Posted on July 24, 2013 by There have been 0 comments Throw a stone and it will probably bounce of a piece of plastic or two. We are surrounded by a world of man-made, chemically enhanced furniture, toys, utensils, clothing, bath supplies and so much more. Nowadays it is not only necessary to research and diligently hand-pick our food, it is also necessary to educate ourselves on the toxicity of our next nonfood purchase as well. One of the more immediate concerns is the powerful off-gassing of PVC (polyvinyl chloride-referred to as ‘vinyl’), especially used for production of inexpensive shower curtains and liners. Shower Curtain Caution - Can’t You Smell that Smell? Virginia based Center for Health, Environment and Justice (CHEJ) as well as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) both found significant off-gassing of these tongue twisting toxins: phthalates, toluene, ethylbenzene, phenol, methyl isobutyl ketone, xylene, acetophenone and cumene from shower curtains bought at five major chain stores.

There were up to 108 VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) leached into the air from one of the curtains that remained airborne for almost one month. The inhalation of these toxins (yup, it’s in that new shower curtain smell), over time, can cause anything from headaches and nausea to liver, central nervous system, respiratory and reproductive problems. According to this statement by Barbara Spark, the indoor air program coordinator for the EPA's Pacific Southwest region, "The EPA does not regulate indoor air, period...we have not been given that authority by Congress." It is up to you to do your own regulation. PEVA (polyethylene vinyl acetate) and EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) are the attempted “answers” to toxic shower curtain (and other plastic) choices. These formulas are not perfect. They are made from petrochemicals (petroleum and natural gas) which is still a fossil fuel pollutant but they contain less VOC’s than PVC’s (say that 10x fast!). PEVA/EVA choices are chlorine-free yet they are still full of untested chemicals that make them only semi-green.

But the absence of chlorine has been shown to considerably reduce harmful off-gassing. Investing in a toxic-free shower curtain (or other plastic choice) can be essential to your and your family’s future health. If it must be plastic, avoid the word ‘vinyl’ unless it also shows a PVC-free, PEVA or EVA identification. It may be a few shillings more but definitely worth your safer health. Also, anti-microbial, antibacterial and/or anti-mildew are invitations for more unknown chemicals. kirsch curtain rod extenderThere really is no need for these additives if folks would get off their butts and simply clean their shower curtains now and again. wundaweb curtainsOther choices beyond PVC and PEVA/EVA are:judy green eyelet curtains

It is not rocket science these days to figure out how to stay one step ahead of the inconspicuous harmful plastics out there. All you have to do is smell the package even before looking at the label and chances are it is dangerous off-gassing. Do not succumb to rapid, impulse consumerism and take your time finding the safest, non-toxic choice. This post was posted in Blog and Green Library, Health and Safety and was tagged with air quality, Eco Home Improvement, HEALTH SENSITIVEblackout curtains spotlight singapore Oxy-Boost Oxygen Bleach - 2.5 lb jarmegadeth black curtains guitar tab Paint - Safecoat Semi-Gloss Zero VOCeivor curtains Biokleen Liquid Dish Soap-pump dispenser accessoryweathermate grommet curtains

Toastie Toes Fleece Cover OnlyYes, your shower curtain or, more specifically, your plastic liner, is likely toxic. Most are made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and off-gas dangerous volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) like toluene and xylene. No other plastic contains or releases as many dangerous chemicals including: dioxins, hormone disrupting chemicals called phthalates, vinyl chloride, ethylene dichloride, lead, cadmium, and organotins into the air you breathe. These chemicals can damage the respiratory system, liver, kidney, central nervous system, and have been connected to diseases such as cancer. PVC-containing shower curtains can emit 108 chemicals in the air according to studies by the Center for Health, Environment and Justice, CHEJ. You can recognize this evil plastic (yes, I’m 100% comfortable calling it that), by locating the recycling number inside the triangle. PVC will always be a number 3 (not good for you or recycling). To get better equipped with the dangers to both your health and the environment, read our past posts: PVC?

and PVC: THE POISON PLASTIC! Get Safer Supplies & Back to School Guides But, back to your beloved bathroom and breathing easier! The good news is healthy alternatives to nasty PVC options do exist. We recommend hemp because it is naturally resistant to mildew and bacteria and can be machine washed. It also doesn’t require a plastic liner. Yes, they will cost you a bit more (but, you’re sooo worth it!). Here are some of our favorites. Let us know if you have a fave in the comments below. Earthsake $119.00 – 100% pesticide-free Romanian hemp shower curtain. Does not require a liner. Resistant to mold and bacteria and dries quickly. It is machine washable. GreenHome $105.00 – Romanian grown hemp which is grown without pesticides and chemical fertilizers. The shower curtain will get wet, but will not leak through. natural resistance to mildew and bacteria, and can be machine washed to clean any grime buildup. Rawganique $42.50 – $109.00 – Made from 100% organic European hemp grown.

Use with or without a liner. Coyuchi $214.00-$236.00 – Can be used with or without a liner. Earthsake $126.40 – May be used with a liner or without-just squeeze the   water out of the lower edge after use and let it dry. Hangs from rustproof metal grommets. Cotton/linen is made in India from flax grown in France and Belgium, and 100% organic cotton from India. Coyuchi $158.00 – 100% organic cotton. Can be used with or without a liner. Coyuchi – $162.00 100% organic cotton. GreenHome – $82.14 100% Certified Fairtrade and Organic cotton shower curtain. A second curtain may be necessary as a liner as these have a sheer like texture, but also works well alone for areas with a smaller splash factor.Repels water naturally w/out liner. 100% certified organic cotton canvas. So Well Made – $39.94. For a limited time, this also comes with a free organic cotton hand towel. Choose natural or white. The Best Non-Vinyl Shower Curtain — powered by ehow

Many of our readers made comments below about the above options being too expensive. Sometimes in life, you’re forced between choosing the lesser of two evils. In this case, if you can’t afford any of the above, then we recommend PEVA (polyethylene vinyl acetate) or EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) over PVC. While they’re not perfect (made from petroleum; a non-renewable resource and contains chemicals), PEVA and EVA are made from chloride-free vinyl which delivers touchable softness and waterproof function without the smell of traditional PVC vinyl. Both are PVC free, biodegradable, don’t off-gas and are affordable. However, buyer beware as a new study published in the Journal of Toxicological Sciences found PEVA toxic to living organisms. Further studies are needed to determine toxicity in humans. You can find these at BedBathstore $3.99+ or Target $9.99+.  Styles are also available from West Elm or Pottery Barn for only $12.00. Or, the PEVA liner from Cb2 for $9.95. They’re chloride & odor free and offer a safer alternative to PVC versions.