Question from DonnaH
Hi Debra, My husband replaced two 6×6 tiles in our hall bath shower using TEC Invision floor and wall adhesive. Later, I looked on your site and saw where you say never use mastic in a shower because of its toxicity. I can’t smell any fumes, but am very concerned because this bathroom is next to my son’s bedroom. Should we rip it out or leave it alone, as it’s only two tiles? Will ripping it out generate toxic dust? In the meanwhile, no one is allowed to use this shower. Thank you so much for all that you do!
Debra’s Answer
Part of evaluating the toxic effect of something is how much of the toxic material is present. There’s a big difference in the concentration of emissions from laying two tiles vs using mastic for the entire shower.
If you don’t smell any fumes, it’s probably fine. Ripping it out will not generate toxic dust, but you will then need to clean up the mastic, which would be a toxic experience.
I would probably just leave it. The tile and grout are blocking the fumes.
My warning about mastic really applies to installing an entire shower or floor with it. A lot of toxic fumes in the installation and someone with severe MCS would still be able to smell it. No reason to use it because thinset mortar works just fine.
