Dangers lurking in your shower curtains
That new shower curtain with the cute tropical fish or map of the globe might look pretty, but the smell could make you sick, say environmental groups. In a study on shower curtains out today, the nonprofits tested the toxic chemicals released from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic shower curtains -- the clear, pliable ones -- bought at Bed Bath & Beyond, Kmart, Sears, Target and Wal-Mart.
The curtains released up to 108 volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), some of which are linked to developmental problems, damage to the liver and central nervous system, respiratory harm and reproductive damage. Other chemicals included phthalates, which are used to soften plastics and metals. Curtains also contained a specific phthalate whose use is restricted by toy-safety rules approved by Washington lawmakers this spring.
