tub resurfacing fumes apartment

Thanks for sharing. I have 2 small kids and an infant. I wish they warned me and Id have had means to stay out of house for a few days. Ask Sam: Will the U.S. Supreme Court end rent stabilization? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 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). I figure if its being done, it must be safe, or why else would people do it? [Its] a great way to make a grimy, stain-ridden bathtub look new again, says. What if your bathtub could be transformed in one day from embarrassing to your bathroom's sparkling centerpiece? These chemicals are no joke and need to be taken seriously. I regret it so much now and want the tub out of the house. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. It is an odd sized bathtub so I did not even consider ordering a replacement custom-made. How to effectively get rid of bathtub resurface smell in my apartment I am ok with both tub and tile appearance until I can afford a replacement/bath remodel. I certainly will be approaching this much differently. Karma: 3. The standard also sets a 12.5 ppm action level (AL) which triggers periodic monitoring and medical surveillance provisions. It is often referred to as dichloromethane and has many industrial uses, such as paint stripping, metal cleaning, and degreasing. What is the difference between a muntin and a mullion and are they still used in windows? 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. Is it dangerous to any or all of us? Its the very first time I call at your blog, however was very impressed. This post is so informative and makes a very nice image on the topic in my mind. Why can strippers with this ingredient be sold to consumers in U.S. hardware stores that do _not_ sell the full-face air supplied respirators that should be worn while using it? From now we must be aware if wanna to do that. Thetoxic fumesreleased during the processnot only make your apartment smell bad, theyre dangerous if not dealt with properly. Bathtub refinishing fumes are dangerous and you do not want yourself or anyone in the home breathing them. 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. They took all precautions and said the fumes were gone, its only a smell. Long-term exposure may cause cancer in humans. Bathtub refinishing fumes are most certainly dangerous during the application process and immediate curing process. 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. What are the governing bodies that oversee these applications? The second method uses no chemical stripper but relies instead on scraping and mechanical sanding to remove bathtub finishes. So, once workers can smell methylene chloride they are already being overexposed.. Is there some disconnect between science, policy and legal enforcement? Do these products continue to leech into air/water once project is completed? Do fumes from reglazing a bathtub/shower make an apartment It a huge peeled off spot in the tub, dangerous to me? I use a flexible flat blade scraper and then sand with an aggressive grit. I would concenr it to home owners wanting to get bathtub resurfacing done. Thetoxic fumesreleased during the processnot only make your apartment smell bad. You should contact 911 and move to an area with fresh air (outside), or if possible open an window to let fresh air in. 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. No warning that fumes would make me sick. 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. (Removing a tub and installing a new one can cost thousands, and if youre in an apartment building, it might even require getting your downstairs neighbor involved as it may impact plumbing beyond your apartment. We slept inside the apartment after the workers did the bathtub glazing, should we go to the clinic to make sure we are fine? Seek medical attention for treatment and evaluation. That is really great to know. Together we can make the nightmare of stripping bathtubs a thing of the past! 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. Long story short, today my face is red as a tomato and I feel very unsettled and almost as if i drank 3 beer. Thanks for the great post. Methylene chloride, a chlorinated solvent, is a volatile, colorless liquid with a sweet-smelling odor. Very good to know, Ill let the pros do it from now on, and let my readers know the same! Thank for sharing about bathtub refinishing. Thorough prep and and cleaning can preventbig headaches down the road. Very good info. So, it should not present a long-term hazard to the residents after the project. You can also use your favorite search engine and search using the following key words: Bathtub Porcelain Glaze MSDS Its also useful to mention that there are different types of chemicals which use MC as an active ingredient. If you know the name of the product that was used, you may be able to find it by searching on the Internet. 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/. 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 Even low income people dont deserve treatment like Ive seen and been through. The Health and Safety Executive is our policing force that helps prevent the tragic consequences of injuries and even fatalities in the workplace. Vanity of a tub isnt worth it. Are these chemicals only toxic while being applied, or can they still be harmful later as used? The tub needs to go. Alternatively, you can search on Methylene Chloride and Safety Data Sheet for a listing of various SDSs for similar products. Qualified pros will have all the necessary protective gear, including coveralls and masks with HEPA air filters. What that means is that at room temperature, methylene chloride will evaporate very rapidly, much more rapidly than water. Im going to book mark your blog and keep checking for new information about once per week. They take the dirt out but also take part of the glaze, he says. Thank you! I learned a lot and want to ask a question about the dangers. I am linking an article from the Retro Renovation blog on safety that includes links to other sources on this. thanks Ron Hall for such a valuable information, its horrible, why its still available in the market, it should be banned from the market. Pay $64.00 after $25 OFF your total qualifying purchase upon opening a new card. I live in low income housing, a few years ago they said my tub need to be refinished. Are Bathtub Refinishing Fumes Dangerous? We have absolutely no ventilation in our apartment. Posts: 19. After working in retail for many years, my mother retired, began buying and refinishing furniture. Bathtub refinishing is the process of restoring the surface of an old bathtub to improve the bathtub's appearance and repair surface damage. We recommend that you consult your personal physician about your health issues, and your local health department for assistance with the building management. See the NIOSH topic page dedicated to occupational safety and health hazards associated with Isocyanates (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/isocyanates/default.html). The coating and sanding are done alternatively. Its in our best interest to devise a way to remove these coatings without harming ourselves or the environment. Himmelstein McConnell Gribben & Joseph LLP. I own a home built in 1940 and have been considering getting my cast iron bathtub refinished. 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. The legal basis is Annex XVII of the REACH regulation. Stay safe! I started reading articles and ended up reading most of the comments in this blog. Theyll also ensure adequate ventilation during the project, if necessary deploying powerful fans with duct extensions to exhaust hazardous vapors to the outdoors, says DeClerico. They were all exposed to open tanks of Methylene Chloride and cutting up bodies causing carbon monoxide. 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. 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. Today, my apartment filled with fumes, and I feel sick. As a research agency, we do not have regulatory authority over the labeling or regulating on how methylene chloride is sold. 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. We were told when we did it that it only lasts about five years and I'm finding that to betrue, she says. Agree with your perspective. Workers are exposed to methylene chloride by breathing it in and by absorbing it through their skin. When I smell the tiles I can not smell anything but with my nose close to the bathtub I can smell a sweetish sour chemical smell. Hovering over a bathtub, unprotected, while stripping it would overtake anyone in a very short amount of time. 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. The odor is still very strong and I am wondering how long it will take before I can go back in that room? Almost every technical field has harmful effects but its on the company or professional person that how they can deal with it. Thanks for sharing. And, are there any substances that are dangerous and can later leach into bath water and be absorbed by the skin? My question is about whether it leaches during use. 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. 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. 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 toxins became so concentrated in a short period of time due to lack if ventilation and confined space. Why? Then, remove any cover plates, drain plugs and bathtub spouts. It won't last forever, but it's a pretty good temporary fix. Kimberly Evans. Simply not worth the risk. Reglazing involves stripping off the previous coating and sanding down the tub. Sad to hear, but at least proves to me that I was right! When selecting a PID care must be taken to make sure that the instrument is equipped with a lamp that has the ionization potential necessary to detect methylene chloride (11.7 eV lamp). I have no shower, only this bath and no space for one. White is popular, but we can do pretty much any color you have in mind. For consumer-related questions after the tub has been refurbished, please contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It was heart breaking. However, during the refinishing process, it is not possible for us to guess what the airborne concentration of methylene chloride may be in your home without knowing how the workers will be using methylene chloride and how they plan to ventilate the work area and the house. A bathtub replacement can cost around $2,900 on average and may add value to your property. If safety is not enough to discourage the DIY Kits then maybe aesthetics will. I take epsom salt baths and the salts are absorbed systemically. Even if you hire a professional to reglaze or refinish your bathtub, you and your family or other residents should leave the property during the entire process, including while the epoxy coat cures after application. Surely the proper checks should be taken before the products leaves the factory. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. (Obviously, no, but you get the idea.). Thanks! Mimi OConnor has written about New York City real estate for publications that include Brick Underground, Refinery29, and Thrillist. Bathroom fans or open windows do not provide adequate ventilation. She and her contractor agreed to wait until the weather cooledto remedy the situation. 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. 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. Finding a Miracle Method office. 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/ ). Thank you so much! What is this stuff? Bathtub Reglazing Safety Tips: How to Protect Yourself - TopKote What are the effects of being in the house during the process (for our pets) and after the process (chemical wise around our kids). It was a cold day, so I went back inside. The company who gave me 6 year warranty has disconnected the phone number. Ive also learned that without experience or training, what may be simple in concept is often the opposite in practice. A person directly outside the door and 30 seconds could have saved our best friends life. These cookies may also be used for advertising purposes by these third parties. So, it presents no long-term hazard to the resident. I was doing some research on tub reglazing when I found this article. Refinishing a bathtub is a less costly . The NIOSH studies pertained only to workers who were applying methylene chloride directly, and we have not studied consumer-related exposure. For consumer-related questions after the tub has been refurbished, please contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Like many cancer-causing agents, any level of exposure, even concentrations below applicable occupational exposure limits, may pose a residual cancer risk. Hover Image to Zoom. 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. The blog is not designed to provide personal medical or emergency information. How Long Does It Take the Tub to Dry After Reglazing? 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.

Atlas 40v Chainsaw Chain Replacement, Articles T