartment. It is unsafe that s why we recomendto contact a professional to stripit for you. Being relatively poor most of my life Ive always been a do-it-yourselfer. NIOSH work in this area only pertains to workers exposed when using stripping agents containing methylene chloride during bathtub refinishing. I figure if its being done, it must be safe, or why else would people do it? 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/. My best friend was killed two days ago due to over exposure while cleaning a bath tub. For example, if your pipes have burst, spilling water into the unit, a day or two may be reasonable, assuming that the landlord can employ a qualified repair person within that time period . DIY Bathtub Refinish Kit with SlipGuard in White. Our apartment filled with these toxic fumes. Which brand names or compounds should consumers ask for? It is now peeling off. Its used to strip paint and varnish from furniture which will be refinished. Thanks for this information. These comments do not represent the official views of CDC, and CDC does not guarantee that any 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. a great article! Your local health department may be able to provide assistance. 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. Its either not portable or cost prohibitive. Publication number 81-8c-2013. So, it should not present a long-term hazard to the resident and pets after the project is completed. I just rented a housing association flat with an unsightly, badly marked tub. The Environmental Protection Agency provides general information and resources on indoor air quality in apartments, see https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/indoor-air-quality-apartments. I am all for saving money and dont wish to come off like I dont appreciate the effort but if your already saving $5000 why not let a pro do it. I think there are actually regulations on workers on how long they may be subjected to this chemical during a work day. I think they want things swept under the carpet. There are exposure limits, but they are not based solely on how long a worker may be exposed to the chemical. The second method uses no chemical stripper but relies instead on scraping and mechanical sanding to remove bathtub finishes. Pre-leasing now launched at 595 Dean St., the newest rental development in Brooklyn's vibrant Prospect Heights, The roommate dilemma: It's much more expensive to rent an apartment in NYC all by yourself now. Is there any type of detector on the market that will detect high levels of methlene chloride vapors? I have never thought of this before! 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. 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. Absolutely agree with this article. Alternative products and processes exist for bathtub refinishing. The Centers for Disease Control has more information on lead hazards on their web site. According to OSHA, you must also provide local exhaust ventilation and make-up air to replace the vapors removed by the exhaust. Thank you for your comment. I take epsom salt baths and the salts are absorbed systemically. 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. The coating and sanding are done alternatively. And Bathtub Aliphatic Acrylic Urethane MSDS. Follow the links to the Material Data Safety Sheet (MSDS) that the search will find. You also want to keep shampoo bottles and other products off the surface, aswell as a mat with suction cups. (Airoldi'scontractor brought a fan and blew air out the bathroom window, and she was home during the job, but didn't find the smell intolerable.). Perfect for renters, apartment dwellers, and residential or commercial tubs, sinks, showers. "[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. I personally have never heard of this being such a serious problem. Thanks for sharing such a helpful article about bathtub refinishing. Our beloved pet went into respiratory failure the next day, was rushed to the ER and spent three nights in the veterinarian ICU. I will stress this to home owners wanting to get bathtub resurfacing done. 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. If the area is poorly ventilated (which is common in bathrooms) or the person doing the work isnt wearing the appropriate protective gear, they could stop breathing, or worsemethyl chloride has an effect similar to carbon monoxide poisoning. So, it should not present a long-term hazard to the residents after the project. [Its] a great way to make a grimy, stain-ridden bathtub look new again, says. No one deserves to go through this heartache of losing a friend, due to a situation that could have easily been avoided. I am sleeping in the living room under many blankets with the balcony door wide openis it safe? If you've been considering a bathroom remodel, then replacing an older tub might just make sense. If you are concerned about the smells, you could seek help from your local health department. 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. I think this should not be happening after 4 weeks but dont know what to do about it. I recently had our tub sresurfaced as well as kitchen counters done, and the smell was so strong I dont know how these guys can do this every day. 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. I am unknown form this . You get enough toxic chemicals in your daily life without adding additional products that harm you by breathing its toxic fumes or being absorbed into your skin. However, we have no information about the risks that might arise to the resident from exposure to the flaking surface of the refinished tub. It is an odd sized bathtub so I did not even consider ordering a replacement custom-made. If your bathroom has a window, set a fan near it pointing outwards; this will help move air and dissipate the fumes. Why is this not part of a home inspection, when you move into a house, built in 1950? He wore proper equipment, however ventilation was not adequate. We work a lot with paints and try to stay abreast of the dangers when working with chemicals, solvents and paint compounds. If it is an occupied apartment, they have to sign a waiver that they will be gone the required amount of time. After reading this post I think I can live with those scratches until I can hire a professional. 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. These instruments are non-specific and will measure other VOCs present in the area in addition to methylene chloride. 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. 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. tl;dr: Accidentally fell in the bathtub so hard it left a hole. My Landlord is planning on re glazing our tub and we are leaving for the weekend. This bathtub renovation option goes by many names resurfacing, recoating, refinishing or reglazing but has a pretty straightforward process. We use a spray-on compound that hardens to a polished and durable, like-new finish. Theyll also ensure adequate ventilation during the project, if necessary deploying powerful fans with duct extensions to exhaust hazardous vapors to the outdoors, says DeClerico. They take the dirt out but also take part of the glaze, he says. Thanks! Opening windows and moving away from areas with vapors can decrease or stop continued exposure. I cannot replace the tub without it being a major, expensive remodel. I was researching because i just had a bad experience. The bathroom was small, and the door was closed due to restricted access to the bathtub. I didnt think too much about it. Contact Us Today For A Free Bathtub Refinish Estimate Call [phone] or complete the contact form below for a FREE estimate! 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. There is not any ventilation in the bathroom either. Especially if chosen to be done in small places like a bathroom. 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. Its staff and technicians from any and . 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 . What's included in a deal sheet when you buy a NYC apartment? Did you know that the fumes from the chemical used to refinish or reglaze your bathtub can be hazardous to your health? Contractors who handle bathtub refinishing or reglazing are well-versed in the health risks and OSHA (the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Association) guidelines for risky jobs like these, making it an easy choice to bring in an expert for the task. 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. Posts: 19. Bathroom fans or open windows do not provide adequate 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? 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. Your blog has provided useful information for the work. Is there some disconnect between science, policy and legal enforcement? Thank you for sharing this useful information. Thanks to those whoever posted this article. 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. If you need to go back and make any changes, you can always do so by going to our Privacy Policy page. Thank you for your comment. What if your bathtub could be transformed in one day from embarrassing to your bathroom's sparkling centerpiece? What separates a good job from a not-so-good job is not so much how it looks, its the prep. And that tub refinishing is at top of my list besides them running heat too much. They agreed to resurface it for me as they would not replace it. 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. 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. Ask Sam: I saw my apartment on a listing site, but I havent received any notice from my landlord. I had no problems with it and thought they knew what they were doing as it happens all the time here. very good and helpful post thanks to author. Since Bathtub Refinishing can also be a consumer issue, another potential resource is Product Safety Australia http://www.productsafety.gov.au. It always falls on us, to make sure, inspections we pay for, cover areas of higher hazard. Her writing on New York City, parenting, events, and culture has also appeared in Parents, Red Tricycle, BizBash, and Time Out New York. If the job is not done right it starts to peel, he says. The fumes are stronger fumes so we do not allow anyone to be in the apartment for 8 hours. 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. I have learned some incredible information in this report. I live in low income housing, a few years ago they said my tub need to be refinished. A bathtub in our old home was reglazed a few weeks ago. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DRY SO NO DANGEROUS FUMES? A great thanks to you to let us know about the fact. I remember my grandfather saying something about antifreeze having that safety precaution I believe. She is the recipient of two awards from the National Association of Real Estate Editors for interior design and service journalism. 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. Does anyone know if I should be worried? Material data sheets, now referred to as Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are prepared by those who sell chemical products. I had my bathroom resurfaced including the bathtub 4 weeks ago. 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. I regret it so much now and want the tub out of the house. I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects of such dangerous products.I think this type of finish should be banned.This is great information to share to hopefully make us more aware and careful. Located at [http://www.refinishersonline.com] and I helped in two the studies before this report was finalized. It is definitely a good idea to ventilate the area as much as possible to remove the residual vapors. 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. 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. Im a Painting Contractor in Anchorage, Alaska and this is a really good post for me to see! Never stay where resurfacing is being done. ive found a majority of the time the diy kits people use never adhere well. You may want to ask the installer for the products safety data sheet which may have useful information on curing times and precautions. loss or damage resulting from reliance on any such information. Thanks for your comment. This toxic chemical which is known to be carcinogenic is still used with no warnings of the dangers. Takes longer and cost more but the client can pay the labor or feel free to do it themselves. The two maintenance men pulled the man off of the tub. 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. There were 13 Fatal Exposures to Methylene Chloride Paint Strippers Among Bathtub Refinishers in the last decade. (Centers for Disease Control) Not to mention those who experience unexplained symptoms that go undiagnosed that may also be caused from these dangerous bathtub refinishing and paint stripping chemicals. 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. How much should you renovate your NYC apartment before selling it? I would like to know. I wish I had read this blog before the procedure. Our apartment building had the next apt tub realized these morons did this in winter and there was no windows open. TENANT INSTRUCTIONS: . If I do decide to hire a professional, I will make sure they have the ventilation equipment described here. Im positing now with the hope it may influence one decision. I feel sure many, many more have died from methylene chloride than we know why is this so? My friends name is Kevin H. The incident happened Thursday April 27th at 4pm. 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. Thanks for the post on this. Mostly problem is that it can broken. I noticed the odor every time they went in or out of the room, and had the bedroom doors all closed. Bathtub. Thanks for your comment. I am ok with both tub and tile appearance until I can afford a replacement/bath remodel. I am concerned about having a surface that is toxic and that can harm my family in the long run.
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