r/hazmat • u/IcyDragonfly3185 • Apr 10 '25

Tools/Equipment/PPE toxic nightmare in our apartment

hello, i live in an apartment where 11 days ago a crew came over and ripped out our shitty old tub and shower and installed a slightly better tub and new plastic shower panels. despite our apartment not having great ventilation (small windows on one side of the unit only) they used liquid nails adhesive. it made me sick INSTANTLY. i had NOWHERE to go except my bedroom and nothing to protect myself or my cats. after they finished the install last Tuesday, the smell persisted despite windows open completely, fans running, air purifiers running. the smell continues now, 11 days later despite reassurances from various "experts" that the adhesive would cure within 7 days, but that seems to depend on a lot of factors outside of my control. so anyway, my housemate and i acquired some 3M gas masks (the ones with the bayonet filter cartridges) meant for OV/AG (p100) and we don't seem to be suffering any symptoms while masked but i am wondering if that is enough respiratory protection (we have the half-face filters, no eye protection) and also if it's safe to use the shower while that smell is still so strong. i took a short shower the other day with my gas mask on (and managed to not get the mask wet that i am aware of) but then i read MORE about liquid nails and how it can be absorbed thru the skin.

i have NO idea which liquid nails was used so the company has been unwilling and unable to help me figure out what kind of protection i need.

it is HELL. omg. help.

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u/An-ke-War Apr 10 '25

I can help. It will take some effort. Buy some charcoal, grind them up in small pieces. Spread them around the tub on plates or baking trays. Also put an open pail with water in the room. These 2 things help collect chemicals, particals and aromatics from the air. It will not help completely...but I'm sure it will reduce the nuisance. Try your best the get some ventilation and ask your next contractor with what he will be working.

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u/IcyDragonfly3185 Apr 10 '25

I will try that. The other problem is we have a foolish housemate who uses the shower every night despite my warnings. He doesn't use a gas mask. He doesn't give any fucks. And sure he's an adult he can make his own choices, but the bathroom is too tiny and there's no space to set anything. I will do my best. I've been putting out trays of baking soda every day. I'll try the water as well, and charcoal.