Last month, I began talking about environmental pollution and how in nature everything is connected (when we harm the environment, we harm our health). Let's go further by talking about indoor air pollution. Potential home owners are warned to check a home that they are considering buying for indoor pollutants such as mold, asbestos, and radon. However, as soon as the house is closed on, the new owners may unknowingly introduce new indoor pollutants. Because most Americans spent about 90% of their time indoors - indoor pollutants present a big health risk.
The topic of today's post is indoor air pollution or off-gassing created by polyvinyl chloride (PVC) found in vinyl shower curtains and mattress covers. If you who are not familiar with the term off-gassing, think back to the day you bought a new see-through shower curtain or a shower curtain liner and hung it up. The strong plastic smell is the off-gassing of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These particles are neurotoxins and endocrine disruptors. Moreover, when vinyl is manufactured and destroyed, dioxins (chemicals that cause reproductive problems, cancer, and birth defects) are released into the air. Judith Helfand's documentary Blue Vinyl is a good examination of the toxic effects of PVCs used in production of vinyl siding, shower curtains and toys.
If you are in the market for a new shower curtain, consider these alternatives to the smelly vinyl version:
- Hemp
- Cotton
- Polyester
After some research and price comparison, I picked up a basic washable polyester shower curtain. It has been over a year and this curtain looks as good as new. I wash it every few weeks in the washing machine and let dry on the line in the sun. No water soaks through and there is no evidence of water/soap build up.
Has anyone used a hemp or a cotton shower curtain?
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