tub resurfacing fumes apartment

I live in Newark housing and I have been there for 11 years and every 9 months they have to paint the tub and I have to stay in the house after they paint it and it keeps messing up can you tell me what should I do. In Europe, the use of paint strippers containing more than 0.1 % methylene chloride is allowed only in industrial installations with adequate controls to reduce exposure. Publication number 81-8b-2012, Successful bathtub stripping using sanding as an alternative to methylene chloride The NIOSH studies pertained only to workers who were applying methylene chloride directly, and we have not studied consumer-related exposure such as you describe. Thanks for sharing such a helpful post. Thanks for your comment. From now we must be aware if wanna to do that. Bathroom fans or open windows do not provide adequate ventilation. Thetoxic fumesreleased during the processnot only make your apartment smell bad, theyre dangerous if not dealt with properly. The warning labels should be more elaborate about the safety requirements. 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/. (Obviously, no, but you get the idea.). Care must be taken to ensure that workers are not overexposed to particulates being generated during sanding operations. Rents an apartment with ventilation that mixes with neighbors and brings odors from adjacent apartments, Was subjected to highly toxic fumes from maintenance being performed on a neighboring apartment Suffered from effects of those fumes, and nearly succumbing to them My tub will soon be refinished and I am glad I have read this article. Cookies used to make website functionality more relevant to you. I learned a lot and want to ask a question about the dangers. If bathroom smells awful two days after resurfacing is that just the coating or also the dangerous MC? White uses a portable fume exhauster, and HVLP, or high-volume, low-pressure sprayers, which produce less overspray. Ya, very helpful articles are posted. I am concerned about having a surface that is toxic and that can harm my family in the long run. I think this should not be happening after 4 weeks but dont know what to do about it. In workers with heart disease, an increase in carbon monoxide may lead to early onset heart attacks and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). 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. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. If safety is not enough to discourage the DIY Kits then maybe aesthetics will. As far as we are concerned, 2k urethane systems should not be allowed in residential use. I thought it would be a simple spray paint job. This toxic chemical which is known to be carcinogenic is still used with no warnings of the dangers. There are a few scratches and black marks from a previously installed shower door that was installed on the tub. Remember, if it smells new, the fumes are too. If the job is not done right it starts to peel, he says. Im 70 and have no place to go except my apartment. They took all precautions and said the fumes were gone, its only a smell. I would really like some reassurance. DIY Bathtub Refinish Kit with SlipGuard in White. I am Gary Goel owner of the Professional Bathtub Refinishers Association. information posted by individuals on this site is correct, and disclaims any liability for any 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. Melissa. I thought it was re-porcelained but have just been told that it was refinished with a polyurethane/acrylic finish. NIOSH work in this area only pertains to workers exposed when using stripping agents containing methylene chloride during bathtub refinishing. But I keep on hitting dead ends. Every 10 minutes or so I would have to leave and go outside because my eyes burning so bad. Opening the windows is necessary, but it's certainly not enough if you're working with methylene chloride. 21 people who I worked with at that time have all died,one very recently with cancer. What's included in a deal sheet when you buy a NYC apartment? My Landlord is planning on re glazing our tub and we are leaving for the weekend. Avoid use of methylene chloride or minimize the amount of methylene chloride used at each site. Thank you for taking the time to confirm your preferences. Now its already peeling. Thanks! Its really awesome and very dangers take care guys We use MC (methylene chloride) in my furniture shop. I use a flexible flat blade scraper and then sand with an aggressive grit. Need professional help with your project? If you have concerns you should discuss them with a medical professional. Really I like got very valuable information here and Looking forward to read your Upcoming Post. So glad I read this. 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. Changing up your tub is a great way to give your bathroom a makeover on a budget, Visit the Solution Center to Explore Articles. Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you. This is a great article. Bathtub Refinishing matters should be left to professionals to complete. A 2015 report by the Center for Public Integrity on U.S. deaths connected to methylene chloride noted that researchers have argued for 30 years that regulation of methylene chloride in the U.S. isnt strong enough to protect workers and that warnings on labels for consumers are insufficient. Methylene chloride, a new chlorinated solvent, is usually a risky, without color liquid having a sweet-smelling smell. What that means is that at room temperature, methylene chloride will evaporate very rapidly, much more rapidly than water. All comments posted become a part of the public domain, and users are responsible for their comments. Quite naive of me. Is that dangerous as well? Lead poisoning is a serious risk for young kids. The standard also sets a 12.5 ppm action level (AL) which triggers periodic monitoring and medical surveillance provisions. I asked the doctors if they collect lifestyle information and report it to the government so correlations can be made about cause and effect they said no. Most tubs can be reglazed if they are not overly damaged, but the process is generally recommended for steel, cast iron, or fiberglass tubs. I just rented a house. It is the first time I visit your blog, but I was extremely impressed. To ensure their safety, the employees should have left the room immediately after applying the methylene chloride-based stripping agent to limit exposure to methylene chloride vapors. Our beloved pet went into respiratory failure the next day, was rushed to the ER and spent three nights in the veterinarian ICU. Thank you for your comment. And, are there any substances that are dangerous and can later leach into bath water and be absorbed by the skin? Our research focused on worker exposures from methylene chloride during the process of stripping the old paint off of the tub prior to refinishing. Can you give me any help in researching to determine if the polyurethane/acrylic finishes leaches? For consumer-related questions after the tub has been refurbished, please contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission. I was doing some research on tub reglazing when I found this article. However, we have no information about the risks that might arise to the resident from exposure to the flaking surface of the refinished tub. *By signing up you agree to receive occasional emails on behalf of our sponsors, Copyright 2009-2022 by BrickUnderground | PrivacyPolicy | TermsofService | AdChoices | Login, National Association of Real Estate Editors. We also welcome your input on the prevention practices mentioned above. *Note that there are reports that a fresh air system is . 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. The blog is not designed to provide personal medical or emergency information. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. I didnt think too much about it. (323) 396-1030. sales@reglazinglosangeles.com. The fumes are stronger fumes so we do not allow anyone to be in the apartment for 8 hours. Is that legal? I also have a 6 year oldshould we leave? We do have pets and have young kids. 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. If I had of done a little research I guess I would of been more informed. I did two tubs in old houses yesterday. 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. What separates a good job from a not-so-good job is not so much how it looks, its the prep. Thank you so much for this great article and hope that others now are aware of the safety measures that need to be followed. 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)). This is in Australia. thanks Ron Hall for such a valuable information, its horrible, why its still available in the market, it should be banned from the market. I already have cancer, my throat was raw and I had a headache. Awsome and useful informations too, thanks for sharing this educational post! They yellow like crazy, and they are solvent based, slow drying so they off gas, and they never hold up. We do not have any information about the paint chips that are peeling off of your refinished bathtub. I found out the hard way. I feel sure many, many more have died from methylene chloride than we know why is this so? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In order to assess whether you may be experiencing health effects due to a toxic exposure, seek a medical evaluation from a healthcare provider. /box. After the bathtub has been stripped and resurfaced how long is the danger from the Methylene chloride still in the air? I had my bathtub refinished yesterday and the door to the bathroom had remained closed while the worker was doing the job. My business is in the UK, safety of workers is as important over here. 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. Its better not to use methylene chloride for the safety of everybody. Why? 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. She enjoyed improving discarded furniture, then selling it it was like art to her. After most fumes and smell went away two days later i still had muscle pain and spasms all over, headache, very sick and weak, skin burned and stung, could feel it in my lungs. I had a tub refinished with epoxy that had a bad smell, but nothing like this. Myown life was almost cut short stripping a bathtub and I was using the best Equipment money can buy but machinery or equipment can fail. I would also like to issue one other caveat. Sad to hear, but at least proves to me that I was right! Based on this information, I think I can live with a less-than-perfect finish until we are able to get the tub professionally refinished. As exposure increases so do the health effects, with a potential for suffocation, loss of consciousness, coma, and sudden death. It hurt to know my best friend was no longer alive but his body stayed warm and breathing only by use of machines. A fresh air system is critical. Bathtub refinishing fumes are dangerous and you do not want yourself or anyone in the home breathing them. 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. Opening windows and moving away from areas with vapors can decrease or stop continued exposure. 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 . 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. Stripping products may also contain flammable solvents and flammability may be a concern. I could not believe how hard it was to even find a kit to purchase, which led me to wonder why. The following recommendations on respirator use are in the NIOSH/OSHA Alert. This is horrible People please do not use these DIY kits. The process commonly involves removing the bathtub's existing finish before applying a new coating, usually a synthetic finish such as polyurethane or epoxy. Always check product labels and safety data sheets to understand the recommended and required precautions. tl;dr: Accidentally fell in the bathtub so hard it left a hole. This is great information to share to hopefully make us more aware and careful. 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. Using methylene chloride products in a bathroom is extremely dangerous as bathrooms are often small, enclosed spaces with little or no ventilation. Bathtub Reglazing Experts. Thanks for sharing such a helpful article about bathtub refinishing. 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. 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. Pros will have the correct gear, knowledge of how to ventilate the space and protect themselves, and familiarity with the various chemicals used so you dont need to worry about keeping yourself safe. 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. 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/ ). 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. Products containing methylene chloride should be avoided when possible. Bathtub refinishing is also known as reglazing, or resurfacing. Just wonderful post, personally i am very interested for this topic. Thanks for your comment. Even if you hire a professional, let the area air out and keep it ventilated after the work is complete until you can no longer detect any unusual or chemical odors. I am linking an article from the Retro Renovation blog on safety that includes links to other sources on this. share Share. NIOSH research and prevention efforts focus on worker risk, so we are not able to address this kind of exposure. The concentration of the exposure is important too. Without a thorough investigation of the respirator, process used, and procedures it would be hard to identify the source of this adverse effect. 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. Thank for sharing about bathtub refinishing. Methyl chloride has high vapor pressure, meaning that it evaporates extremely quickly and turns into gas that can easily be inhaled, especially in a small bathroom that may not be adequately ventilated. I am unknown form this . Hovering over a bathtub, unprotected, while stripping it would overtake anyone in a very short amount of time. Thanks. It smelled awful for days. You should contact 911 and move to an area with fresh air (outside), or if possible open an window to let fresh air in. This Northern California real estate agent is living the green Dream. Bathtub Refinishing Countertop Refinishing Vanity Refinishing Fiberglass Enclosures Wall Tile Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and will fully evaporate shortly after the project is completed. The restrictions on placing on the market and use is a consequence of many incidents with lethal outcome. The prep is the most important part of the job, says White. Great amazing blog post I really love such lovely blog posts. The tub needs to go. 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. How can -re-glazers be allowed to do this line of work if it is dangerous to everyone involved? Tub and tile were original to the 1957 home and were actually not in bad shape. So, it should not present a long-term hazard to the resident and pets after the project is completed. I blog often and I really appreciate your content. 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. Or should I leave? I like taking baths, but will not do so in this tub now knowing how unhealthy it actually is. But it's not just about looks. I have a chipped tub that is built in with tile walls. Products with these types of known harmful ingredients must require special labeling with clearer health and safety warnings for users. Some will work but they require 24 hours of wet saturation and even then they require a lot of hard work. I have been in hat business for 20 years. The most dangerous part of the bathtub refinishing process is inhaling the fumes associated with the job. What are the governing bodies that oversee these applications? The Centers for Disease Control has more information on lead hazards on their web site. Thankyou for letting people know this danger alert! very useful post thanks for giving this bath tub repair information. My friend was left to work alone in the small enclosed space, with out supervision. 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. 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. Ventilate Your Work Area. What's the difference between jumbo and conforming loans? If you are concerned about the smells, you could seek help from your local health department. I have asked for the list of chemicals they use but have not heard anything. After the surface has dried, it is 100% safe to use the bathroom fixture. I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects of such dangerous products. This is a moderated site and your comments will be reviewed before they are posted. I have blocked the drain over night but it did not eliminate the smell. 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. 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. Wow! We were told when we did it that it only lasts about five years and I'm finding that to betrue, she says. Methylene chloride, a chlorinated solvent, is a volatile, colorless liquid with a sweet-smelling odor. 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? Adults? 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. You must ventilate your workspace to minimize tub reglazing fumes. I regret it so much! If they continue, you should consult your doctor. Cristine. I will always do the research beforehand going forward. And again, dont be afraid to ask. NIOSH has continued to try to get the word out to workers and employers about the risks of working with methylene chloride. Extraction during the process is everything. I say this because his co workers where in the other bathroom working. I dont know of incidents that may have occurred, buy you can never be too careful with peoples lives. I and my two other friends went to the hospital last night to say our goodbyes. Reglazing involves stripping off the previous coating and sanding down the tub. Anyone who is curious to try alternatives to MC-based strippers are encouraged to read these small business success stories. 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 . Many post pictures but up close you cant see the brush strokes they leave behind. The bath was not stripped just resurfaced with a very thin layer of the napco product paint. I also had diarrhea several times this morning. I just rented a housing association flat with an unsightly, badly marked tub. White advises keeping away fromcleansers likebleach oreven Soft Scrub. You can also use your favorite search engine and search using the following key words: Bathtub Porcelain Glaze MSDS I have one side of my nose feeling congested and post nasal drip and a headache. 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. Thanks for sharing such a helpful information. 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. 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. ive found a majority of the time the diy kits people use never adhere well. I usually like to do things myself, but I think I will have to find someone to do my bathtub repair in concord ma. 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.

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