Healthy Tidbits

(Prevention Magazine)

Stop Showering with Chemicals
Green This: Vinyl (PVC) shower curtains
To That: PVC-free plastic shower curtains, or ones made of nylon, cotton, bamboo, or hemp
Vinyl shower curtains
are widely sold. But a recent study by the nonprofit Center for Health, Environment & Justice tested a small sample of these curtains and found that in the 28 days after hanging they released 108 chemicals, some of which are hazardous--such as toluene and phenol (which is known to cause liver and kidney damage in much higher concentrations). A 2002 study by EPA scientists also found that vinyl shower curtains could emit phenol for more than a month. Fortunately, it's easier than ever to find alternatives. IKEA sells a PVC-free plastic curtain (and no longer carries PVC curtains at all). But cloth or bamboo is eco-friendlier. A hemp curtain requires no liner and is naturally mildew resistant.