Vinyl shower curtains release toxic chemicals

As many as 100 toxic chemicals associated with adverse health effects are released into the air from polyvinyl chloride (PVC ) shower curtains, according to a new study released today. These chemicals make up that “new shower curtain smell” unique to PVC vinyl shower curtains and shower curtain liners, according to “Volatile Vinyl: The New Shower Curtain’s Chemical Smell,” a joint study by the US-based Center for Health, Environment & Justice, Canada’s Environmental Defence and the Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA).

Though ubiquitous in homes around the world, PVC shower curtains contain many harmful chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), phthalates and organotins. Toxic chemical off-gassing from PVC shower curtains may contribute to respiratory irritation, damage to the central nervous system, liver and kidney, nausea, headaches and loss of coordination.

“Vinyl shower curtains are contaminating the air we breathe and we need the Canadian government to take serious action on the use of PVC in consumer products,” said Dr. Rick Smith, executive director of Environmental Defence.

The five PVC shower curtains tested in the United States were purchased from Bed Bath & Beyond, Kmart, Sears, Target and Wal-Mart. One brand sold at Bed Bath & Beyond was found in Canadian stores; however, most major department stores in Canada carry some variety of vinyl shower curtain. Key findings include:

• 108 different 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 and diisononyl phthalate (DINP). These chemicals and additional phthalates are banned in children’s toys in California, Washington and the European Union. Canada has listed only DEHP as a “toxic” substance and recommends but has not implemented a ban 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 are not regulated.

“Not only are vinyl products contaminating our indoor air, but they release toxic dioxins during manufacturing and incineration,” said Theresa McClenaghan, CELA’s executive director. “The federal government has a window of opportunity to proactively regulate these chemicals with a major bill before parliament to amend the federal Hazardous Products Act.”

The results of the Volatile Vinyl report indicate a clear path for regulatory reform in Canada. Environmental Defence and CELA recommend that the federal government ban PVC in shower curtains, require that manufacturers and retailers switch to safer products and declare the chemicals emitted from PVC in consumer products as hazardous indoor air pollutants. In the meantime, consumers should avoid purchasing shower curtains, or other everyday products, made with PVC.

Opt for hemp instead. Hemp’s natural resistance to bacteria makes it ideal for shower curtains, and because of its tight weave, no plastic liners are necessary. (Trust me, I have one. They’re fantastic.) Just toss it in the wash a few times a month and hang it back up to dry.

Check out Grassroots in Toronto or order one online from BC-based Rawganique.