Most people don’t spend too much time thinking about their shower curtain. But for me, buying a shower curtain has always been a real dilemma! Many curtains are made of PVC, which off-gasses harmful chemicals that significantly contribute to indoor air pollution and are detrimental to our health. And while there are many non-PVC alternatives out there, it is hard to determine which is best in terms of both function and composition. Oy, what a headache! Speaking of which: headaches are just one of the many side-effects associated with PVC shower curtains. Others include eye, nose and throat irritation; and damage to the central nervous system. Not so innocent anymore, huh? If you’ve ever purchased a PVC shower curtain before, you know the scent that accompanies it, that overpowering plasticy scent that fills up the entire bathroom quickly after the curtain is removed from the bag. Whew, is it rough! Well it turns out that this overpowering scent is actually harmful chemicals off-gassing into the air. 

A few years back, the Center for Health, Environment and Justice conducted a laboratory study of PVC curtains. The curtains tested (purchased from Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Walmart, K-Mart and Sears) released as many as 108 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, some of which persisted for nearly a month after the curtain was removed from the packaging. This is a whopping 16 times greater than the recommended guidelines for indoor air quality established by the U.S. Green Building Council. Furthermore, seven of these chemicals – toluene, ethylbenzene, phenol, methyl isobutyl ketone, xylene, acetophenone and cumene – have been identified by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as hazardous air pollutants. Despite the fact that VOC concentrations are higher in indoor air than outdoor air, and that studies show that VOCs pose a significant health threat, no federal agency has the legal authority to regulate the chemical composition of consumer products: “While we do regulate VOCs in outdoor air from an indoor air perspective, EPA has no authority to regulate household products (or any other aspect of indoor air quality)…

Even if we had authority to regulate indoor air quality, it would be difficult to regulate household products because we have no authority to collect information on the chemical content of products in the marketplace (not does any Federal Agency)” – EPA representative.ikea dignitet curtain wire instructions Fortunately, a number of non-PVC shower curtain alternatives exist for us to choose from:dobby tab top curtains Cotton: Cotton curtains do absorb the water but dry rather quickly. curtains michael guineysSince I use an outer decorative curtain, the cotton liner just did not work for me as the water seeped through to the outer curtain. 2nd hand curtains kirkliston

However, this is an alternative to consider if you do not use a decorative curtain.shower curtain rod urban dictionary This little switch can have a significant impact on the quality of your indoor air and your health, so don’t delay!dotty blackout curtains Standard FTC disclosure: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. dunelm mill ring top curtainsHowever, I only support and endorse products that I use personally and feel would benefit readers. Thank you for supporting Body Unburdened and the work I do to help readers live non-toxic, healthy lives!

Disclaimer: The content of Body Unburdened either through this website, social media pages, or any other materials distributed by Body Unburdened is intended to provide helpful and informative material. I am not a doctor or a “registered dietitian,” and I do not provide medical advice or treat diseases. Dear plastic, it’s over: 10 ways to end your relationship with plastic All-natural DIY clarifying face exfoliantThis organic farm in North Carolina could be yours for $300 and 200 wordsYum FabricFabric IceYellow FabricChair FabricYd SuburbanShop SuburbanFabric 705Fabric Textile705 91ForwardShop Suburban Home Ponderosa Blue Fabric at onlinefabricstore.net for $19.1/ Yard. Best Price & Service. Used & new (4) from $9.99 Buy Used and Save: Buy a Used "Hookless RBH14HH12 Snap-In PEVA Liner for Shower C..." and save 9% off the $11.00 list price. Buy with confidence as the condition of this item and its timely delivery are guaranteed under the "Amazon A-to-z Guarantee".

See all Used offers. Our shower curtains feature a patented Hookless design with integrated Flex-Onrings and fabric slits, allowing the curtain to easily slip on and off a rod in seconds. Made of PVC-free PEVA, the attached It’s A Snap! This shower curtain includes a waterproof snap-in PEVA liner, which can be removed for easy cleaning or replaced as replacement liners are available. 54 x 0.1 x 70 inches #4,124 in Home and Kitchen (See Top 100 in Home and Kitchen) #441 in Electronics > Cell Phones & Accessories > Cases > CasesAbsolutely love the replaceable liner so much easier! Love this insert, the more cloth like one was difficult to maintain. Easy to install, easy to clean. Fit perfect to cloth inside it replaced. We have hard water so our curtains discolor very fast. Replacing this part is way easier than trying to clean the liner. very good as describer Based on reading the reviews, I expected a thinner, cheaper feeling shower curtain.