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. There really is no need for these additives if folks would get off their butts and simply clean their shower curtains now and again. Other choices beyond PVC and PEVA/EVA are: 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 SENSITIVE Organic Wool & Cotton Futon - Twin Beeswax Honeypot Luminary - Carved Jack-O-Lantern Probiotic Travel and Sports Bundle Vapamore MR 50 STEAM VAC Steam Cleaner and Wet/Dry VacuumGoing green is good for you. Eco-friendly products are often better quality, and they leave the Earth in better shape for future generations. curtains and blinds prestwichIf you’re worried about harmful chemicals and carcinogens (ingredients that cause cancer), sustainable items are a great choice.wamsutta curtains ashley stripe One of the worst offenders is plastic, both environmentally and health-wise. made to measure curtains teesside

PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is in everything from plastic shower curtains to tupperware to children’s toys. You should avoid PVC shower curtains because “hot steamy conditions promote the release of phthalates,” according to Mother Nature Network. And why are phthalates bad? The Breast Cancer Fund explains the problem with these plastic-softeners: A 2012 study found that women working in the automotive and food-canning industries have nearly a fivefold increase in risk for premenopausal breast cancer, likely because of their exposure to phthalates, BPA and flame-retardants. threshold shower curtain aquamarinePhthalates have also been linked to birth defects, asthma, neurodevelopmental problems in newborns, fertility issues and obesity [emphasis mine].ready made net curtains dunelm

Dr. Oz (yes, Oprah’s pal) even says phthalates “may lower testosterone and metabolism levels, causing you to gain weight and lose muscle mass.” Who knew your shower curtain could make you pack on the pounds? Bottom line: Your stinky plastic shower curtain smells because it contains more than 100 potentially hazardous chemicals. Hot showers in a confined, stuffy space like the bathroom only make it worse. So how can you choose an eco-friendly, non-toxic shower curtain?thermalogic weathermate grommet curtains PEVA (polyethylene vinyl acetate) is a vinyl made without chloride, so it doesn’t offgass. macy's spiderman shower curtainBut like PVC, it’s waterproof and affordable. l shaped shower curtain rod menards

“I throw mine in the wash a few times a year with towels (for scrubbing) and a 1/2 cup of vinegar. Spotless and effortless,” notes one reader on Apartment Therapy. PEVA and EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) aren’t perfect. Their manufacture uses petrochemicals. But they’re better for you than PVC shower curtains, because they have fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs). If the rest of the non-toxic shower curtains below don’t seem realistic, try PEVA or EVA.l shaped shower curtain rail homebase Go with a hemp, linen, or organic cotton shower curtain. curtains 57x98You can wring hemp out and put it in the washing machine. motorized curtains arduinoPlus, it’s breathable and resists mold. curtains lil wayne soundcloud

Hemp shower curtains aren’t cheap, though. They often cost $80 to $100. Cotton, linen, and hemp also all absorb water to some degree, unless you use a liner. Cotton and linen will attract mold more than hemp and other materials. But unlike PVC, these options are biodegradable or recyclable to some extent. (Burning PVC gives off dioxins, which can also cause cancer.) Like cotton, linen, and hemp, polyester is porous (unlike plastic). But at least it’s lightweight and can be popped in the washing machine. curtains nomorerackAs one Apartment Therapy commenter raves, “I recently converted to a 100% polyester liner and I love it. commonwealth rhapsody curtainsIt can be thrown in the wash with non-chlorine bleach and comes out fresh as a daisy.” veedub curtains

You can even find mildew-free, water-resistant polyester shower curtains. Water-resistant, washable nylon can be a great choice for a non-toxic shower curtain. Supposedly it dries quickly, too. Ripstop nylon shower curtains in particular are strong, thin, and long-lasting. Not only is our Serenity shower curtain 100% recyclable, but it won’t rust or mold. And depending on the type of shower (walk in, curbless etc.), the coiled wire fabric keeps almost all the water inside the shower. eclipse curtains meridian grommetThis odorless, non-toxic shower curtain is stylish and sexy as well — two things you can’t say about a vinyl shower curtain!eclipse curtains stink We hope these non-toxic shower curtains gave you some ideas. ladybird blackout curtains

Your other option, of course, is a glass shower door (although not even that is immune to mold). Or you can get really creative and buy a recycled boat sail as your non-toxic shower curtain. Whatever shower curtain you use, ventilate your bathroom by cracking a window or running the fan. That will help improve your indoor air quality. And when you’re done with your shower curtain, give it another life as a drop cloth. Now you’re one step closer to a healthy, environmentally friendly life.ex showhouse curtains for sale Have you ditched PVC? jcpenney curtains chris maddenWhat kind of shower curtain do you have?marimekko red poppy shower curtain Tags: green design, green living, health, non-toxic, safety, shower curtainnet curtain wire homebase