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." curtains wigtonIt is up to you to do your own regulation. marrakech blue and green curtain panel set 96 inPEVA (polyethylene vinyl acetate) and EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) are the attempted “answers” to toxic shower curtain (and other plastic) choices. curved curtain rail perth

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. soft microsuede tab top curtain window treatment 63 inIf 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 Oxy-Boost Oxygen Bleach - 2.5 lb jar Paint - Safecoat Semi-Gloss Zero VOC Biokleen Liquid Dish Soap-pump dispenser accessory Toastie Toes Fleece Cover Only18 Ways to Re-Use Old Shower Curtains View all articles in Re-Use-It Our article on eco-friendly shower curtains informs you of some of the dangers quietly lurking behind these innocent-looking, foul-smelling plastic enclosures. It also mentions a number of alternatives that can reduce your family's exposure to the harsh chemical fumes posed by traditional polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic curtains.

But what happens to the old shower curtain you replace with a non-off-gassing alternative? Traditional shower curtains aren't recyclable. So in order to keep them out of landfills, you can put them to use in any or all of the following ways. Before putting your old shower curtain to further use, toss it in the washing machine with a little white vinegar and liquid laundry detergent. And to remove all the soap, add a little fabric softener during the appropriate cycle. Then just hang it outside to dry. Line cabinet shelves: Turn your old vinyl shower curtain into easy-to-clean shelf liners by cutting it to shelf size and setting it in place. Secure the vinyl to each shelf using rubber cement, if you prefer. Just wipe them down with a damp sponge when it's time for cleaning. Make a protective apron: To make a cobbler's style apron, with a vest and skirt, simply use pinking shears to cut the shower curtain to size. Then poke two holes at the top of the vest for cords or ribbons to fit through so you can tie the apron around your neck, and make two more holes in the sides for tying it around your waist.

This type of apron is particularly useful for those extra messy household jobs! Use as a painting drop cloth: Use your old shower curtain as a drop cloth the next time you paint a room. The material is heavier and more durable than the plastic drop cloths you buy at the hardware store. Use for kids' painting projects: Lay an old shower curtain on the floor and let your kids enjoy their finger painting on top to avoid catastrophic messes. Protect the floor beneath the high chair: Make cleanup a breeze by cutting a 36- to 48-inch square from an old shower curtain and placing it under the baby's high chair. You can make bibs out of the leftover scraps too. Cover picnic tables and benches: Use an old shower curtain as a makeshift tablecloth (or as a tablecloth liner). You can also fold one over sticky or dirty benches and chairs. Protect the table when cutting fabric: Put a shower curtain on your dining room table the next time you're cutting a pattern. The scissors will glide more easily and you'll protect the tabletop from nicks and scratches.

Block weeds in mulched beds: The next time you do any landscaping with gravel or bark chips, place an old shower curtain under the mulching material to prevent weeds from poking through. Cover storage items: Old shower curtains make great off-season covers for stored patio furniture and barbecues. Just lash them with bungee cords for extra coverage. Use for roadside emergencies: Keep an old shower curtain in the trunk of your car so you'll have something to sit on when changing a tire or making underbody repairs. Take camping: Use an old shower curtain as a lightweight ground cloth for under a tent. Make it into a banner: Use paint to transform your old shower curtain into a banner directing people to your garage sale or house party. Line your car's trunk: Use an old shower curtain to line and protect the trunk of your car when transporting messy items like Christmas trees and potluck dinner entrees. Line a cloak or simple coat: Cut a shower curtain to size and sew it between the outer layer and the fabric of your cloak or coat for a waterproof, windproof second lining.