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CBS4 Investigates Tile Sealant Recall

DENVER (CBS4) ― Following a CBS4 investigation, the makers of a spray-on ceramic tile sealant have announced a recall after users across the country were suffering from breathing problems.

One family from Evergreen said a simple home improvement turned into a family crisis.

"I was in here sealing the grout lines of the shower. The product here is just a product you spray directly on," said Brian Himmelman.

The product is called Stand 'n Seal made by Roanoke companies. It's sold exclusively by Home Depot around the country.

Instead of having to seal tile grout with a brush, Stand n' Seal allows you to do it standing up with a spray.

"On the can itself it says it evaporates harmlessly," Himmelman said.

Himmelman had just used the product when his son Tyler, 12, came into the bathroom for a few minutes. Even though the window and door were open to ventilate the area, Tyler started feeling sick.

"My throat kept hurting and my lungs hurt," Tyler said. "It felt like I burnt my lungs. It just fried them."

Tyler was taken to the hospital where he was diagnosed with pneumonitis, a condition characterized by inflamed lungs.

"I asked the father if Tyler had been exposed to any toxic fumes and the father kind of smiled and said ' well as a matter of fact, his problems started about an hour after helping me in the bathroom,' said Dr. Jeff Schmidt of Presbyterian St. Luke's Hospital.

Tyler was released five days later and still has not fully recovered. His oxygen levels are still monitored and he has to breathe through an oxygen mask frequently.

"I'm upset because I don't want another child to go through the same thing and I think Tyler feels the same way," said Sandie Himmelman, Tyler's mother.

There have been many other cases around the country where people have become ill after using Stand 'n Seal.

A firefighter from Florida told CBS4 he was hospitalized for three days after using the product. A Texas contractor said he went into convulsions and a woman in south Florida felt chills and burning after using it. She said she thought she was going to die.

Ted Saiki, 71, of Thornton remains on oxygen two weeks after he used Stand 'n Seal to seal the grout in his home.

"It should be in bold letters that it's really harmful to inhale the chemical," Saiki said.

The label on the can says the spray 'evaporates harmlessly' and the small print reads 'avoid breathing vapors'. The warning with larger print doesn't make a reference to the danger.

Since problems were reported to the company, a new label was added to the cap advising use of adequate ventilation.

A toxicologist and poison center doctor said the hydrocarbons and aerosol propellants may be the source of the lung irritation.

"My personal feeling is that the warnings on this product container should be more specific," said Dr. David Gilmore.

Lawsuits have been filed by two Texas workmen who used the product.

The makers of Stand 'n Seal announced that 16 batches are being recalled because a contract manufacturer removed an odor from the product that would discourage over-use.

The company issued a statement saying:

"We regret the situation and are working with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to publicize the consumer recall and address consumer concerns."

As for Tyler, he remains at home while his friends go to school.

"It's been hard to walk places and play sports and I can't run very far," Tyler said.

Although the product has caused the family heartache, the Himmelmans are pleased some of the product is being removed from the shelves.

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