• Replies 23 replies
  • Subscribers 6 subscribers
  • Views 1920 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related

Tilex, windex while we're swimming

Former Member
Former Member
I have been swimming for at least 20 years. I am an ex-runner, and now swim, do power yoga, play tennis, walk, etc. I am in excellent shape, yet I am seriously torn as to whether or not I should give up swimming. The club I belong to has the best schedule and available lanes, (and I pay dearly per month as well!) yet for the last year, I've waged a battle about their incessant use of tilex, windex and some horrific smelling metal cleaner they use in the aquatic center while classes and swimming is going on. I brought in the warning articles about the toxicity of inhaling these chemicals, passed them out to instructors and fellow swimmers, managers, etc. Recently, an article was posted by our Poison Control Center about the dangers of inhaling such chemicals --which stated that ventilation was not enough to prevent health issues (Of course, they do not and will not open the door when cleaning). Despite all this info I've provided, they stop for while, then will claim there is the smell of urine in the shower (I was in both showers just seconds before and there was NO urine smell) and they have to use the Tilex, etc. The other day, the manager asked me how long I was going to swim, because they wanted to use the Tilex. They continue to lie to me and tell me they won't use these products, yet the smell is so strong in there all the time, you can barely breathe. I used to swm next to a guy who would get out of the pool and literally chase them out when they started spraying. I guess I need to consider a sex change.:bump: Unfortunately, there isn't another gym where I can go with such a great schedule. However, I'm really worried about breathing thse fumes. People complain all the time, but not to management, only to one another. It seems like I am defeating my purpose to stay healthy swimming there. Yet, I feel this is as important an issue as second hand smoke - there should be no toxic chemicals used while the center is operational. Geez, would they go into a yoga or spin class and start spraying chemicals? (I've asked them that question) Thanks for any input or suggestions:bow:
Parents
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    Geek, while it pains me to disagree with you, Tilex is actually a pretty nasty chemical (or at least it was when it was first introduced). I remember I worked with some chemical engineers at the time and they were horrified when they read the ingredients because they said the fumes could be quite bad in a small, closed room (like many bathrooms). Renie, before you go to your health department, you need to have some factual information to take with you. You'll get a better response from them if you can provide them with product names and information. Here's how you can gather that information. Every business is required by OSHA to keep a book of MSDS sheets for every chemical that is used in the facility. MSDS stands for "Material Safety Data Sheet". The MSDS provides information for workers and emergency personnel about a product’s physical data such as flash point, appearance, and health effects. Spill clean-up procedures, first aid procedures, transportation requirements and other precautionary information are also addressed. So, the first thing I would do is go to the health club management and ask to see their book of MSDS sheets. (If they say they do not have MSDS sheets, they are violating OSHA regulations.) If they have the MSDS sheets, ask if you can make copies of the pertinent ones. If they won't let you make copies, write down the exact product names, the product manufacturer's contact information and web address. You can then probably find most of the MSDS sheets on the web. You need the exact product name, though, because there could be a lot of product variations. For example, you can view all of the Tilex MSDS sheets here: www.thecloroxcompany.com/.../index.html As you can see, there are a bunch of them: Fresh Scent TilexRegistered Fresh Shower Daily Shower Cleaner (Issued: 7/01) Lemon Fresh TilexRegistered Mildew Remover (DISCONTINUED) (Issued: 9/2002) Professional Strength TilexRegistered Instant Mildew Stain Remover (DISCONTINUED) (Issued: 4/2001) TilexRegistered Bathroom Cleaner (Issued: 1/2008) TilexRegistered Fresh Shower Daily Shower Cleaner (Issued: 4-2008) TilexRegistered Instant Mildew Remover (DISCONTINUED) (Issued: 10/2000) TilexRegistered Mildew RootRegistered Penetrator & Remover (Issued: 05/2007) TilexRegistered Mold Killer Mold & Mildew Remover (Issued: 05/2007) TilexRegistered Mold & Mildew Remover (Issued: 05/2007) TilexRegistered ProResults Mold & Mildew Stain Remover (Issued: 6/2007) TilexRegistered Soap Scum Remover (Issued: 10/02) TilexRegistered Soap Scum Remover & Disinfectant (DISCONTINUED) (Issued: 10/2004) Once you have the MSDS sheets, then go to the health department if you feel you need to. Anna Lea
Reply
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    Geek, while it pains me to disagree with you, Tilex is actually a pretty nasty chemical (or at least it was when it was first introduced). I remember I worked with some chemical engineers at the time and they were horrified when they read the ingredients because they said the fumes could be quite bad in a small, closed room (like many bathrooms). Renie, before you go to your health department, you need to have some factual information to take with you. You'll get a better response from them if you can provide them with product names and information. Here's how you can gather that information. Every business is required by OSHA to keep a book of MSDS sheets for every chemical that is used in the facility. MSDS stands for "Material Safety Data Sheet". The MSDS provides information for workers and emergency personnel about a product’s physical data such as flash point, appearance, and health effects. Spill clean-up procedures, first aid procedures, transportation requirements and other precautionary information are also addressed. So, the first thing I would do is go to the health club management and ask to see their book of MSDS sheets. (If they say they do not have MSDS sheets, they are violating OSHA regulations.) If they have the MSDS sheets, ask if you can make copies of the pertinent ones. If they won't let you make copies, write down the exact product names, the product manufacturer's contact information and web address. You can then probably find most of the MSDS sheets on the web. You need the exact product name, though, because there could be a lot of product variations. For example, you can view all of the Tilex MSDS sheets here: www.thecloroxcompany.com/.../index.html As you can see, there are a bunch of them: Fresh Scent TilexRegistered Fresh Shower Daily Shower Cleaner (Issued: 7/01) Lemon Fresh TilexRegistered Mildew Remover (DISCONTINUED) (Issued: 9/2002) Professional Strength TilexRegistered Instant Mildew Stain Remover (DISCONTINUED) (Issued: 4/2001) TilexRegistered Bathroom Cleaner (Issued: 1/2008) TilexRegistered Fresh Shower Daily Shower Cleaner (Issued: 4-2008) TilexRegistered Instant Mildew Remover (DISCONTINUED) (Issued: 10/2000) TilexRegistered Mildew RootRegistered Penetrator & Remover (Issued: 05/2007) TilexRegistered Mold Killer Mold & Mildew Remover (Issued: 05/2007) TilexRegistered Mold & Mildew Remover (Issued: 05/2007) TilexRegistered ProResults Mold & Mildew Stain Remover (Issued: 6/2007) TilexRegistered Soap Scum Remover (Issued: 10/02) TilexRegistered Soap Scum Remover & Disinfectant (DISCONTINUED) (Issued: 10/2004) Once you have the MSDS sheets, then go to the health department if you feel you need to. Anna Lea
Children
No Data