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Photo by Sarah Schoeneman tub resurfacing fumes apartment

How much should you renovate your NYC apartment before selling it? Thanks for the post on this. The use of a respirator scrubber mask (gas mask) isnt complete protection. Wearing a dust mask should not be confused with fitting a respirator with organic cartridges. I gave my 2 year old a bath a little more came off. Thanks for sharing such a helpful information. 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 think our tub would look so much nicer if we had it refinished. We do have pets and have young kids. Its worth looking into how long a company has been in business andits rating with the Better Business Bureau to get a sense of their track record before commissioning a job. Melissa. Patrick. 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. After collecting these samples following the NIOSH analytical method the samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis. Its thick, full-seal coating restores tub surfaces to a "like new" bright gloss. How do I know if this is toxic? 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. I would concenr it to home owners wanting to get bathtub resurfacing done. 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. Now its already peeling. The fumes had traveled through the vent into her adjacent room. 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. The guy who came to do tub had a fancy breathing mask that covered his whole face and tubes attached to his belt I was concerned when I saw the precautions he took but said it was no problem. I use it in good ventilation and, if Im going to be doing much work, I use a respirator. 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. White advises keeping away fromcleansers likebleach oreven Soft Scrub. Thanks for sharing such a helpful information. My tub was removed from my home and refinished by a company here in Portland, OR. These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. 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. Like many cancer-causing agents, any level of exposure, even concentrations below applicable occupational exposure limits, may pose a residual cancer risk. The company who gave me 6 year warranty has disconnected the phone number. 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. My apartment complex refinished nicks in tub. I hope many people will now be thinking at least thrice before making use of such chemicals. Successful bathtub stripping with benzyl alcohol as an alternative to methylene chloride-based paint strippers I certainly will be approaching this much differently. (Obviously, no, but you get the idea.). I think there are actually regulations on workers on how long they may be subjected to this chemical during a work day. Thanks for the great post. As a research agency, we do not have regulatory authority over the labeling or regulating on how methylene chloride is sold. We will never promote an advertiser's product without making the relationship clear to our readers. As a point of comparison, water boils at 212 F and has a room temperature vapor pressure of 17 mmHg. It a huge peeled off spot in the tub, dangerous to me? Located at [http://www.refinishersonline.com] and I helped in two the studies before this report was finalized. This study is great for warning against the potential dangers. I have been in hat business for 20 years. The Health and Safety Executive is our policing force that helps prevent the tragic consequences of injuries and even fatalities in the workplace. thanks Ron Hall for such a valuable information, its horrible, why its still available in the market, it should be banned from the market. She refinished furniture in our garage. With just a day or two of work, reglazing the centerpiece of your bathroom with a durable coating and color is an easy way to give your tub a quick facelift without breaking the bank. I am ok with both tub and tile appearance until I can afford a replacement/bath remodel. It feels toxic, but no one has instructed me to leave, so am I to assume that I am safe? Lowering exposures, even below the permissible exposure limit (PEL), is considered to be good industrial hygiene practice. I am Gary Goel owner of the Professional Bathtub Refinishers Association. refinish or reglaze it or just replace it altogether. Its really awesome and very dangers take care guys I think regulators should be aware of these dangers. It is really shocking that stripping agents contrain toxic elements in them. You may want to contact Product Safety Australia http://www.productsafety.gov.au, who assists with consumer concerns like the one you posted. Thanks! Acid is then applied to deglaze the tub and/or tile, followed by a bonding agent or primer, and finally, a urethane topcoat is applied. They were all exposed to open tanks of Methylene Chloride and cutting up bodies causing carbon monoxide. Is it safe to stay???? Use long-handled tools (e.g., scrapers, brushes) to avoid leaning into the bathtub. Thank you for your comment. Please, if you know anyone who refinishes bathtubs, make sure they are VERY AWARE of the dangers and the different situations. IF THE GLAZED TUB IS SCRATCHED LATER DOES THAT RELEASE TOXIC FUMES? Is it safe to bath in especially for my toddler??? I usually like to do things myself, but I think I will have to find someone to do my bathtub repair in concord ma. 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. Methylene chlorides boiling point is just over 100 F, and has a vapor pressure of 350 mmHg. Not worth it. Lowering exposures, even below the PEL, is considered to be good industrial hygiene practice. This is in response to Chris concerning isocyanates use in coatings. 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. We had it done over a year ago, and even with ventilation, I was outside in January feezing temps. Great information. Those DIY kits are not cutting it. In order to assess whether you may be experiencing health effects due to a toxic exposure, seek a medical evaluation from a healthcare provider. very good and helpful post thanks to author. Or should I leave? During this process, the holes and cracks in the bathtub will also be repaired. Hi, so I had my bathtub reglazed in March. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. You also want to keep shampoo bottles and other products off the surface, aswell as a mat with suction cups. 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. Great article. Second tub went smoother because I had a window to open for air circulation. I just rented a house. Together we can make the nightmare of stripping bathtubs a thing of the past! We are not familiar with the finishes you mention. So, it should not present a long-term hazard to the residents after the project. Its better not to use methylene chloride for the safety of everybody. It got so strong it burned my throat and eyes. 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. A bathtub in our old home was reglazed a few weeks ago. We refinish or "reglaze" bathtubs, showers, wall tile, bathroom sinks and counters as well as . I have stripped hundreds of tubs. We are sorry to hear about your symptoms. Bathtub refinishing is amazing. Anyone who is curious to try alternatives to MC-based strippers are encouraged to read these small business success stories. Ask Sam: Will the U.S. Supreme Court end rent stabilization? This is great information to share to hopefully make us more aware and careful. 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. All are members dread strip jobs.Frankly I dont know why someone would choose them. The following recommendations on respirator use are in the NIOSH/OSHA Alert. The only ventilation in the hours between the reglazing and now was provided by the slatted windows in the bathroom. Our apartment building had the next apt tub realized these morons did this in winter and there was no windows open. 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. If bathroom smells awful two days after resurfacing is that just the coating or also the dangerous MC? 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. Great Post i appreciate this thanks for sharing this post . What's included in a deal sheet when you buy a NYC apartment? Bare minimum, the ventilation should meet some requirements, and homeowners should HAVE to LEAVE THE HOUSE for 3 days. Even with treatment, lead poisoning can permanently affect a childs development. If the vapor smell continues and is persistent you should call a safety and health professional to evaluate the area. thank you so much. So glad I read this. Thank you so much for this great article and hope that others now are aware of the safety measures that need to be followed. Keep in mind that alternative products and other stripping agents may pose additional risks. I have never thought of this before! I am linking an article from the Retro Renovation blog on safety that includes links to other sources on this. 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. What a great reminder to always plan for and wear personal protective equipment. I am exposing myself by soaking in this tub? I smelled that horrible smell for nearly 3 weeks after he was doneeven my cigarette smoke couldnt compete. For consumer concerns such as this you may want to contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission. White advises keeping away fromcleansers likebleach oreven Soft Scrub. You may want to contact the Environmental Protection Agency or The Consumer Product Safety Commission. I thought it was re-porcelained but have just been told that it was refinished with a polyurethane/acrylic finish. Methylene chlorides boiling point is just over 100 F, and has a vapor pressure of 350 mmHg. This is in Australia. Liners can leak and create mold problems. Most professionals use alternative methods when possible. The fumes were so strong that it gave me a headache and caused me to become nauseated. If you just bought a Mercedes, would you put a rubber mat on the roof? White asks. It is now 5:30 p.m., and the fumes in the apartment are too much to bear. 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 have blocked the drain over night but it did not eliminate the smell. How to effectively get rid of bathtub resurface smell in my apartment? And if we can afford it, let the pros do their jobs. If those working with these finishes have concerns about their health they can request a Health Hazard Evaluation from NIOSH at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/. (Fun fact: You can make it any color you want, so if youve ever wanted a purple bathtub, that dream can be realized.). 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. 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. He came home and seemed fine for a few days and then suddenly died. It hurt to know he was no longer mentality or livingly present with us in that room. Lead poisoning is a serious risk for young kids. Surface Designers have been in business for over 20 years resurfacing bathtubs and countertops. 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. And again, dont be afraid to ask. Thank for sharing about bathtub refinishing. Seek medical attention for treatment and evaluation. The most dangerous part of the bathtub refinishing process is inhaling the fumes associated with the job. Not sure if it can come through the walls. I have been thinking about reglazing our kitchen countertop (tiles). Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and will fully evaporate shortly after the project is completed. After doing research on reglazing chemicals typically used for bathtubs, we found that it's strongly suggested to (1) not be in the home for at least 48 hours after the reglazing and (2) that leaving windows open is not enough, but you must bring in some kind of ventilation gear such as hurricane fans or powered tubing to clear the area out . The story notes also that worker protections are weak a shop in Chattanooga TN with numerous OSHA violations got fined only $1500 for the death of a teenage employee in 1999, and 7 years later, still had not implemented required safety measures. However no one is to blame, and no one is at fault. HomeAdvisors True Cost Guide puts the average cost to refinish a bathtub at about $450, while installing a new one runs about $3,000. The warning labels should be more elaborate about the safety requirements. Perfect for renters, apartment dwellers, and residential or commercial tubs, sinks, showers. There are exposure limits, but they are not based solely on how long a worker may be exposed to the chemical. Methylene chloride is extremely dangerous when not used properly. Eyes, skin and residual in clothing adsorbption can also be significant and detrimental. I was weak though and shaking, felt faint and nauseated. Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and will fully evaporate shortly after the project is completed. Bathtub Refinishing Countertop Refinishing Vanity Refinishing Fiberglass Enclosures Wall Tile Your blog has provided useful information for the work. 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. I used a paint scraper and razor to completely strip the tub. If it is an occupied apartment, they have to sign a waiver that they will be gone the required amount of time. Proper ventilation and a proper fitting organic vapor respirator are an absolute requirement for DIY bathtub refinishing. Cristine. 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. We have absolutely no ventilation in our apartment. We always use full-face air-supplied masks and full protective gloves in order to get the job done correctly AND safely. As a point of comparison, water boils at 212 F and has a room temperature vapor pressure of 17 mmHg. Thank you! When is the best time of year to buy or sell a NYC apartment? During the entire refinishing process, the room should be adequately ventilated to protect workers. I will stress this to home owners wanting to get bathtub resurfacing done. share Share. It is often referred to as dichloromethane and has many industrial uses, such as paint stripping, metal cleaning, and degreasing. 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? Its used to strip paint and varnish from furniture which will be refinished. That is a shocking statistic, At least 14 workers have died since 2000 as a result of using stripping agents containing methylene chloride during bathtub refinishing. 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. Can you give me any help in researching to determine if the polyurethane/acrylic finishes leaches? That is pretty serious stuff. Thank you for this post. It always falls on us, to make sure, inspections we pay for, cover areas of higher hazard. I also had diarrhea several times this morning. 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. 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. In workers with heart disease, an increase in carbon monoxide may lead to early onset heart attacks and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). I attempt to lead a very clean life and avoid many commercial products (body care products, cleaning products, sprays etc). I think people always take safety for too lightly. Use full-face air-supplied respirators, protective gloves, and other appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) that is resistant to methylene chloride during the entire refinishing process. on the dangers of isocyanates in coatings and application hazards. I regret it so much now and want the tub out of the house. Will these chemicals be leaching out of the surface, presenting a health concern from contact? There is not any ventilation in the bathroom either. As far as we are concerned, 2k urethane systems should not be allowed in residential use. Thanks. 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. The tub needs to go. Please let me know where to seek more information, particularly in the Australian climate? I washed the tub thoroughly and have been using it since. My best friend was killed two days ago due to over exposure while cleaning a bath tub. But because were low income, we also do not get the luxury of telling management or housingno. They know where people bathe. 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. 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. We slept inside the apartment after the workers did the bathtub glazing, should we go to the clinic to make sure we are fine? Is there any type of detector on the market that will detect high levels of methlene chloride vapors? Opening the windows is necessary, but it's certainly not enough if you're working with methylene chloride. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. They agreed to resurface it for me as they would not replace it. As exposure increases so do the health effects, with a potential for suffocation, loss of consciousness, coma, and sudden death. Half-mask respirators may NOT be used because methylene chloride may cause eye irritation or damage. My apartment is very small and I sat in bedroom with my elderly cat not 20 feet away. Almost any color or appearance can be achieved, including the look of natural stone or marble. My building was recently sold and our rent was raised by 100 percent. If safety is not enough to discourage the DIY Kits then maybe aesthetics will. MC is not flammable on its own. I sure wish homeowners not use those diy Kits. Perhaps this us not the case. 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. 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 hold soap scum, body oils, dirt, basically everything that comes off the human body will form a paste of scum. Simply not worth the risk. The fact of the matter is that using a professional that is trained and well-versed in the safety measures of bathtub refinishing; is critical, and can not only protect the owners of the property, but those performing the job! Also I have asthma, and after the job was done today I cant stop wheezing. I have been home for about 3 hours now with every window and balcony open and these posts are freaking me out! I had my cast iron tub reglazed on a very hot humid day. If methylene chloride was used to strip the old paint off of the tub prior to refinishing (the focus of our blog), it is a volatile liquid and would have fully evaporated shortly after the project was completed. While bathtub refinishing is one I havent tried, I do know that in-home work with many types of cleaners, paints and strippers and adhesives is always going to be a concern due to poor air circulation indoors, and sometimes outdoors too. 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. I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects Bathtub refinishing of such dangerous products. theyre dangerous if not dealt with properly. The health issues that you can face immediately and also in the future are not worth the risk. Ya, very helpful articles are posted. 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. The product they used is from Napco and is supposed to a lot less toxic than other products. I hope many people will now be thinking at least thrice before making use of such chemicals. The vapors should subside after awhile and you should not be able to smell the strong odor.

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