Just when you thought there couldn't possibly be anything else to worry about, comes this: your shower curtains may be hazardous to your health.
At least if you believe a new report from the
Canadian Environmental Law Association and
Environmental Defence. The latter group was behind the recent warnings over
bisphenol A, an ingredient found in some plastic baby bottles.
Now they're back, claiming a new study shows polyvinyl shower curtains contain as many as 100 toxic chemicals that are known to cause health problems. The groups say chemicals from the curtains that are released into the air could contribute to a host of ailments ranging from minor complaints like headaches and nausea to major troubles like respiratory difficulties, damage to the central nervous system and liver and kidney malfunctions.
The researchers warn of "that new shower curtain smell," which they say puts the 'toxic' in intoxicating. "Combined exposure to the multiple chemicals released from vinyl shower curtains is cause for concern," maintains Environmental Defence's Aaron Freeman in a statement. "Especially for children as they are more sensitive to toxic chemicals."
Most of the products they tested came from U.S. outlets like Kmart, Sears, Target and Wal-Mart. One brand was found at Bed Bath and Beyond here, but the group insists it's not where you buy it, but what's in it that matters. And there's often no way to tell.
The chemicals said to be of concern have long names like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), phthalates and organotins. But you don't have to be familiar with chemistry to understand their results. Among their findings:
- 108 different volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were released into the air from a shower curtain over a 28 day period
- All five curtains tested in phase one contained di(2-ethyl hexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and diisononyl phthalate (DINP). They've been banned in children's toys in California, Washington, and the European Union. Canada lists DEHP as a 'toxic' substance, and recommends keeping it away from kids, but it's not banned here in children's products.
- Several chemicals found in the curtains (ethylbenzene, methyl isobutyl ketone, cyclohexanone, and DINP), are considered a human health concern under the
Canadian Environmental Protection Act, but aren't regulated.
Companies that make the curtains assure their products have been fully tested and are safe. But the groups behind the report contend there's no point in taking any chances. They're demanding that the government ban the use of all PVC in shower curtains and recommend consumers switch to alternates such as cotton.
What can the chemicals cause?
Guide to vinyl products
Read the full report