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Vinyl Shower Curtain Health Risks

That unmistakable new curtain smell could actually be toxic. A two-part study by the Center for Health, Environment and Justice (CHEJ) revealed that vinyl shower curtains are actually a danger to one's health. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) shower curtains are at the center of the study, which showed the consumer product released 108 different toxins into the air.

  1. Health Risks

    • Among the chemicals released by the shower curtains in the study are toxic substances that cause developmental damage as well as reproductive, respiratory and central nervous system damage. This is in addition to accounts of nausea, dizziness and confusion reported to consumer watchdog website www.consumeraffairs.com.

    Lingering Effects

    • While the strong smell of the shower curtain usually dissipates in a short time, the study by CHEJ showed some of the chemicals remained in the air 28 days after the curtain was hung. The study concluded that PVC shower curtains are a significant contributor to air pollution. In addition, these elements were found in quantities 16 times greater than the recommended levels set by the U.S. Green Building Council. Seven of the toxins are on the hazardous air pollutants list published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

    PVC and Cancer

    • Vinyl chloride, which is a key chemical in the production of PVC products, is known to cause a rare form of liver cancer called angiosarcoma, according to the CHEJ study. The EPA classifies this chemical as a known human carcinogen, which also affects the human central nervous system.

    PVC Production Is Dangerous

    • The CHEJ study shows evidence of danger to workers in PVC-manufacturing facilities in the form of increased cases of several cancers and cirrhosis. Groundwater contamination has also caused entire towns to be evacuated due to the activity at nearby manufacturing facilities. CHEJ calls PVC "the poison plastic."

    Retail Response

    • According to the Consumer Affair's website, JC Penny, Ikea, Bed, Bath and Beyond, Macy's and Target are among retailers that have developed plans to offer more PVC-free shower curtains.

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