by 
The Curious Bag
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A newly unpackaged vinyl shower curtain may fill your nostrils with more than a distinctive odor. The vinyl used in some curtains infiltrates homes with toxic substances.
DEHP
According to Thedailygreen.com, shower curtains made of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, give off a toxic chemical called DEHP that may cause hormonal abnormalities.
Other Toxins
A study performed by the Center for Health, Environment & Justice (CHEJ) found that in addition to DEHP, PVC shower curtains added more than 100 other volatile organic compounds into the air when unpackaged.
Side Effects
The toxic compounds contained in PVC shower curtains may cause nerve problems, organ damage, respiratory trouble, disorientation, headaches and nausea.
Industry Response
While the American Chemistry Council stresses that the CHEJ study does not prove the dangers of PVC shower curtains, some leading retailers have decided to stop selling them nevertheless.
Alternatives
Many shower curtains now use other plastics such as ethylene vinyl acetate that do not contain harmful toxins. Fabric or glass shower curtains offer other safe alternatives.
Source:
Thedailygreen.com: Study Highlights Dangers of Vinyl Shower Curtains
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