Toxic Chemicals in your shower curtain?

The shower curtains commonly sold in department stores are emitting chemicals of known toxicity linked to various health effects, according to research by a nonprofit environmental watch group.

The Center for Health, Environment and Justice released their research report Thursday, pointing out that high concentrations of volatile organic compounds were found in the curtains, many of which were associated with damage to the liver and the central nervous system, as well as to reproductive organs and the lungs.

The research study was commissioned in 2006 to find out the nature of the “new shower curtain smell.” Consumers are very familiar with these odors, which can make some people feel nauseous or experience headaches or feel sick.

Researchers found that vinyl shower curtains often had high concentrations of phthalates, which is commonly used to soften plastic and, along with bisphenol A, is known as an “everywhere chemical” (see Safety Issues story on “everywhere chemicals”, November 1, 2007), and organotins, which are combinations of tin and several hydrocarbons.

Up to 108 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were found in detectable quantities in the air around the shower curtains. The quantity of total VOCs in some cases was at least 16 times higher than standards for the quality of indoor air set by the U.S. Green Building Council.

These included seven toxic chemicals considered as dangerous air pollutants by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In previous tests on vinyl shower curtains, the EPA identified many of the chemicals also listed in the current research report.

For 86 other chemicals among the 108, there is little available information on their toxicity.

Phthalates have been linked to early maturation of breasts in girls and to retarded reproductive development in boys. Phthalates are able to move freely from the chemical interior to the surface of the curtain since it is not chemically bonded to other components. From the surface, they could evaporate and remain suspended in the air for a while before eventually attaching to dust particles.

The organization said the study underscored the absence of government regulations on indoor air pollutants. But the EPA says the agency does not have the mandate to regulate indoor air. Congress has not given any agency that authority.

Safety Tips:

* Buy shower curtains made from organic cotton or other safe materials.
* Avoid buying shower curtains (particularly flexible ones) manufactured with PVC or vinyl chloride (usually marked as “vinyl” or “PVC”).