I think there are actually regulations on workers on how long they may be subjected to this chemical during a work day. Thanks for your comment. There are exposure limits, but they are not based solely on how long a worker may be exposed to the chemical.
The concentration of the exposure is important too. 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.
There is also a short-term exposure limit STEL for which the average exposure cannot exceed ppm over any minute period. The standard also sets a Thanks for the great post. Methylene chloride, a new chlorinated solvent, is usually a risky, without color liquid having a sweet-smelling smell. I am a first time user of the refinishing kit. I stripped the two sinks using a chisel and a heat gun. It was a small job, and I messed up with the paint brush I used, leaving lines in the finished product.
I did not use any safety precautions, but I was in the garage with a fan and the garage door opened. I could not believe how hard it was to even find a kit to purchase, which led me to wonder why. I started reading articles and ended up reading most of the comments in this blog. Needless to say, I was shocked, I am taken aback by the statistics. I am a 48 year old single woman, who tries to do everything myself, and I am really concerned about how dangerous this is.
I will always do the research beforehand going forward. 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. What if they put a horrible smell into the product that would alert the user before overexposure. I remember my grandfather saying something about antifreeze having that safety precaution I believe.
This may be an ignorant comment, so please accept my apology preemptively if so. I am thankful to those who began to get the word out to the general public, you have certainly saved lives by doing so. Stay safe! Wow, great article on the dangers and Health Effects when methylene chloride is used. Especially if chosen to be done in small places like a bathroom. We work a lot with paints and try to stay abreast of the dangers when working with chemicals, solvents and paint compounds.
A lot of times when a solvent stinks, you realize you need the right protective equipment and ventilation. However, products are more dangerous when they are sweet smelling, and as your article states your are already exposed once you smell it. What a great reminder to always plan for and wear personal protective equipment.
Thanks for sharing. Wow this is kinda hard to believe that even a thing such as messing with a bathtub can be so dangerous. This is great information to share to hopefully make us more aware and careful. 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.
Some will work but they require 24 hours of wet saturation and even then they require a lot of hard work. If safety is not enough to discourage the DIY Kits then maybe aesthetics will. Even if they come in a spray can unless you really know how to spray a cross hatch overlap pattern then you will have dry edges. They hold soap scum, body oils, dirt, basically everything that comes off the human body will form a paste of scum.
What are the governing bodies that oversee these applications? 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. Please let me know where to seek more information, particularly in the Australian climate? I think this blog is very helpful in knowing about the bad effects Bathtub refinishing of such dangerous products.
Thanks a lot for sharing such a helpful information. I think this type of finish should be banned. I think people always take safety for too lightly. I am not an overly caution person, but I understand that in certain instances it is important to exercise caution. Great article.
I would concenr it to home owners wanting to get bathtub resurfacing done. I use a flexible flat blade scraper and then sand with an aggressive grit. Works on all types of surfaces. Takes longer and cost more but the client can pay the labor or feel free to do it themselves. Very interesting. We had one bathtub redone in our old house a few years ago but I think they just re-coated it.
Thank you. I had my bathroom resurfaced including the bathtub 4 weeks ago. There is still a strong smell in my bathroom espicially when it is hot and humid. I have asked for the list of chemicals they use but have not heard anything. When the door is closed for a while it gets very strong and when its open one can hardly smell it but that does not mean it is not there.
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.
I think this should not be happening after 4 weeks but dont know what to do about it. I have blocked the drain over night but it did not eliminate the smell. The product they used is from Napco and is supposed to a lot less toxic than other products. This is in Australia. Does anyone know if I should be worried? The bath was not stripped — just resurfaced with a very thin layer of the napco product paint. I would really like some reassurance. Ron, Thanks for the post on this. I personally have never heard of this being such a serious problem.
This post is so informative and makes a very nice image on the topic in my mind. It is the first time I visit your blog, but I was extremely impressed. Keep posting as I am gonna come to read it everyday! Thank for sharing about bathtub refinishing. From now we must be aware if wanna to do that. Thank you so much! Dear Mr. Ronald M. Hall, you probably save my life with this article!
God bless you! Thanks a lot for sharing. The home I purchased a few years ago came with cast iron bathtub and ceramic tile walls that had been covered with a 2-step epoxy finish. Tub and tile were original to the home and were actually not in bad shape.
I know this because the epoxy finish began peeling away within a couple months of daily use. I used a paint scraper and razor to completely strip the tub. It was not difficult and required no chemicals; the refinisher evidently did a very poor job of it. I washed the tub thoroughly and have been using it since. It has one small rust stain and is still moderately shiny.
My concern is whether it is safe to take long soaks in this tub. Is there any danger that the enamel could have absorbed the refinishing chemicals to be released into my bath water at this later date? NIOSH research and prevention efforts focus on worker risk, so we are not able to address this kind of exposure. For consumer concerns such as this you may want to contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Thank you for introducing this sensitive topic in such a way… I never thought these chemicals were so dangerous…. Thank for speaking about about tub refinishing. Keep posting at all like me gonna turned up at write out paper everyday! We are sorry to hear about the symptoms that you experienced and hope you are doing better. Without a thorough investigation of the respirator, process used, and procedures it would be hard to identify the source of this adverse effect.
Air-purifying respirators are not permitted due to the short service life of chemical cartridges when used for methylene chloride exposure. Half-mask respirators may NOT be used because methylene chloride may cause eye irritation or damage. There are bathtub refinishing companies out there, [company name removed] are using safe processes for refinishing your bathtub, you just have to ask the tough questions. This study is great for warning against the potential dangers. I have never thought of this before!
My tub will soon be refinished and I am glad I have read this article. I have been thinking about reglazing our kitchen countertop tiles. I am concerned about having a surface that is toxic and that can harm my family in the long run. Are these chemicals only toxic while being applied, or can they still be harmful later as used? Ya, very helpful articles are posted.
I have read many articles but this is different one. Thanks to those whoever posted this article. This seems informative and makes a very nice image on the topic in my mind.
Hi I have very sensitive skin, and covered in psoriasis and eczema. I just rented a housing association flat with an unsightly, badly marked tub. They agreed to resurface it for me as they would not replace it. 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.
I use all chemical-free products to clean, and cannot use otherwise or it affects me. Also I have asthma, and after the job was done today I cant stop wheezing. They took all precautions and said the fumes were gone, its only a smell. But the air looked pretty fume filled to me… This is a nightmare for someone with my health issues! Could you please advise, will this chemical leech into the water?
Even a tiny bit? I have no shower, only this bath and no space for one. Thanks if you reply. Thankyou for letting people know this danger alert! I was researching because i just had a bad experience. The apt right next to me was just resurfaced and the chemicals came through the air vents. Not sure if it can come through the walls. The odor and fumes were suffocating. The fog was so thick and i could barely take a breath even with fans on. My cat was crying and jumping on the door to get out.
I was weak though and shaking, felt faint and nauseated. 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.
Never stay where resurfacing is being done. Its highly toxic… Teri. We can avoid being harmed if we will be knowledgeable about things. We can ask questions and be well-informed.
I have been refinishing tubs for 23 years. I have stripped hundreds of tubs. I only use stripper when absolutely necessary. My trainer has a few of us in a group, that helps with cost and the encouragement is contagious. Thank you for speaking out- I admire your strength. You are sooo right, Donna!
Thank you so much for the support, by the way! Last week's post was a little nerve-wracking to share, but I knew it's what some of my readers needed to hear. It's just as important to invest in our health and bodies as it is to invest in our homes. Sharing is caring! Maria Wednesday 17th of February Designing Vibes Wednesday 17th of February Donna Wednesday 17th of February Sign up for my free weekly newsletter!
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If your existing bathtub is already in pretty good shape but is covered in minor stains, scratches or other surface imperfections, reglazing is a good option. Bath liners are basically an acrylic replica of your existing bathtub — except, you can change the color and skirt style if you want — and they're relatively easy to install.
In fact, professionals install the liner on top of the existing bathtub, then permanently adhere it using a combination of two-sided tape and silicone acrylic. Installation typically takes only a day or two, but the whole process can take between one and two months since installers first need to take photos and precise measurements of the area before molding a liner out of acrylic.
Rascoe, sales and marketing director at remodeling company G. Whether your bathtub is simply nasty or you just want a fresh start , a total bathtub replacement is another option to consider.
DIY bathtub refinishing kits often peel! DIY refinishing kits cannot match professional application! The Miracle Method process for refinishing a bathtub includes: Removing the existing caulk. Using a two-step cleaning process to remove soap scum, body oil, and dirt. The use of MM-4, a safe non-acid bonding agent, to assure the new coating will last. Porcelain chip repair.
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