The new shower curtain smell may be hazardous to your health, warns a new study from the Center for Health Environment and Justice (CHEJ).

The study tested vinyl shower curtains from popular stores such as:

  • Bed Bath & Beyond
  • Kmart
  • Sears
  • Target
  • Wal-Mart.
According to the study:

PVC (vinyl) shower curtains can release as many as 108 volatile organic chemicals. Some of these chemicals cause developmental damage as well as damage to the liver and central nervous, respiratory, and reproductive systems.

 

In addition, some chemicals were found in the air 28 days after a PVC shower curtain was unwrapped and hung. This investigation shows that PVC shower curtains are significant contributors to indoor air pollution. Read report (PDF)

During a CBS interview, the study's director pointed out that:

When you open a new vinyl shower curtain in your home, you'll experience a strong chemical odor.

 

Over the years we have received a lot of complaints from parents and consumers concerned about experiencing headaches and other health problems associated with the exposure to the new shower curtain smell.

 

The EPA classifies seven of the chemicals that we found as hazardous air pollutants.

Unfortunately, the testing did not replicate the higher temperature and humidity conditions found in regular showering conditions, which may increase concentrations of pollutants released from the curtain.

shower curtain

However, the CHEJ speculated that the concentration of chemicals are likely to be greater during a shower than those reported by the study.

How to avoid dangerous shower curtains

The study offered two suggestions:

  • "Avoid shower curtains made with PVC, as well as other PVC products, especially those that are fexible. These products are not always labeled although some may be labeled as “vinyl” or “PVC.” Do not buy shower curtains that are not labeled.
  • Purchase PVC-free shower curtains made out of safer materials including organic cotton"