Posted by Steve The Shower Curtain King  on  09/28/2010  at  05:50 AM

There a several safe alternatives to PVC shower curtains. A very popular “green” material is hemp. They are non-toxic and last forever.

Posted by Barbara  on  11/17/2009  at  09:02 PM

I agree with above thoughts.
Barbara

Posted by Janelle Sorensen  on  08/13/2008  at  02:46 PM

Thanks for the comment, Michael. We welcome diverse opinions and hope that thoughtful dialogue about these issues helps people make the most informed decisions. I have three responses to your comment:

1. History has shown us over and over that, unfortunately, government agencies are generally the last ones to recognize (or admit) that a product or one of its ingredients may be unsafe. Some of the most obvious examples of this have been with lead, asbestos, and even cigarettes. Decades lapse between the first alarm bells ringing and subsequent regulation. Given this history, we don’t base our opinions and recommendations solely on what the government says. We encourage everyone to examine the findings of a variety of sources.

2. It is well documented that PVC, especially the plasticized kinds, off-gas a variety of toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Most studies to date have examined building materials, flooring, and wall coverings. While the methods used in this new shower curtain report may not have been the most scientifically credible, the results were somewhat predictable given the results of studies on other PVC materials. The report was not meant to be on par with primary studies published in peer-reviewed journals, it was meant to raise awareness about the potential dangers of PVC.

3. PVC plastics have the most toxic life-cycle of all plastics and contribute significantly to the global burden of endocrine disrupting chemicals and dioxins (which are the most potent carcinogens known to man). Many major manufacturers are phasing out their use of it (including Nike, Johnson & Johnson, and Wal-Mart). Builders are switching away from the material as well and projects ranging from the US EPA headquarters in Washington DC to projects being conducted by the US Air Force and NASA are seeing virtual elimination of the material. Why would homeowners want anything less?

In short, Healthy Child Healthy World believes in taking simple precautions, especially given how vulnerable our children’s developing bodies are. Parents do not like taking risks with their children’s health and we offer information about potential risks so they can make informed choices. In the end, though, it is up to each individual to decide which risks have more priority. Maybe shower curtains don’t make the top of your list. That’s okay, it’s not at the top of ours either.

Hopefully this answers any questions you had about the inconsistency between what the Volatile Vinyl report says and what the CPSC says. If not we’re happy to answer any more you may have.

Posted by Michael  on  06/18/2008  at  10:00 AM

According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, vinyl shower curtains do not pose a health hazard, and the report saying so was bad science.

http://greeninstore.blogspot.com/2008/06/bad-science-behind-new-fears-on-vinyl.html