Keith Yaskin's Blog

A study found that PVC shower curtains contained high concentrations of phthalates, which have been linked to reproductive effects, and varying concentrations of organotins, which are compounds based on tin and hydrocarbons. One of the curtains tested released measurable quantities of as many as 108 volatile organic compounds into the air, some of which persisted for nearly a month.

Seven of these chemicals -- toluene, ethylbenzene, phenol, methyl isobutyl ketone, xylene, acetophenone and cumene -- have been identified by the Environmental Protection Agency as hazardous air pollutants, said Stephen Lester, the center's science director and a coauthor of the report.

Potential health effects include developmental damage and harm to the liver and the central nervous, respiratory and reproductive systems, according to the report.

Phthalates and organotins, which are not chemically bonded to the shower curtain, are often added to soften or otherwise enhance the curtain. These additives evaporate or cling to household dust more easily than the chemicals in the curtains themselves, Lester said. Volatile organic compounds also evaporate more easily than the less harmful chemicals, he said.

Vinyl chloride, which is a major building block of PVC, is a known human carcinogen that causes liver cancer.

LOL Truckie - thats too funny!

That would make for some eyebrow raising headlines. Death by shower curtain!

I rather question what was just stated.....

I once knew of a person, many years ago, who was extremely large.
While in the shower, was eyeing the patterns on the shower curtain;
it was all types of food stuffs in patterns on dinner plates.
This person became so obsessed with hunger/gluttony,
he ate the whole shower curtain sheet.
Needless to say, despite the attractiveness of the curtain, he died.
He failed to digest it; as his bowels became overly impacted
with the whole plastic sheet.

He terminated, sadly, because he failed to control his internal needs and give a sheet!

LOL - Lessons of the day: Never shower hungry. Hang the curtain on the INSIDE of the tub. And if at all possible replace the curtain with a shower door.

My family is much safer this morning!

iam_joann: Do you worry a lot about this kind of stuff?

Z-BRA: I'm interested in interviewing someone who takes the precautions you are talking about. Will you give me a call at work? 602-262-5109. Thank you.

I only use fabric shower curtins, dont like the way vinyl shower curtins smell plus they mildew easily, where as my fabric curtins get washed every week.