tub resurfacing fumes apartment

Its good to know that if you have your bathtub reglazed, you much have proper ventilation. I own a home built in 1940 and have been considering getting my cast iron bathtub refinished. Can you give me any help in researching to determine if the polyurethane/acrylic finishes leaches? 22 oz. DIY Bathtub Refinish Kit with SlipGuard in White I did not realize how strong the chemical is, and now I am concerned about any (however microscopic) of this leeching into my bathwater and onto my skin. Methylene chloride exposure may cause dizziness, fatigue, headaches, nausea, a feeling of intoxication, and eye, nose, and throat irritation. Thorough prep and and cleaning can preventbig headaches down the road. Effective ventilation would have to be ensured in order to shield the worker from toxic fumes of the process. Even with treatment, lead poisoning can permanently affect a childs development. Agree with your perspective. I think this should not be happening after 4 weeks but dont know what to do about it. 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. Bathtub Refinishing matters should be left to professionals to complete. For example, if you have a beautiful clawfoot tub made from heavy cast iron, refinishing is absolutely the way to go. I am unknown form this . I think regulators should be aware of these dangers. They take the dirt out but also take part of the glaze, he says. However, products are more dangerous when they are sweet smelling, and as your article states your are already exposed once you smell it. I dont know of incidents that may have occurred, buy you can never be too careful with peoples lives. 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. What are the effects of being in the house during the process (for our pets) and after the process (chemical wise around our kids). 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. Bathtub refinishing fumes are most certainly dangerous during the application process and immediate curing process. Winter renters lose leverage, questions for condo and co-op buyers, & more, The allure of tax abatements, a Chelsea affordable housing lottery, & more, Co-ops may have some 'splaining to do, renting a penthouse, & more. I use all chemical-free products to clean, and cannot use otherwise or it affects me. 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. I smelled that horrible smell for nearly 3 weeks after he was doneeven my cigarette smoke couldnt compete. His death could have been easily prevented if he had simply had a co worker outside the door to verbally check on him every 30 seconds. This forces a refinisher to use a very strong stripper. We do not have any information about leaching of polyurethane/acrylic bathtub finishing. The NIOSH studies pertained only to workers who were applying methylene chloride directly, and we have not studied consumer-related exposure. If the chemical you are using is marked as flammable then you can be sure that it is not 100% MC. Please, if you know anyone who refinishes bathtubs, make sure they are VERY AWARE of the dangers and the different situations. Bathtub refinishing is a necessary maintenance step if you wish to improve the appearance and structural integrity of your tub. Thanks for sharing such a helpful post. I am ok with both tub and tile appearance until I can afford a replacement/bath remodel. So, it presents no long-term hazard to the resident. Ask Sam: Will the U.S. Supreme Court end rent stabilization? 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. I would also like to issue one other caveat. 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. I had no problems with it and thought they knew what they were doing as it happens all the time here. Keep posting as I am gonna come to read it everyday! Instead, many homeowners have the existing tub reglazed or refinished, which typically costs $300-$600, depending on the area and process. Bathtub stripping vapors must be taken seriously. We face inspections every year where lots of tubs are refinished in this building.but no precautions are ever taken to protect the residents and their animals. Gerda. I never post anything anywhere. Keep posting as I am gonna come to read it everyday! I say this because his co workers where in the other bathroom working. Open the bathroom door and as many . Any other surfaces in the vicinity of the tub should be covered in protective paper and drop cloths, and you should wait a day or two to remove everything and use your bathroom and tub. White is popular, but we can do pretty much any color you have in mind. Bathtub Reglazing Los Angeles CA | Fiberglass Porcelain Refinishing 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. 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. But because were low income, we also do not get the luxury of telling management or housingno. We understand the importance of protecting ourselves, the environment and most importantly our customers. So, once workers can smell methylene chloride they are already being overexposed. Leave the room immediately after applying the methylene chloride-based stripping agent to limit exposure to methylene chloride vapors. Traditional Spray Paint Style Refinishing has certain inherent dangers that you should be aware of. However, it's not necessary if the bathroom is properly ventilated. The fumes had traveled through the vent into her adjacent room. Ask Sam: I saw my apartment on a listing site, but I havent received any notice from my landlord. 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). How Long Does It Take the Tub to Dry After Reglazing? Every 10 minutes or so I would have to leave and go outside because my eyes burning so bad. i come back again this blog, any way i think I have been home for about 3 hours now with every window and balcony open and these posts are freaking me out! 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. I found out the hard way. 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. The company who gave me 6 year warranty has disconnected the phone number. It feels toxic, but no one has instructed me to leave, so am I to assume that I am safe? I am Gary Goel owner of the Professional Bathtub Refinishers Association. http://retrorenovation.com/2016/05/02/understanding-potential-lead-hazards-old-porcelain-enamel-bathtubs-sinks-ceramic-tile-any-age/#ixzz47UvHcM00. The epoxy coatings used to finish bathtubs can also emit dangerous vapors such as isocyanates when sprayed. Not sure if it can come through the walls. 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. There are a few scratches and black marks from a previously installed shower door that was installed on the tub. Should you refinish, reglaze or replace your bathtub? - Today What a Useful Post and great shared to Plumbing Service, Thanks author your Awesome tropic and Excellent Content. We would appreciate your assistance in circulating the information in this blog and the Hazard Alert to those involved in bathtub refinishing. Bathtub refinishing is amazing. "[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. Bathtub Refinishing vs. Liner: Whats Right for Your Home. I understand the dangers of the application process, but what about the 2/3 days following the reglazing? The product they used is from Napco and is supposed to a lot less toxic than other products. Please take proper safety precautions, as well as warn others of these seriously dangerous situations. Her writing on New York City, parenting, events, and culture has also appeared in Parents, Red Tricycle, BizBash, and Time Out New York. How to Refinish A Bathtub - DIY Bathtub Refinishing [MI, USA] Botched reglazing of apartment bathtub results in one cat 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. If this could be dangerous, government should put strict in purchasing this kind of toxic to avoid casualties for workers and even consumers. refinish or reglaze it or just replace it altogether. This study is great for warning against the potential dangers. I regret it so much now and want the tub out of the house. 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 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. print Print. According to the Centers of Disease Control, more than half a million children ages 1-5 in the U.S. have blood lead levels high enough to damage their health. The prep is the most important part of the job, says White. Thanks if you reply. What is the LEAST TOXIC alternative for bathtub reglazing? A bathtub in our old home was reglazed a few weeks ago. My tub didnt look.bad at all except for being dusty from disuse.maybe they cant tell the difference. Is that smell dangerous for children? A bathtub replacement can cost around $2,900 on average and may add value to your property. Thank you. 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. I have one side of my nose feeling congested and post nasal drip and a headache. I have 3 kids in a tiny apt in Brooklyn. The apt right next to me was just resurfaced and the chemicals came through the air vents. I wish I had read this blog before the procedure. Surface Designers Remodeling Inc - Bathtub Refinishing in Houston, Texas Using methylene chloride products in a bathroom is extremely dangerous as bathrooms are often small, enclosed spaces with little or no ventilation. share Share. It a huge peeled off spot in the tub, dangerous to me? The process commonly involves removing the bathtub's existing finish before applying a new coating, usually a synthetic finish such as polyurethane or epoxy. It got so strong it burned my throat and eyes. There is not any ventilation in the bathroom either. This toxic chemical which is known to be carcinogenic is still used with no warnings of the dangers. ECO-FRIENDLY No Odor Tub Reglazing: Fumes-free and made without harmful chemicals, Ekopel's long-lasting, oil-free glaze never peels! Brooklyn resident Emily Gilbert had her familys tub and part of the bathroom wall reglazed four-and-a-half years ago (read more about that here), and overall, is pleased with the results. The following recommendations on respirator use are in the NIOSH/OSHA Alert. A fresh air system is critical. The Perfect Drying Conditions You should let the tub surface to cure for 24 to 48 hours. 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. Extraction during the process is everything. The first method uses a benzyl alcohol-based stripper as an alternative to MC and N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP)-based chemical strippers. 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. 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, it presents no long-term hazard to the resident. I thought it would be a simple spray paint job. If the cost of removing the old tub and installing a new one versus reglazing are similar or your tub is particularly old or damaged, it might be better to get a new one. I went outside after he was finished. What is an escalation clause and what are the risks? It is amazing that I get over 100 hits per month on the article from homeowners who are fumed out during and after refinishing. Thankyou for letting people know this danger alert! Thank you for your comment. NIOSH research and prevention efforts focus on worker risk, so we are not able to address this kind of exposure. Its staff and technicians from any and . I manage a home related business in Australia and we are often exposed to applications that we are unsure of what dangers we could be exposed to. 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. Don't Replace, Renew | Surface Renew Which brand names or compounds should consumers ask for? Surface Designers have been in business for over 20 years resurfacing bathtubs and countertops. From now we must be aware if wanna to do that. We work a lot with paints and try to stay abreast of the dangers when working with chemicals, solvents and paint compounds. I have contacted the government,the union head [name removed], and the legal ombudsman but to no avail. Your blog has provided useful information for the work. Very good to know, Ill let the pros do it from now on, and let my readers know the same! 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. The concentration of the exposure is important too. For consumer concerns such as this you may want to contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The standard also sets a 12.5 ppm action level (AL) which triggers periodic monitoring and medical surveillance provisions. 22 oz. My puppy also is constantly licking the floor. Step 1: Set up the ventilation system. I started reading articles and ended up reading most of the comments in this blog. Thanks for sharing such a helpful article about bathtub refinishing. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. We had it done over a year ago, and even with ventilation, I was outside in January feezing temps. Vanity of a tub isnt worth it. My business is in the UK, safety of workers is as important over here. So, once workers can smell methylene chloride they are already being overexposed.. thank you so much. Its really awesome and very dangers take care guys Ive spoken with many other tub resurfacing company owners and employees, and most of them do not use or even own full-face air-supplied respirators. 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. The fumes are strong in the bathroom so I have the bathroom door closed, vent on. No one deserves to go through this heartache of losing a friend, due to a situation that could have easily been avoided. It can and will save your life. (Fun fact: You can make it any color you want, so if youve ever wanted a purple bathtub, that dream can be realized.). (323) 396-1030. [email protected]. 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. Very good to know, Ill let the pros do it from now on, and let my readers know the same. What's included in a deal sheet when you buy a NYC apartment? We share your concern for the workers who worked on the tub in a confined space with the door closed. We tried to open our window a bit. We need to know what all are used while doing refinishing. I only use stripper when absolutely necessary. If you need to go back and make any changes, you can always do so by going to our Privacy Policy page. Not worth it. Provide local exhaust ventilation (LEV) and fresh makeup air to exhaust vapors released from the stripping agents in the bathtub. 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. I am older with heart disease and lung disease. Bathtub refinishing is the process of restoring the surface of an old bathtub to improve the bathtub's appearance and repair surface damage. Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and will fully evaporate shortly after the project is completed. What is this stuff? Concessions return to the NYC rental market as recession fears slow leasing activity, The pros and cons of buying a penthouse apartment, Racism and the lack of diversity in the appraisal business, Making sense of the NYC real estate market with Jonathan Miller, The Brick Underground Podcast: Predators in the NYC rental market, with Hannah Levintova from Mother Jones, The Brick Underground Podcast: Protecting against fire and floods in your NYC apartment, The Brick Underground Podcast: Finding a deal as NYC landlords pull concessions and raise rents, The Brick Underground Podcast: Trading your NYC apartment for a cheap(er) vacation. Thanks for your comment. discovered that the fumes were coming through the vent in her bathroom. Could you please advise, will this chemical leech into the water? I have never thought of this before! Our blog focused on the exposures from methylene chloride to workers during the process of stripping the old paint off of the tub prior to refinishing. I blog often and I really appreciate your content. It is the first time I visit your blog, but I was extremely impressed. I live in a small one bedroom apartment and I just had my tub resurfaced. The odor and fumes were suffocating. Opening the windows is necessary, but it's certainly not enough if you're working with methylene chloride. Almost every technical field has harmful effects but its on the company or professional person that how they can deal with it. A lot of times when a solvent stinks, you realize you need the right protective equipment and ventilation. Mostly problem is that it can broken. We are a BBB Certified Resurfacing company located in Houston, Texas. Is it safe to bath in especially for my toddler??? Mimi OConnor has written about New York City real estate for publications that include Brick Underground, Refinery29, and Thrillist. Lead poisoning is a serious risk for young kids. Your local health department may also be able to provide more assistance or information. Should add the bathroom door was closed with towel under it but small window open for two days. 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. The second method uses no chemical stripper but relies instead on scraping and mechanical sanding to remove bathtub finishes. Refinishing Porcelain & Fiberglass Bathtub Reglazing/Refinishing Service. You must ventilate your workspace to minimize tub reglazing fumes. Good to see so much effort going into bringing awareness to bathtub refinishing in Waltham. Avoid or minimize spraying methylene chloride. Just trying to speak up for low income and maybe other apartment dwellers too. If safety is not enough to discourage the DIY Kits then maybe aesthetics will. I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects of such dangerous products. 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. 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. No warning that fumes would make me sick. Keep posting at all like me gonna turned up at write out paper everyday! However, we have no information about the risks that might arise to the resident from exposure to the flaking surface of the refinished tub. Care must be taken to ensure that workers are not overexposed to particulates being generated during sanding operations. If youve been considering a bathroom remodel, then replacing an older tub might just make sense. She said if its not life threatening then they wont do it. Patrick. 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. Renewing is the affordable and fast alternative to replacing. Hover Image to Zoom. Its thick, full-seal coating restores tub surfaces to a "like new" bright gloss. Hi I have very sensitive skin, and covered in psoriasis and eczema. Those DIY kits are not cutting it. 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. Eyes, skin and residual in clothing adsorbption can also be significant and detrimental. very good and helpful post thanks to author. We are sorry to hear about your symptoms. Alternatively, you can search on Methylene Chloride and Safety Data Sheet for a listing of various SDSs for similar products. I have blocked the drain over night but it did not eliminate the smell. During this process, the holes and cracks in the bathtub will also be repaired. The tub needs to go. 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. They yellow like crazy, and they are solvent based, slow drying so they off gas, and they never hold up. Or should I leave? However, you need to keep these essential health and safety considerations in mind whether you hire a contractor to refinish your tub or do it yourself. I was researching because i just had a bad experience. It was not difficult and required no chemicals; the refinisher evidently did a very poor job of it. Almost any color or appearance can be achieved, including the look of natural stone or marble. 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/ ). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. I am concerned about having a surface that is toxic and that can harm my family in the long run. Its in our best interest to devise a way to remove these coatings without harming ourselves or the environment. I had no choice but to return home. Most professionals use alternative methods when possible. 9 Easy Steps to Refinish Your Bathtub | Lowe's I have been refinishing tubs for 23 years. Follow good housekeeping measures, including spill and leak control and appropriate personal hygiene practices (such as making skin washing areas available to workers). 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. There is still a strong smell in my bathroom espicially when it is hot and humid. My head and stomach hurts, and I have a bad taste in my mouth. Thanks for your comment. 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. We always use full-face air-supplied masks and full protective gloves in order to get the job done correctly AND safely. They agreed to resurface it for me as they would not replace it. You may want to contact Product Safety Australia http://www.productsafety.gov.au, who assists with consumer concerns like the one you posted. Stay safe! 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.

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