Dangers of Bathtub Refinishing
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On April 30, 2024, the EPA finalized a ban on most uses of methylene chloride, protecting workers and communities from fatal exposure. The rule requires stronger worker safety requirements for remaining industrial uses. Information on the ban can be found here. |
At least 14 workers have died since 2000 as a result of using stripping agents containing methylene chloride during bathtub refinishing. Many stripping products (including those that may also be available to consumers) contain high percentages of methylene chloride. Methylene chloride is extremely dangerous when not used properly. Alternative products and processes exist for bathtub refinishing. Products containing methylene chloride should be avoided when possible. Earlier this week NIOSH and OSHA released a joint Hazard Alert titled Methylene Chloride Hazards for Bathtub Refinishers.
Bathtub refinishing is the process of restoring the surface of an old bathtub to improve the bathtub’s appearance and repair surface damage. 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.
Methylene chloride, a chlorinated solvent, is a volatile, colorless liquid with a sweet-smelling odor. It is often referred to as dichloromethane and has many industrial uses, such as paint stripping, metal cleaning, and degreasing. Workers are exposed to methylene chloride by breathing it in and by absorbing it through their skin. Methylene chloride cannot be smelled until the level in the air is higher than OSHA’s permissible exposure limits (PELs). So, once workers can smell methylene chloride they are already being overexposed. 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.
Using methylene chloride products in a bathroom is extremely dangerous as bathrooms are often small, enclosed spaces with little or no ventilation. Workers often spray or pour a bathtub stripping product into the basin of the bathtub and then brush the product onto the tub surface. 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. Moreover, because methylene chloride evaporates quickly (it has a high vapor pressure), vapors can collect in the bottom of a bathtub and in the worker’s breathing zone when working in the bathtub. This situation creates dangerously high concentrations of methylene chloride and even replaces the breathable air. Exposure to as little as six ounces of methylene chloride-based material has been enough to cause death.
| 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. |
| 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. |
Health Effects
When methylene chloride enters the human body, it affects brain function, such as concentration. At high enough levels, it can stop breathing. Methylene chloride exposure may cause dizziness, fatigue, headaches, nausea, a “feeling of intoxication,” and eye, nose, and throat irritation. Prolonged skin contact may cause irritation and even chemical burns.
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). In workers with heart disease, an increase in carbon monoxide may lead to early onset heart attacks and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). Heart attacks may occur even before any other symptoms of methylene chloride exposure occur. As exposure increases so do the health effects, with a potential for suffocation, loss of consciousness, coma, and sudden death. Long-term exposure may cause cancer in humans. 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. Lowering exposures, even below the PEL, is considered to be good industrial hygiene practice. Like many cancer-causing agents, any level of exposure, even concentrations below applicable occupational exposure limits, may pose a residual cancer risk.
Protecting Workers
- Avoid use of methylene chloride or minimize the amount of methylene chloride used at each site. Keep in mind that alternative products and other stripping agents may pose additional risks.
- Avoid or minimize spraying methylene chloride.
- If methylene chloride is used, ensure that the room is adequately ventilated during the entire refinishing process. Bathroom fans or open windows do NOT provide adequate ventilation.
- Provide local exhaust ventilation (LEV) and fresh makeup air to exhaust vapors released from the stripping agents in the bathtub. Specifically, typical mobile LEV units have a fan, flexible ductwork, and a hood near the tub that exhausts hazardous vapors to the outdoors.
- Follow all applicable OSHA standards, including the Methylene Chloride standard (29 CFR 1910.1052), as well as other applicable safety and health standards and codes during stripping.
- Use a qualified occupational safety and health specialist to assist in the design and installation of local exhaust ventilation (LEV) to effectively control vapors to below applicable PELs.
- Follow good housekeeping measures, including spill and leak control and appropriate personal hygiene practices (such as making skin washing areas available to workers).
- Use long-handled tools (e.g., scrapers, brushes) to avoid leaning into the bathtub.
- Leave the room immediately after applying the methylene chloride-based stripping agent to limit exposure to methylene chloride vapors. 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
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.
We would appreciate your assistance in circulating the information in this blog and the Hazard Alert to those involved in bathtub refinishing. While NIOSH research and prevention efforts typically focus on workers, worker representatives and employers, the readers of this blog may be able to help us reach the ‘do-it-yourself’ community who can face the same risks. We also welcome your input on the prevention practices mentioned above.
Ronald M. Hall, CDR, USPHS, MS, CIH, CSP
CDR Hall is the Deputy Branch Chief of the Engineering and Physical Hazards Branch in the NIOSH Division of Applied Research and Technology.
181 comments on “Dangers of Bathtub Refinishing”
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Hello
I am Gary Goel owner of the Professional Bathtub Refinishers Association. Located at [http://www.refinishersonline.com] and I helped in two the studies before this report was finalized. I have been in hat business for 20 years. I would also like to issue one other caveat. I sure wish homeowners not use those diy Kits. All are members dread strip jobs.Frankly I don’t know why someone would choose them. They yellow like crazy, and they are solvent based, slow drying so they off gas, and they never hold up. This forces a refinisher to use a very strong stripper. I have actually replaced a dead refinisher who has lossed his life stripping a bathtub. Myown life was almost cut short stripping a bathtub and I was using the best Equipment money can buy but machinery or equipment can fail. I found out the hard way. Its like trying to paint a car yourself. I am all for saving money and don’t wish to come off like I don’t appreciate the effort but if your already saving $5000 why not let a pro do it. Simply not worth the risk. Please do not use a torch either The fumes will kill use.
Hello I’m Derrick I used this last night now this morning I’m sick as a dog headache stomachache am throwing up I didn’t use a mask
I did two tubs in old houses yesterday. The first one was a very long process because there was no air circulation what so ever si the two part paint kit kept separating from one another which kept me in the room with only my Tshirt pulled over my nose. Every 10 minutes or so I would have to leave and go outside because my eyes burning so bad. Second tub went smoother because I had a window to open for air circulation. Long story short, today my face is red as a tomato and I feel very unsettled and almost as if i drank 3 beer. I have tried a couple of my wife’s lotions to easy the burning, which has only made it worse.. any suggestion on what to take the stinging away..
The warning labels should be more elaborate about the safety requirements.
If I had of done a little research I guess I would of been more informed.
Seek medical attention for treatment and evaluation. Let the physician or health care professional know the specific products and chemicals used and the environment you were working in.
IT IS REALLY VERY HELPFUL FOR ME.I LIKE YOUR POST BECAUSE IT IS VERY USEFUL FOR ME AS WELL. HOPING THE SAME FINEST OPERATE IN THE UP COMING DAYS ALSO. THANK YOU!
My apartment complex refinished nicks in tub. No warning that fumes would make me sick. It got so strong it burned my throat and eyes. I went outside after he was finished. It was a cold day, so I went back inside. After an hour again, I decided to take a ride to feel fresh air. I had no choice but to return home. I opened my windows, all four. But two days later it still bothers me. I have one side of my nose feeling congested and post nasal drip and a headache.
I wish they warned me and I’d have had means to stay out of house for a few days.
I hope the fumes and the tub return to a safe level.
I’m 70 and have no place to go except my apartment.
This post was helpful to me too. I own a home built in 1940 and have been considering getting my cast iron bathtub refinished. There are a few scratches and black marks from a previously installed shower door that was installed on the tub. After reading this post I think I can live with those scratches until I can hire a professional. If I do decide to hire a professional, I will make sure they have the ventilation equipment described here.
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
I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects of such dangerous products. I hope many people will now be thinking at least thrice before making use of such chemicals. Thanks for sharing such a helpful information.
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. Other uses, such as use by professionals outside industrial installations or household use by individuals is forbidden.
The legal basis is Annex XVII of the REACH regulation.
The restrictions on placing on the market and use is a consequence of many incidents with lethal outcome.
Hello my name is Kris I amthe owner at Tub Klass NJ. I have 15 years’ experience with bathtub refinishing and stripping.
It’s in our best interest to devise a way to remove these coatings without harming ourselves or the environment. I myself am in the process of creating a technique that will eliminate the need for methylene chloride. But I keep on hitting dead ends. It’s either not portable or cost prohibitive. 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. Contact me via e-mail njtragroup@gmail.com and send me your ideas. Together we can make the nightmare of stripping bathtubs a thing of the past!
We need to care when the baths are refinished. We need to know what all are used while doing refinishing.
If this could be dangerous, government should put strict in purchasing this kind of toxic to avoid casualties for workers and even consumers.
Agree with your perspective. Products with these types of known harmful ingredients must require special labeling with clearer health and safety warnings for users. Is there some disconnect between science, policy and legal enforcement? It gives me hope to see that some commenters are specialists who are trying to recreate safer and more effective processes that will phase out use of this agent.
I recently had our tub sresurfaced as well as kitchen counters done, and the smell was so strong I don’t know how these guys can do this every day. 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. I guess this is one of those occupational hazard jobs when doing bathtub refinishing.
Bathtub refinishing is very risky. Mostly problem is that it can broken. So we need extra care.
I have learned some incredible information in this report. I will stress this to home owners wanting to get bathtub resurfacing done. I certainly will be approaching this much differently. 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.
Traditional Spray Paint Style Refinishing has certain inherent dangers that you should be aware of. 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.
That is pretty serious stuff. I didn’t realize this was so deadly. I usually like to do things myself, but I think I will have to find someone to do my bathtub repair in concord ma. I just bought this old house that has this beautiful tub if only it can get restored back to new.
Good to see so much effort going into bringing awareness to bathtub refinishing in Waltham. I don’t know of incidents that may have occurred, buy you can never be too careful with peoples’ lives.
There are alternatives to using methylene chloride (MC) for bathtub stripping. The Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention (SHARP) program at the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries has profiled two businesses that successfully strip bathtubs without MC. The first method uses a benzyl alcohol-based stripper as an alternative to MC and N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP)-based chemical strippers. The second method uses no chemical stripper but relies instead on scraping and mechanical sanding to remove bathtub finishes. Changing one’s 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. Anyone who is curious to try alternatives to MC-based strippers are encouraged to read these small business success stories. Find them at:
http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Research/Pubs/#General
“Successful bathtub stripping with benzyl alcohol as an alternative to methylene chloride-based paint strippers”
Publication number 81-8b-2012
“Successful bathtub stripping using sanding as an alternative to methylene chloride”
Publication number 81-8c-2013
very useful post thanks for giving this bath tub repair information.
I think this type of finish should be banned.
I think regulators should be aware of these dangers.
Sometimes workers are not educated, companies should invest in staff training to work with these materials.
I hope something is done quickly.
My business is in the UK, safety of workers is as important over here. The Health and Safety Executive is our policing force that helps prevent the tragic consequences of injuries and even fatalities in the workplace
I live in a small one bedroom apartment and I just had my tub resurfaced. The fumes are strong in the bathroom so I have the bathroom door closed, vent on. Also my bedroom windows are both open, and that door is closed as well. I am sleeping in the living room under many blankets with the balcony door wide open…is it safe? Or should I leave? Please respond quickly. I have been home for about 3 hours now with every window and balcony open and these posts are freaking me out!
Is it safe to stay???? I also have a 6 year old…should we leave? Or will we be ok??
The blog is not designed to provide personal medical or emergency information. If you feel you are in danger, you should contact your local emergency services for assistance. It is definitely a good idea to ventilate the area as much as possible to remove the residual vapors. The vapors should subside after awhile and you should not be able to smell the strong odor. If the vapor smell continues and is persistent you should call a safety and health professional to evaluate the area. Your local health department may be able to provide assistance.
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”.
It is really shocking that stripping agents contrain toxic elements in them. Surely the proper checks should be taken before the products leaves the factory. This is poor. More needs to be done to protect the workers!.
Great information. Now what about substances that are used in bathtub refinishing as final ‘top-coats’ such as Aliphatic Acrylic Urethane, or, another, as one company advertises: “Porcelain Glaze-a new type of chemical finish.” What is porcelain glaze? And, are there any substances that are dangerous and can later leach into bath water and be absorbed by the skin?
Thank you for your comment. We are not familiar with the finishes you mention. 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/.
You can also use your favorite search engine and search using the following key words: “Bathtub Porcelain Glaze MSDS”
And “Bathtub Aliphatic Acrylic Urethane MSDS.” Follow the links to the Material Data Safety Sheet (MSDS) that the search will find. 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 think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects Bathtub refinishing of such dangerous products. I hope many people will now be thinking at least thrice before making use of such chemicals. Thanks for sharing such a helpful information.
This is horrible… People please do not use these DIY kits. You get enough toxic chemicals in your daily life without adding additional products that harm you by breathing its toxic fumes or being absorbed into your skin.
Price changing out your bathtubs before ever considering a refinishing product that is known to be toxic! This Northern California real estate agent is living the green “Dream”.
I used this kit 6 weeks ago. I regret it so much! I don’t think I had the right mask on
I’m a Painting Contractor in Anchorage, Alaska and this is a really good post for me to see!
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve told others in the field that are doing this to make sure they have more ventilation and to remove or re-coat the tube out of the bathroom and to at least not to do it without the proper breathing apparatus.
“Methylene chloride is extremely dangerous when not used properly”, this is an understatement, but I’m glad it’s finally being brought to peoples attention.
Sad to hear, but at least proves to me that I was right!
Thanks for the post.
I have an article on my site entitled Are Bathtub Refinishing Fumes Dangerous. It is amazing that I get over 100 hits per month on the article from homeowners who are fumed out during and after refinishing. Extraction during the process is everything. A fresh air system is critical.
I refer to this CDC article a few times a month when answering questions from customers.
Keep up the good work!
We use MC (methylene chloride) in my furniture shop. It’s used to strip paint and varnish from furniture which will be refinished. I use it in good ventilation and, if I’m going to be doing much work, I use a respirator. I think there are actually regulations on workers on how long they may be subjected to this chemical during a work day.
It’s also useful to mention that there are different types of chemicals which use MC as an active ingredient. If the chemical you are using is marked as “flammable” then you can be sure that it is not 100% MC. MC is not flammable on it’s own.
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. OSHA has regulations that sets a permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 25 parts per million (ppm) as a time-weighted average (TWA) exposure over an 8-hour work shift. 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 125 ppm over any 15-minute period. The standard also sets a 12.5 ppm action level (AL) which triggers periodic monitoring and medical surveillance provisions.
In our blog we state that “methylene chloride cannot be smelled until the level in the air is higher than OSHA’s permissible exposure limits (PELs). So, once workers can smell methylene chloride they are already being overexposed.”
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. My heart goes out to those who lost friends and/or loved ones due to CM. 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!
respectfully,
Staci
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. Many post pictures but up close you can’t see the brush strokes they leave behind. 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’m not aware of any can anyone point me in the right direction please? 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’m not familiar with the Australian occupational health and safety system but you might want to start with Safe Work Australia http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/SWA . Since Bathtub Refinishing can also be a consumer issue, another potential resource is Product Safety Australia http://www.productsafety.gov.au.
Maybe others reading this blog will be able to help point you in the right direction.
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 such a helpful information
Great information, will check back!
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.
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!
Thanks for Sharing!
This post was helpful to me too. I own a home built in 1940 and have been considering getting my cast iron bathtub refinished. There are a few scratches and black marks from a previously installed shower door that was installed on the tub.
good post. tx for sharing
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.
Great article. I’ll mention it to my readers on my real estate site
Very helpful and will definitely be one of the things to look out for on my rehabs..
Great article. Using methylene chloride products in a bathroom is extremely dangerous as bathrooms are often small, enclosed spaces with little or no ventilation.
Great amazing blog post I really love such lovely blog posts.
I’ve read some incredible information in this article. I would concenr it to home owners wanting to get bathtub resurfacing done. I certainly will be approaching this much differently. 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’ve found a majority of the time the diy kits people use never adhere well. 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.
Awsome and useful informations too, thanks for sharing this educational post!
This sounds very dangerous indeed.
Wow! Very interesting. We had one bathtub redone in our old house a few years ago but I think they just re-coated it. But if we ever have it done again, I will definitely check to be sure it’s a safe process for the workers AND the homeowners. Thank you.
Kaye Swain
Hello. 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.
Thank you. Gerda
Thank you for your comment. You may want to contact Product Safety Australia http://www.productsafety.gov.au, who assists with consumer concerns like the one you posted.
I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects of such dangerous products. I hope many people will now be thinking at least thrice before making use of such chemicals. Thanks for sharing such a helpful information.
Ron,
Thanks for the post on this. I personally have never heard of this being such a serious problem. I have personally resurfaced in the past for investment properties, and have smelt the “sweet” smell, but never was affected , luckily. Very good to know, I’ll let the pro’s do it from now on, and let my readers know the same!
Patrick
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!
A great thanks to you to let us know about the fact.
Thank for sharing about bathtub refinishing. From now we must be aware if wanna to do that. thank you.
Very good to know, I’ll let the pro’s do it from now on, and let my readers know the same
good cotent, i like it. Thank for sharing about bathtub refinishing. 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!
a great article! I very much agree with you, that safety and health is a very important thing in our lives,
It’s in our best interest to devise a way to remove these coatings without harming ourselves or the environment.
Thank you for sharing this useful information…
Thanks for giving the information.
Thank you so much!
Dear Mr. Ronald M. Hall, you probably save my life with this article! God bless you!
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.
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 1957 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 repaired the tile finish as best I could and covered it with 123 primer and latex kitchen/bath paint by mohair brush. 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. I am ok with both tub and tile appearance until I can afford a replacement/bath remodel. 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? Thank you.
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. For consumer concerns such as this you may want to contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
thanks Ron Hall for such a valuable information, its horrible, why its still available in the market, it should be banned from the market.
BDM
Thank you for introducing this sensitive topic in such a way… I never thought these chemicals were so dangerous…
i like it. Thank for speaking about about tub refinishing. It’s the very first time I call at your blog, however was very impressed. Keep posting at all like me gonna turned up at write out paper everyday!
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 it’s been 2 weeks and I still kinda feel it in my chest
We are sorry to hear about the symptoms that you experienced and hope you are doing better. We cannot provide individual medical advice on the NIOSH Science Blog, but we suggest that you see a doctor.
Without a thorough investigation of the respirator, process used, and procedures it would be hard to identify the source of this adverse effect. The following recommendations on respirator use are in the NIOSH/OSHA Alert.
When engineering and work practice controls cannot decrease methylene chloride levels below OSHA’s PELs (25 ppm over an 8-hour TWA or 125 ppm over a 15-minute period), employers must provide their workers with full-face atmosphere-supplying respirators. 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. Whenever respirators are required to be worn, the employer must establish and implement a complete respiratory protection program that meets the requirements of OSHA’s 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/ )
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.
very good and helpful post thanks to author
Bathtub refinishing is very dangerous. I am unknown form this . Thanks for this information.
I have never thought of this before! My tub will soon be refinished and I am glad I have read this article. Thanks!
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?
Thanks!
Cristine
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. Of course I won’t be using it for a good week or so just to be safe, but I don’t even use bleach or Flash to clean my tub because of the chemicals getting into the bathwater; even rinsing thoroughly. 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
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. For consumer concerns such as this you may want to contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
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. The fumes were in her room not mine, i didn’t know until i opened the door, we had put on the fan origionally for the smell, fumes came full blown after. 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. It’s not bad to ask especially if we don’t know anything about something. And if we can afford it, let the pro’s do their jobs. And again, don’t be afraid to ask. Thanks!
I have been refinishing tubs for 23 years. I have stripped hundreds of tubs. I only use stripper when absolutely necessary. Usually coatings can be removed with a good razor scraper….sure it takes longer but it keeps me from using more harmful chemicals. When working with stripper or using solvents,acid,etc…as well as applying your refinishing product….ALWAYS USE A FRESH-AIR SYSTEM…..NOT MASKS…masks leak so they dont give the protection you need for long term exposure….I use a mask only when Im outside mixing or gathering my equipment when the job is finished and I should be using the fresh air system while I do that….Also cover your skin…some of these chemical will get into your body through your skin….Good Luck…Keep yourself safe…..DO YOUR RESEARCH
I worked at [Company name removed] for 14years. 21 people who I worked with at that time have all died,one very recently with cancer. They were all exposed to open tanks of Methylene Chloride and cutting up bodies causing carbon monoxide.
I have contacted the government,the union head [name removed], and the legal ombudsman but to no avail. I think they want things swept under the carpet.
I now have a colostomy, urostomy,skin cancers and CKD(chronic kidney disease)with only one kidney working and that only functions at 15%.
This toxic chemical which is known to be carcinogenic is still used with no warnings of the dangers.
Just wonderful post, personally i am very interested for this topic.
It’s really awesome and very dangers take care guys…
and it was very helpful for people
This post was helpful to me too. I own a home built in 1940 and have been considering getting my cast iron bathtub refinished. There are a few scratches and black marks from a previously installed shower door that was installed on the tub.
Wow
In addition to the hazards of strippers, old porcelain bathtubs, sinks and tiles manufactured before the mid-1990’s 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. I am linking an article from the “Retro Renovation” blog on safety that includes links to other sources on this. The Centers for Disease Control has more information on lead hazards on their web site. 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. This may be less of a danger than with old lead-based paints, but something to be aware of.
http://retrorenovation.com/2016/05/02/understanding-potential-lead-hazards-old-porcelain-enamel-bathtubs-sinks-ceramic-tile-any-age/#ixzz47UvHcM00
good information Gail Scott i agree with you . thank you so much. i come back again this blog, any way i think
Lead poisoning is a serious risk for young kids. 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. Even with treatment, lead poisoning can permanently affect a child’s development.
This article does a good job calling attention to the dangers of methylene chloride products and noting that many people don’t know how dangerous it is. 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? A 2015 report by the Center for Public Integrity on U.S. deaths connected to methylene chloride noted that researchers have argued for 30 years that regulation of methylene chloride in the U.S. isn’t strong enough to protect workers and that warnings on labels for consumers are insufficient. 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.
https://www.publicintegrity.org/2015/09/21/17991/common-solvent-keeps-killing-workers-consumers
NIOSH has continued to try to get the word out to workers and employers about the risks of working with methylene chloride. As a research agency, we do not have regulatory authority over the labeling or regulating on how methylene chloride is sold. However, we have shared the findings of this work and made recommendations to manufacturers and with agencies that may have regulatory/legal authority, including those with oversight beyond the workplace.
Hi, so I had my bathtub reglazed in March. Now it’s already peeling. The company who gave me 6 year warranty has disconnected the phone number. My question is, am I in danger using the peeling bathtub???
Thanks for your comment. 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. Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and would have fully evaporated shortly after the project was completed. So, it presents no long-term hazard to the resident. However, we have no information about the risks that might arise to the resident from exposure to the flaking surface of the refinished tub. For consumer-related questions after the tub has been refurbished, please contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
I blog often and I really appreciate your content. Your article has truly peaked my interest. I’m going to book mark your blog and keep checking for new information about once per week. I opted in for your Feed too.
This post was helpful to me too. I own a home built in 1940 and have been considering getting my cast iron bathtub refinished. There are a few scratches and black marks from a previously installed shower door that was installed on the tub.
Good informtation for everyone
Ron, I have a similar question to the one already asked. My tub was removed from my home and refinished by a company here in Portland, OR. I thought it was re-porcelained but have just been told that it was refinished with a polyurethane/acrylic finish. My question is about whether it leaches during use. I take epsom salt baths and the salts are absorbed systemically. Can you give me any help in researching to determine if the polyurethane/acrylic finishes leaches? I am exposing myself by soaking in this tub?
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. We do not have any information about leaching of polyurethane/acrylic bathtub finishing.
Thank you for this post. Very good info. I own a small bathtub refinishing business and we have committed to stay away from M.C. and products contain ISO’s. It seemed like this article focused more on the concerns of MC and not ISO’ is there a follow up article that is just based on Isocyantes?
This research only focused on worker methylene chloride exposures during bathtub refinishing. NIOSH has not evaluated isocyanates exposure among bathtub refinishers but products containing isocyanates should also be handled with care. See the NIOSH topic page dedicated to occupational safety and health hazards associated with Isocyanates (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/isocyanates/default.html).
This is in response to Chris concerning isocyanates use in coatings. There is an incredible amount of data
on the dangers of isocyanates in coatings and application hazards. 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. As far as we are concerned, 2k urethane systems should not be allowed in residential use.
Bathtub refinishing fumes are most certainly dangerous during the application process and immediate curing process. Do-it-yourself bathtub refinishing kits and professional refinishing products alike are not to be inhaled or absorbed by your skin. Proper ventilation and a proper fitting organic vapor respirator are an absolute requirement for DIY bathtub refinishing.
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I didn’t know that the bathroom fans and windows wouldn’t provide the right amount of ventilation. That is really great to know. My husband and I have been thinking about getting our master bathtub refinished so we will have to keep this information in mind. Thanks for sharing, I’m sure it will really come in handy.
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. I think there should be more regulation on access to such chemicals and certainly there should be stringent training laws in place when it comes to using such chemicals. We’ve 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/
I had my bathtub refinished yesterday and the door to the bathroom had remained closed while the worker was doing the job. He also had a small fan in the bathroom window to remove the fumes, as well as towels on the floor to prevent odors from coming into the living area. I stayed home all day, working around the house because there were two workers and didn’t want to leave strangers in my home. I noticed the odor every time they went in or out of the room, and had the bedroom doors all closed. Last night I went to bed with a headache, then vomited on and off throughout the night. I also had diarrhea several times this morning. The odor is still very strong and I am wondering how long it will take before I can go back in that room? I also worry about the health of those doing this kind of work.
We are sorry to hear about your symptoms. If they continue, you should consult your doctor. 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.
We share your concern for the workers who worked on the tub in a confined space with the door closed. During the entire refinishing process, the room should be adequately ventilated to protect workers. Bathroom fans or open windows do not provide adequate ventilation. 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. When there is not a properly designed local exhaust ventilation system to remove vapors, the workers should have used full-face supplied-air respirators, protective gloves, and other appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) that is resistant to methylene chloride during the entire refinishing process.
What is the LEAST TOXIC alternative for bathtub reglazing? Which brand names or compounds should consumers ask for?
Thank you!
If you are referring to paint strippers (which is what methylene Chloride is used for) one consideration would be using alternative methods, such as sanding. Care must be taken to ensure that workers are not overexposed to particulates being generated during sanding operations.
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.
Always check product labels and safety data sheets to understand the recommended and required precautions. Stripping products may also contain flammable solvents and flammability may be a concern.
Our apartment building had the next apt tub realized these morons did this in winter and there was no windows open. Our apartment filled with these toxic fumes. I already have cancer, my throat was raw and I had a headache. We tried to open our window a bit. Barely 3 days later I now have pluracy and bronchitis, i feel the building should be held responsible as we weren’t notified of the dangers. I’ve asked for a materials data sheet and nothing. Capital region housing in edmonton is the worst
We are sorry to hear about your health issues. We recommend that you consult your personal physician about your health issues, and your local health department for assistance with the building management. “Material data sheets,” now referred to as “Safety Data Sheets (SDS)” are prepared by those who sell chemical products. If you know the name of the product that was used, you may be able to find it by searching on the Internet. Alternatively, you can search on “Methylene Chloride and Safety Data Sheet” for a listing of various SDSs for similar products.
Great Post i appreciate this thanks for sharing this post 🙂
My best friend was killed two days ago due to over exposure while cleaning a bath tub. He wore proper equipment, however ventilation was not adequate.
The bathroom was small, and the door was closed due to restricted access to the bathtub. I believe in situations like these, two or more workers would be present in the bathroom, when proper ventilation is impossible. I say this because his co workers where in the other bathroom working. My friend was left to work alone in the small enclosed space, with out supervision. 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.
This may sound extreme, but I assure you, neglect to safety is not worth the life of a co worker, family member, or in my case a best friend. 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.
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 toxins became so concentrated in a short period of time due to lack if ventilation and confined space.
Please, if you know anyone who refinishes bathtubs, make sure they are VERY AWARE of the dangers and the different situations. No one deserves to go through this heartache of losing a friend, due to a situation that could have easily been avoided.
My friends name is Kevin H. The incident happened Thursday April 27th at 4pm. 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. However since Kevin was an organ donor, they kept his body on life support, in order to preserve is heart, liver, and kidneys. He was formally pronounced brain dead at the hospital, the same day of the incident.
I and my two other friends went to the hospital last night to say our goodbyes. It was heart breaking. It hurt to know that such a good person you loved and cared about so much is now gone. It hurt to know, the four of us where in a room together for what will be the very last time. It hurt to know my best friend was no longer alive but his body stayed warm and breathing only by use of machines. It hurt to know he was no longer mentality or livingly present with us in that room.
The past three days have been the hardest in my entire life. As my two other friends and I stood there over our lost brother, we could not help but cry, tell stories of our past together, and wish that he could hear us one last time.
Please take proper safety precautions, as well as warn others of these seriously dangerous situations. It can and will save your life. There’s no such thing as excessive safety precaution. A person directly outside the door and 30 seconds could have saved our best friends life.
However no one is to blame, and no one is at fault. Things just happen and when its our time to go, we go.
I had my cast iron tub reglazed on a very hot humid day. I had to keep the windows shut with the air on all night. My little dog had trouble breathing during the night and I had to go to urgent care for a chest xray.
I wish I had read this blog before the procedure. Don’t do it if you have to stay in your home immediately after.
Migraine, dizzy, shortness of breath. Not worth it.
It’s good to know that if you have your bathtub reglazed, you much have proper ventilation. I think our tub would look so much nicer if we had it refinished. When we find a company to do it, I’ll be sure to make sure that there is plenty of fresh air.
It’s really a very good information.
My Landlord is planning on re glazing our tub and we are leaving for the weekend. We do have pets and have young kids.
What are the effects of being in the house during the process (for our pets) and after the process (chemical wise around our kids).
Thanks!
Our research focused on worker exposures from methylene chloride during the process of stripping the old paint off of the tub prior to refinishing. Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and will fully evaporate shortly after the project is completed. So, it should not present a long-term hazard to the resident and pets after the project is completed. For consumer-related questions after the tub has been refurbished, please contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
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. If you are concerned for your pets, it may be a good idea to remove them from the home during the stripping process.
Being relatively poor most of my life I’ve always been a “do-it-yourselfer”. While bathtub refinishing is one I haven’t 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. I’ve also learned that without experience or training, what may be simple in concept is often the opposite in practice. The use of a respirator scrubber mask (gas mask) isn’t complete protection. Eyes, skin and residual in clothing adsorbption can also be significant and detrimental. Unfortunately, manufacturers tend to play-down the immediate and especially long-term exposure risks from degassing (fumes) that occur perhaps over the next month or more. Remember, if it smells “new”, the fumes are too.
Do these products continue to leech into air/water once project is completed?
Thanks for your comment. Methylene chloride’s boiling point is just over 100 F, and has a vapor pressure of 350 mmHg. As a point of comparison, water boils at 212 F and has a room temperature vapor pressure of 17 mmHg. What that means is that at room temperature, methylene chloride will evaporate very rapidly, much more rapidly than water. 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. The NIOSH studies pertained only to workers who were applying methylene chloride directly, and we have not studied consumer-related exposure.
I just rented a house. The paint in the bath tub is pealing off after one use. I took a shower and a 3 inch or so came off. I didn’t think too much about it. I gave my 2 year old a bath a little more came off. I went to clean out the tub to take another shower myself and by just barely cleaning it a whole bunch of paint came off, like over a foot and I was just barely scrubbing! Is it safe to bath in especially for my toddler???
Thanks for your comment. 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 do not have any information about the paint chips that are peeling off of your refinished bathtub. Although we can’t say there is any particular hazard from these paint chips, it would be prudent to prevent your toddler from eating the paint chips or bathing the toddler in water with material that is degrading from the tub into the water. Your local health department may also be able to provide more assistance or information.
I have 3 kids in a tiny apt in Brooklyn. My landlord want to have our tub regalzed. He did it 6 years ago when we moved in. (before we had kids). It smelled awful for days. Is that smell dangerous for children? Adults? There is not any ventilation in the bathroom either. I understand the dangers of the application process, but what about the 2/3 days following the reglazing? Is that dangerous as well?
Thanks.
Thanks for your comment. Methylene chloride’s boiling point is just over 100 F, and has a vapor pressure of 350 mmHg. As a point of comparison, water boils at 212 F and has a room temperature vapor pressure of 17 mmHg. What that means is that at room temperature, methylene chloride will evaporate very rapidly, much more rapidly than water. 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. The NIOSH studies pertained only to workers who were applying methylene chloride directly, and we have not studied consumer-related exposure such as you describe. If you are concerned about the “smells,” you could seek help from your local health department.
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 can’t use the tub or take the tape off for 48 hours is that safe?
You may want to ask the installer for the product’s safety data sheet which may have useful information on curing times and precautions. NIOSH work in this area only pertains to workers exposed when using stripping agents containing methylene chloride during bathtub refinishing.
After the bathtub has been stripped and resurfaced how long is the danger from the Methylene chloride still in the air? If bathroom smells awful two days after resurfacing is that just the coating or also the dangerous MC?
Should add the bathroom door was closed with towel under it but small window open for two days
You should ask the installer to check that the product was applied correctly. Also, you may want to ask the installer for the product’s safety data sheet which may have useful information on curing times and precautions. NIOSH work in this area only pertains to workers exposed when using stripping agents containing methylene chloride during bathtub refinishing.
Does anyone know what would cause the reglazing to peel and chip from the tub? We are in a rental and I had to stop allowing my daughter to take baths because it’s everywhere. My puppy also is constantly licking the floor. What is this stuff? Is it dangerous to any or all of us? We have absolutely no ventilation in our apartment. Thanks. Melissa
The NIOSH studies pertained only to workers who were applying methylene chloride (paint stripper) directly, and we have not studied consumer-related exposure. You may want to contact the Environmental Protection Agency or The Consumer Product Safety Commission.
My building was recently sold and our rent was raised by 100 percent. As a result, most tenants moved. Right now, I am surrounded by vacant apartments, and the new owner is reglazing all of the tubs. Today, my apartment filled with fumes, and I feel sick. My head and stomach hurts, and I have a bad taste in my mouth.
How do I know if this is toxic? It feels toxic, but no one has instructed me to leave, so am I to assume that I am safe?
Thanks for this article!
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. In order to assess whether you may be experiencing health effects due to a toxic exposure, seek a medical evaluation from a healthcare provider.
Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, palpitations, dizziness or difficulty staying awake require immediate medical attention. You should contact 911 and move to an area with fresh air (outside), or if possible open an window to let fresh air in. Opening windows and moving away from areas with vapors can decrease or stop continued exposure.
Some healthcare providers specialize in assessing environmental exposures (see http://www.aoec.org/index.htm). In order to assess learn more about the products that are being used for the re-glazing, assess the air quality of your apartment, prevent exposure or remediate any hazards, seek assistance from the building owner or manager. 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.
Is there any type of detector on the market that will detect high levels of methlene chloride vapors?
OSHA’s Methylene Chloride standard (29 CFR 1910.1052) requires employers to test the air to determine the concentration of methylene chloride present in the air when a product containing methylene chloride is used (29 CFR 1910.1052(d)). Employers must ensure that workers are not exposed to levels above OSHA’s permissible exposure limits (PELs) of 25 parts per million (ppm) over an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) and 125 ppm over any 15-minute period (short-term exposure limit or STEL) (29 CFR 1910.1052(c)). The standard also sets a 12.5 ppm action level (AL) which triggers periodic monitoring and medical surveillance provisions. Lowering exposures, even below the permissible exposure limit (PEL), is considered to be good industrial hygiene practice.
Traditional methods used for detecting methylene chloride involve air sampling pumps (calibrated at the desired air flow) and a sampling train with charcoal tubes as the collection media for methylene chloride. NIOSH analytical method 1001 is typically used to sample for methylene chloride in a worker’s breathing zone. After collecting these samples following the NIOSH analytical method the samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Real time instruments such as Photoionization detectors (PIDs) can be used to measure volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These instruments are non-specific and will measure other VOCs present in the area in addition to methylene chloride. 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).
Absolutely agree with this article. Bathtub Refinishing matters should be left to professionals to complete. Those DIY kits are not cutting it. The use of methylene chloride can be reduced significantly by professionals. We should all gather together and come up with solutions that are even better than what we are presented with now. We understand the importance of protecting ourselves, the environment and most importantly our customers. Thank you so much for this great article and hope that others now are aware of the safety measures that need to be followed.
I think this post was very helpful in knowing the bad effects Bathtub refinishing of such dangerous products.
Thank you for the great information. I learned a lot and want to ask a question about the dangers. My apartment manager refinished my bathtub about 2 1/2 years ago instead of buying a new one. It is now peeling off. She won’t fix it since they are going to remodel in the future. She said if it’s not life threatening then they won’t do it. It a huge peeled off spot in the tub, dangerous to me? I am older with heart disease and lung disease.
What about the safety of the owners?
The use of methylene chloride killed many people in the industry.
Hi, this is all so helpful. We sure take a lot things for granted. I figure if it’s being done, it must be safe, or why else would people do it? Quite naive of me. I had my tub reglazed recently. The fumes were so strong that it gave me a headache and caused me to become nauseated. I regret it so much now and want the tub out of the house. I had a tub refinished with epoxy that had a bad smell, but nothing like this. I like taking baths, but will not do so in this tub now knowing how unhealthy it actually is.
I wonder if it healthy & ok to use the tub for baths after a certain period of tome (days?). Will these chemicals be leaching out of the surface, presenting a health concern from contact? Perhaps this us not the case. I would like to know. I attempt to lead a very clean life and avoid many commercial products (body care products, cleaning products, sprays etc).
Thanks for sharing such a helpful post. I’m also dealing with such kinds of things because I’m a plumber by profession. Almost every technical field has harmful effects but it’s on the company or professional person that how they can deal with it. Making safety precautions is the priority for all kinds of work. Some many companies and professionals are offering their services for the people for refinishing, repairing, remodeling things.
I have so many friends that are a part of DIY pages that encourage individuals to attempt these kinds of projects on their own, unknowingly knowing some of the real dangers. 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! Thank you for spreading the word on the importance of this!
I wish I discovered this post a few weeks earlier. We have had a terrible experience. A bathtub in our old home was reglazed a few weeks ago. I thought it would be a simple spray paint job. It was not adequately explained and we should have asked more questions. 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.
Our beloved pet went into respiratory failure the next day, was rushed to the ER and spent three nights in the veterinarian ICU. He came home and seemed fine for a few days and then suddenly died. We are inconsolable. It is an odd sized bathtub so I did not even consider ordering a replacement custom-made. Obviously, I would have paid any price to do this rather than suffer these sad consequences.
I never post anything anywhere. I’m positing now with the hope it may influence one decision. After working in retail for many years, my mother retired, began buying and refinishing furniture. She enjoyed improving discarded furniture, then selling it – it was like art to her. She refinished furniture in our garage. After a few years, she was diagnosed with lung cancer (she never smoked) and died in 1999. 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. I feel sure many, many more have died from methylene chloride than we know – why is this so?
It’s better not to use methylene chloride for the safety of everybody.
Why is this not part of a “home inspection,” when you move into a house, built in 1950?
They know where people bathe.
It always falls on us, to make sure, inspections we pay for, cover areas of higher hazard.
“The tub needs to go.”
How can -re-glazers” be allowed to do this line of work if it is dangerous to everyone involved?
We had it done over a year ago, and even with ventilation, I was outside in January feezing temps. Bare minimum, the ventilation should meet some requirements, and homeowners should HAVE to LEAVE THE HOUSE for 3 days.
Thanks for telling us now.
Thanks for sharing such a helpful article about bathtub refinishing.
So glad I read this. I have a chipped tub that is built in with tile walls. I cannot replace the tub without it being a major, expensive remodel. I’d thought of using a refinishing kit, but after reading this, I guess I’ll just live with the chip. Thanks so much for the info!
Your blog has provided useful information for the work. All the tips in the post are great. Thanks for sharing. keep blogging~!
We slept inside the apartment after the workers did the bathtub glazing, should we go to the clinic to make sure we are fine? I have 2 small kids and an infant.
NIOSH cannot provide individual medical advice. If you have concerns you should discuss them with a medical professional.
Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and will fully evaporate shortly after the project is completed. So, it should not present a long-term hazard to the residents after the project.
The NIOSH studies pertained only to workers who were applying methylene chloride directly, and we have not studied consumer-related exposure.
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. I stripped the lead paint off the outside of an old cast iron tub using a low-VOC paint stripper suitable for lead paint, and then primed and painted the exterior. Now I’m cleaning up the interior; it’s not in terrible condition, but it has a few chips and the surface is not as smooth as I’d like. I was doing some research on tub reglazing when I found this article. 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.
Look for an alternative to do the bathtub refinishing.
Sometimes, you may need to refinish your bathtub which requires chemical coating with special kind of brush or roller to an acrylic, porcelain, fiberglass, or cultured marble bathtub. Also you should understand between difference between Refinishing (without removing the old layer first) and Reglazing (stripping off the previous coating and sanding down the tub) a Bathtub.
This is a great article. I’ve 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. These chemicals are no joke and need to be taken seriously. The health issues that you can face immediately and also in the future are not worth the risk. We always use full-face air-supplied masks and full protective gloves in order to get the job done correctly AND safely.
It is unsafe that s why we recomendto contact a professional to stripit for you. Technicians have been properly trained to do this type of work. Most professionals use alternative methods when possible.
ARE THESE REGLAZED TUBS DANGEROUS AFTER THE PROCESS DRIES?
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DRY SO NO DANGEROUS FUMES?
AND DURING CLEANING. IF THE GLAZED TUB IS SCRATCHED LATER DOES THAT RELEASE TOXIC FUMES? UNTIL RE-GLAZED?
Thanks for your comment. 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. Methylene chloride is a volatile liquid and would fully evaporate shortly after a project is completed. So, it presents no long-term hazard to the resident. Scratching the tub would not release any methylene chloride vapors. For consumer-related questions after the tub has been refurbished, please contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
I live in low income housing, a few years ago they said my tub need to be refinished. I had no problems with it and thought they knew what they were doing as it happens all the time here. 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. My apartment is very small and I sat in bedroom with my elderly cat not 20 feet away. I smelled that horrible smell for nearly 3 weeks after he was done…even my cigarette smoke couldn’t compete. My cat and I were both really sick afterwards and my cat has now passed on….no one told us to go anywhere else, my cat was unable to be transported anyway and so was I since I’m handicapped. 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. But because we’re low income, we also do not get the luxury of telling management or housing…no. if we do we get evicted. Who cares what a bathtub looks like as long as it works? And I haven’t been able to use mine in years to due mobility being so compromised. So how and why are these places allowed to keep doing that tub refinishing if it’s so dangerous?? My tub didn’t look.bad at all except for being dusty from disuse….maybe they can’t tell the difference. Even low income people don’t deserve treatment like I’ve seen and been through. And that tub refinishing is at top of my list besides them running heat too much. Just trying to speak up for low income and maybe other apartment dwellers too. Vanity of a tub isn’t worth it.
Yesterday, our apartment was resurfaced. We were gone all day and we came home about 7 hours later. Once we walked in, the house reeked bad, we also noticed none of the windows were open and the smell was so strong that it went through the neighbor’s apartment. Anyway, is it possible the smell can contaminate food, such as bread and chips? also, how can I get the smell out of my furniture and mattress? Please help.
It sounds like there has been plenty of time to dilute so it should not be an occupational hazard at this time. NIOSH focuses on the occupational exposures and cannot address the food and furniture questions. You may want to contact the local health department to see if they have any recommendations.
This article perfectly explains the dangers of DIY bathtub refinishing and highlights the benefits professionals. Time to call in the experts especially when it comes to handling chemicals!
I am the owner of the oldest refinishing company in the US. My company has been refinishing tubs and tile since 1962, I would love to see a more modern post to home owners about the dangers of refinishing there own bathtubs and tile. The consumer needs more info on this.
Thank you for your comment. The risks and prevention measures highlighted on this blog apply to anyone doing this work. The NIOSH focus is to prevent risks to workers. We are not aware of anyone addressing this issue from the consumer perspective.
Thank you for sharing a wonderful article about the dangers of bathtub refinishing, helping us understand the risks associated with using stripping agents containing methylene chloride during this process.
After the tub in our apartment was professionally reglazed, there was dust all over our bedroom (which is connected to the bathroom). Do you know–or can you find out–if the dust itself is dangerous/cancer-causing? I cleaned up the dust but slept in the room 36 hours after the work was done.
This blog is about the hazards to workers using chemicals during bathtub refinishing. A tub manufactured before the mind-1990’s could have lead in the glaze. If the tub is sanded or scraped lead could be present in the dust. You could contact your local health department for assistance. In the meantime, wet mopping vs. dry dusting can minimize any potential exposures.
Just had our tub refinished today. Had no idea of the potential danger! Landlord never said we should leave while it was being done, so we didn’t. I’m very concerned with the white powder residue everywhere. Will it harm our infant and young children? If ingested what then?
Thank you for your comment. Our research evaluated the use of methylene chloride to chemically strip the paint which will not leave a white powder. The powder you see is likely from sanding the finish on the tub. We have not evaluated any white powder or other residues from sanding operations. If you have concerns about any potential exposure, we recommend you contact your healthcare provider.