It is now 5:30 p.m., and the fumes in the apartment are too much to bear. Always wear hand and eye protection. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DRY SO NO DANGEROUS FUMES? Hi, so I had my bathtub reglazed in March. Refinishing is also the best option with antique tubs that dont lend themselves to relining. 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. Thank you so much for this great article and hope that others now are aware of the safety measures that need to be followed. I own a home built in 1940 and have been considering getting my cast iron bathtub refinished. Publication number 81-8c-2013. I think people always take safety for too lightly. 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. 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. If you are concerned for your pets, it may be a good idea to remove them from the home during the stripping process. Himmelstein McConnell Gribben & Joseph LLP. 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. NIOSH work in this area only pertains to workers exposed when using stripping agents containing methylene chloride during bathtub refinishing. If youre nervous, leaving your apartment for the duration of the job is always an option. I already have cancer, my throat was raw and I had a headache. As a research agency, we do not have regulatory authority over the labeling or regulating on how methylene chloride is sold. Never stay where resurfacing is being done. We have had a terrible experience. Reglazing involves stripping off the previous coating and sanding down the tub. My apartment manager refinished my bathtub about 2 1/2 years ago instead of buying a new one. Refinishing a tub consists of applying a new chemical coating with a special brush or roller to an acrylic, porcelain, fiberglass, or cultured marble bathtub without removing the old layer first. 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. How much should you renovate your NYC apartment before selling it? Every 10 minutes or so I would have to leave and go outside because my eyes burning so bad. Ive read some incredible information in this article. 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. 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. Half-mask respirators may NOT be used because methylene chloride may cause eye irritation or damage. However, we have no information about the risks that might arise to the resident from exposure to the flaking surface of the refinished tub. We are sorry to hear about your symptoms. Thank you for the great information. I am not an overly caution person, but I understand that in certain instances it is important to exercise caution. Successful bathtub stripping with benzyl alcohol as an alternative to methylene chloride-based paint strippers However, it's not necessary if the bathroom is properly ventilated. It was not difficult and required no chemicals; the refinisher evidently did a very poor job of it. If bathroom smells awful two days after resurfacing is that just the coating or also the dangerous MC? It gives me hope to see that some commenters are specialists who are trying to recreate safer and more effective processes that will phase out use of this agent. The home I purchased a few years ago came with cast iron bathtub and ceramic tile walls that had been covered with a 2-step epoxy finish. They agreed to resurface it for me as they would not replace it. Many post pictures but up close you cant see the brush strokes they leave behind. How to effectively get rid of bathtub resurface smell in my apartment? My building was recently sold and our rent was raised by 100 percent. http://retrorenovation.com/2016/05/02/understanding-potential-lead-hazards-old-porcelain-enamel-bathtubs-sinks-ceramic-tile-any-age/#ixzz47UvHcM00. Proper ventilation and a proper fitting organic vapor respirator are an absolute requirement for DIY bathtub refinishing. It is amazing that I get over 100 hits per month on the article from homeowners who are fumed out during and after refinishing. There are exposure limits, but they are not based solely on how long a worker may be exposed to the chemical. Without a thorough investigation of the respirator, process used, and procedures it would be hard to identify the source of this adverse effect. Hello NIOSH analytical method 1001 is typically used to sample for methylene chloride in a workers breathing zone. Is there any danger that the enamel could have absorbed the refinishing chemicals to be released into my bath water at this later date? Thanks for your comment. So, it should not present a long-term hazard to the resident and pets after the project is completed. Its good to know that if you have your bathtub reglazed, you much have proper ventilation. Seek medical attention for treatment and evaluation. We are in a rental and I had to stop allowing my daughter to take baths because its everywhere. 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 . 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. Methylene chloride cannot be smelled until the level in the air is higher than OSHAs permissible exposure limits (PELs). Refinishing a bathtub is a fraction of the cost to replace your bathtub (around $2,900), so if youre at all hesitant about your DIY skills, hiring a pro is a somewhat small price to pay for your health and safety. I would also like to issue one other caveat. Dear Mr. Ronald M. Hall, you probably save my life with this article! However no one is to blame, and no one is at fault. I am thankful that I found this article before I made a final decision on whether or not to purchase a DIY kit for my tub interior. In order to assess whether you may be experiencing health effects due to a toxic exposure, seek a medical evaluation from a healthcare provider. If the vapor smell continues and is persistent you should call a safety and health professional to evaluate the area. 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. If you need to go back and make any changes, you can always do so by going to our Privacy Policy page. Thanks for sharing such a helpful information. MC is not flammable on its own. The prep is the most important part of the job, says White. 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. How can -re-glazers be allowed to do this line of work if it is dangerous to everyone involved? 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. Long story short, today my face is red as a tomato and I feel very unsettled and almost as if i drank 3 beer. I cannot replace the tub without it being a major, expensive remodel. I used a paint scraper and razor to completely strip the tub. 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. Hi I have very sensitive skin, and covered in psoriasis and eczema. Its like trying to paint a car yourself. What is the LEAST TOXIC alternative for bathtub reglazing? White advises keeping away fromcleansers likebleach oreven Soft Scrub. The bath was not stripped just resurfaced with a very thin layer of the napco product paint. It hurt to know my best friend was no longer alive but his body stayed warm and breathing only by use of machines. And that tub refinishing is at top of my list besides them running heat too much. 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. (323) 396-1030. sales@reglazinglosangeles.com. thank you. The two maintenance men pulled the man off of the tub. Your local health department may also be able to provide more assistance or information. very useful post thanks for giving this bath tub repair information. I use all chemical-free products to clean, and cannot use otherwise or it affects me. It is the first time I visit your blog, but I was extremely impressed. How much does moving to the suburbs cost vs. staying in NYC? Right now, I am surrounded by vacant apartments, and the new owner is reglazing all of the tubs. I blog often and I really appreciate your content. I am sleeping in the living room under many blankets with the balcony door wide openis it safe? Thanks for sharing. So, once workers can smell methylene chloride they are already being overexposed. The second method uses no chemical stripper but relies instead on scraping and mechanical sanding to remove bathtub finishes. Using methylene chloride products in a bathroom is extremely dangerous as bathrooms are often small, enclosed spaces with little or no ventilation. Why? The use of methylene chloride killed many people in the industry. It smelled awful for days. Mimi OConnor has written about New York City real estate for publications that include Brick Underground, Refinery29, and Thrillist. It is really shocking that stripping agents contrain toxic elements in them. Thankyou for letting people know this danger alert! 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. I regret it so much now and want the tub out of the house. I understand the dangers of the application process, but what about the 2/3 days following the reglazing? What is the difference between a muntin and a mullion and are they still used in windows? 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 . Keep posting as I am gonna come to read it everyday! No one deserves to go through this heartache of losing a friend, due to a situation that could have easily been avoided. 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. We are a BBB Certified Resurfacing company located in Houston, Texas. The only ventilation in the hours between the reglazing and now was provided by the slatted windows in the bathroom. I gave my 2 year old a bath a little more came off. Methylene chloride, a chlorinated solvent, is a volatile, colorless liquid with a sweet-smelling odor. All are members dread strip jobs.Frankly I dont know why someone would choose them. Our apartment filled with these toxic fumes. We pride ourselves on the work we do and strive to provide the best quality service in the refinishing and resurfacing industry. In workers with heart disease, an increase in carbon monoxide may lead to early onset heart attacks and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). The health issues that you can face immediately and also in the future are not worth the risk. So, it should not present a long-term hazard to the residents after the project. Coatings suitable for bathtub reglazing include: You can use these materials on several surfaces, including acrylic, ceramic, porcelain, and fiberglass bathtubs. Thats why we see it a lot in historic neighborhoods.. Great information. When the project is complete, you can take a relaxing soak in your new tub, knowing it was refinished correctly and safely. (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.). The use of a respirator scrubber mask (gas mask) isnt complete protection. Please respond quickly. We always use full-face air-supplied masks and full protective gloves in order to get the job done correctly AND safely. Is that legal? Ive also learned that without experience or training, what may be simple in concept is often the opposite in practice. Will these chemicals be leaching out of the surface, presenting a health concern from contact? Brooklyn resident (and Brick Underground contributor) Donna Airoldirecently hadher tub reglazed, and she even scrubbed it before her contractor cleaned it. Thanks for your comment. It is often referred to as dichloromethane and has many industrial uses, such as paint stripping, metal cleaning, and degreasing. Dont do it if you have to stay in your home immediately after. I wish they warned me and Id have had means to stay out of house for a few days. But the air looked pretty fume filled to me This is a nightmare for someone with my health issues! Im 70 and have no place to go except my apartment. Almost any color or appearance can be achieved, including the look of natural stone or marble. Thank you for your comment. I think regulators should be aware of these dangers. The blog is not designed to provide personal medical or emergency information. Bathroom fans or open windows do not provide adequate ventilation. My apartment complex refinished nicks in tub. Let the physician or health care professional know the specific products and chemicals used and the environment you were working in. 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. White is popular, but we can do pretty much any color you have in mind. When is the best time of year to buy or sell a NYC apartment? I am thankful to those who began to get the word out to the general public, you have certainly saved lives by doing so. That is really great to know. We do have pets and have young kids. I and my two other friends went to the hospital last night to say our goodbyes. Keep up the good work! I have contacted the government,the union head [name removed], and the legal ombudsman but to no avail. Please, if you know anyone who refinishes bathtubs, make sure they are VERY AWARE of the dangers and the different situations. Brick Underground articles occasionally include the expertise of, or information about, advertising partners when relevant to the story. Thanks. We sure take a lot things for granted. So how and why are these places allowed to keep doing that tub refinishing if its so dangerous?? Stripping products may also contain flammable solvents and flammability may be a concern. 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. HOPING THE SAME FINEST OPERATE IN THE UP COMING DAYS ALSO. Barely 3 days later I now have pluracy and bronchitis, i feel the building should be held responsible as we werent notified of the dangers. 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). [Its] a great way to make a grimy, stain-ridden bathtub look new again, says. 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. This is poor. Workers often spray or pour a bathtub stripping product into the basin of the bathtub and then brush the product onto the tub surface. Bathtub Refinishing matters should be left to professionals to complete. 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. If methylene chloride is used, ensure that the room is adequately ventilated during the entire refinishing process. ECO-FRIENDLY No Odor Tub Reglazing: Fumes-free and made without harmful chemicals, Ekopel's long-lasting, oil-free glaze never peels! The odor and fumes were suffocating. I refer to this CDC article a few times a month when answering questions from customers. 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. The fumes are stronger fumes so we do not allow anyone to be in the apartment for 8 hours. Resurfacing is when we paint the counters, cabinets or tubs. Usually coatings can be removed with a good razor scraper.sure it takes longer but it keeps me from using more harmful chemicals. $ 89 00. 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 . It was heart breaking. 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. Thanks so much for the info! Read more about our comment policy . What if they put a horrible smell into the product that would alert the user before overexposure. Thanks for sharing such a helpful information. Also, you may want to ask the installer for the products safety data sheet which may have useful information on curing times and precautions. All the tips in the post are great. But if we ever have it done again, I will definitely check to be sure its a safe process for the workers AND the homeowners. I have blocked the drain over night but it did not eliminate the smell. What are the governing bodies that oversee these applications? As far as we are concerned, 2k urethane systems should not be allowed in residential use. I just bought this old house that has this beautiful tub if only it can get restored back to new. 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 God bless you! I am older with heart disease and lung disease. If you have concerns you should discuss them with a medical professional. Use long-handled tools (e.g., scrapers, brushes) to avoid leaning into the bathtub. Its a multi-step process that involves cleaning the tub thoroughly and sanding it to remove any soap scum or other particles, and repairing cracks or worn areasall of these imperfections will affect the quality and durability of the final finishing coat. I just rented a housing association flat with an unsightly, badly marked tub. You should always wear protective clothing and use the appropriate safety-rated equipment whenever you are doing any household repair or remodeling work, and reglazing a bathtub is no exception. It is unsafe that s why we recomendto contact a professional to stripit for you. I had a tub refinished with epoxy that had a bad smell, but nothing like this. 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/ ). You should ask the installer to check that the product was applied correctly. I have an article on my site entitled Are Bathtub Refinishing Fumes Dangerous. Wow, great article on the dangers and Health Effects when methylene chloride is used. I only use stripper when absolutely necessary. Hovering over a bathtub, unprotected, while stripping it would overtake anyone in a very short amount of time. Its either not portable or cost prohibitive. Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and will fully evaporate shortly after the project is completed. I have been thinking about reglazing our kitchen countertop (tiles). 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. "[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. This is in Australia. Our apartment building had the next apt tub realized these morons did this in winter and there was no windows open. 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. Using methylene chloride products in a bathroom is extremely dangerous as bathrooms are often small, enclosed spaces with little or no ventilation. 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. How do I know if this is toxic? I had my bathtub refinished yesterday and the door to the bathroom had remained closed while the worker was doing the job. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. Even a tiny bit? They take the dirt out but also take part of the glaze, he says. The fumes are strong in the bathroom so I have the bathroom door closed, vent on.