Chemicals in Vinyl Shower Curtains

A recent report by a national environmental organization states that Vinyl shower curtains emit toxic chemicals linked to serious health problems. The chemicals off-gas and create the "new shower curtain smell". The smell can make you feel sick, nauseous or cause other health problems. The plastic curtains made of PVC contain high concentrations of Phthalates and other chemicals linked to liver damage, central nervous, respiratory and reproductive systems. These chemicals can persist in the air for up to a month.

Young children would be even more vulnerable to these chemicals. If you are bathing your child in a bathroom with these types of curtains it would safer to remove them and install another type.