I think they want things swept under the carpet. 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. Avoid or minimize spraying methylene chloride. Like many cancer-causing agents, any level of exposure, even concentrations below applicable occupational exposure limits, may pose a residual cancer risk. Its like trying to paint a car yourself. I never post anything anywhere. Bathtub Reglazing Los Angeles CA | Fiberglass Porcelain Refinishing 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. Use long-handled tools (e.g., scrapers, brushes) to avoid leaning into the bathtub. 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. We are sorry to hear about your health issues. Pacific Reglazing | Bathtub Reglazing Experts Traditional Spray Paint Style Refinishing has certain inherent dangers that you should be aware of. Thank for sharing about bathtub refinishing. I am exposing myself by soaking in this tub? 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/. Please do not use a torch either The fumes will kill use. This situation creates dangerously high concentrations of methylene chloride and even replaces the breathable air. 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. Methylene chloride, a new chlorinated solvent, is usually a risky, without color liquid having a sweet-smelling smell. Its in our best interest to devise a way to remove these coatings without harming ourselves or the environment. These cookies perform functions like remembering presentation options or choices and, in some cases, delivery of web content that based on self-identified area of interests. I personally have never heard of this being such a serious problem. Thanks to those whoever posted this article. I certainly will be approaching this much differently. Quite naive of me. Methylene chloride, a chlorinated solvent, is a volatile, colorless liquid with a sweet-smelling odor. 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. Provided your surface was prepped correctly, you can expect your reglazed tub and/or tile to be good for about seven to 10 years, and the more you take care of it, the longer it will last. Brick Underground articles occasionally include the expertise of, or information about, advertising partners when relevant to the story. "My glazing lasted three weeks before it began to peel from a tiny spot in the center of the tub," she says. Our apartment building had the next apt tub realized these morons did this in winter and there was no windows open. We sure take a lot things for granted. Thanks! 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. Migraine, dizzy, shortness of breath. Keep posting at all like me gonna turned up at write out paper everyday! Our apartment filled with these toxic fumes. Thank you for your comment. I certainly will be approaching this much differently. What's included in a deal sheet when you buy a NYC apartment? I went outside after he was finished. Open the bathroom door and as many . DIY Bathtub Refinish Kit with SlipGuard in White. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. But if we get together as a group of experienced bathtub refinishers I am positive that we can come up with a simple solution that will keep us safe. 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 . And again, dont be afraid to ask. Are these chemicals only toxic while being applied, or can they still be harmful later as used? 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. I wish I discovered this post a few weeks earlier. Thetoxic fumesreleased during the processnot only make your apartment smell bad. Just wonderful post, personally i am very interested for this topic. 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. When we find a company to do it, Ill be sure to make sure that there is plenty of fresh air. 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. They were all exposed to open tanks of Methylene Chloride and cutting up bodies causing carbon monoxide. My head and stomach hurts, and I have a bad taste in my mouth. The specific effects of methylene chloride exposure will vary depending on several factors, such as the amount of methylene chloride the worker is exposed to, how long the exposure lasts, and whether the worker has a higher susceptibility (for example, having a preexisting heart condition). Hello my name is Kris I amthe owner at Tub Klass NJ. Refinishing Porcelain & Fiberglass Bathtub Reglazing/Refinishing Service. The legal basis is Annex XVII of the REACH regulation. It smelled awful for days. Thats perhaps the number one reason trying to DIY it is not advisable (kits are available, but just leave it to the professionals). We are inconsolable. During the entire refinishing process, the room should be adequately ventilated to protect workers. So we need extra care. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Saving Lives, Protecting People, Methylene Chloride Hazards for Bathtub Refinishers, http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Research/Pubs/#General, http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/SWA, http://retrorenovation.com/2016/05/02/understanding-potential-lead-hazards-old-porcelain-enamel-bathtubs-sinks-ceramic-tile-any-age/#ixzz47UvHcM00, https://www.publicintegrity.org/2015/09/21/17991/common-solvent-keeps-killing-workers-consumers, http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/isocyanates/default.html, http://jwcpropertyservices.co.uk/bathtub-refinishing-dangers/, https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/indoor-air-quality-apartments, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. PDF Acute Lung Disease from Bathtub Refinishing - University of California Since methylene chloride is a volatile organic compound that will evaporate faster when sprayed, brushed, or poured, the chemical vapors can quickly build up in small spaces. Melissa. If you are concerned for your pets, it may be a good idea to remove them from the home during the stripping process. I wish they warned me and Id have had means to stay out of house for a few days. information posted by individuals on this site is correct, and disclaims any liability for any I found out the hard way. Or should I leave? His go-to isScrubbing Bubbles. 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. We do not have any information about leaching of polyurethane/acrylic bathtub finishing. I opened my windows, all four. 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 . I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects Bathtub refinishing of such dangerous products. At high enough levels, it can stop breathing. I opted in for your Feed too. I will always do the research beforehand going forward. Hello Im Derrick I used this last night now this morning Im sick as a dog headache stomachache am throwing up I didnt use a mask. Thank you for this post. 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. I worked at [Company name removed] for 14years. Bathtub Refinishing Countertop Refinishing Vanity Refinishing Fiberglass Enclosures Wall Tile She wont fix it since they are going to remodel in the future. This is in response to Chris concerning isocyanates use in coatings. 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. Wow this is kinda hard to believe that even a thing such as messing with a bathtub can be so dangerous. We were told when we did it that it only lasts about five years and I'm finding that to betrue, she says. Keep posting as I am gonna come to read it everyday! 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.