Are vinyl shower curtains toxic?

[Amby 490]

That new vinyl shower curtain with the fun rubber ducks sure has a powerful smell -- but could it be toxic?

Yes, according to a national environment group.

The Center for Health, Environment and Justice, based in Washington, tested five brand curtains and liners sold at major retailers nationwide, including Bed Bath & Beyond, Kmart, Sears, Target and Wal-Mart, the New York Daily News reported.

Researchers said all of the curtains contained phthalates, chemical substances used to make plastics soft and flexible, and varying amounts of organotins, which are compounds based on tin and hydrocarbons. Studies have linked such chemicals to damage to the liver and the central nervous, respiratory and reproductive systems.

"The familiar 'new curtain smell' may be toxic to your health," said Mike Schade, the center's PVC campaign coordinator. "It's really surprising that retailers are manufacturing products that contain and release harmful chemicals in our homes."

That "new shower curtain smell" might be giving off toxic chemicals linked to serious health problems, according to a new study. A national environmental group tested vinyl shower curtains sold at major retailers nationwide and found they contained high concentrations of phthalates.

http://news.aol.com/health/story/ar/_a/are...612173309990001

[mawilson 2,133]

Of course it's toxic - it smells like toxic waste!

[Amby 490]

I don't go sniffing new shower curtains so I don't know the smell. We've always had the glass doors.

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

I don't go sniffing new shower curtains so I don't know the smell. We've always had the glass doors.

They are toxic if your the one in the shower!

[Amby 490]

I don't go sniffing new shower curtains so I don't know the smell. We've always had the glass doors.

They are toxic if your the one in the shower!

Thanks!

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

I don't go sniffing new shower curtains so I don't know the smell. We've always had the glass doors.

They are toxic if your the one in the shower!

Thanks!

Wipe next time!

[Amby 490]

with vinyl?

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

with vinyl?

80 grit!

[mawilson 2,133]

I don't go sniffing new shower curtains so I don't know the smell. We've always had the glass doors.

They are toxic if your the one in the shower!

Thanks!

Wipe next time!

[Amby 490]

I don't go sniffing new shower curtains so I don't know the smell. We've always had the glass doors.

They are toxic if your the one in the shower!

Thanks!

Wipe next time!

Thank you both for the advice/encouragement. Will send you PMs with the results after my next toxic toilet break.

Edited June 17, 2008 by Amby

[one...two...tree 2,762]

The water resistant fabric shower curtains are great. I don't know why the plastic ones are so popular.

[eric&gen 0]

Is that why i feel high and dizzy after my shower?