Should We Replace Our Plastic Shower Curtain?
I read about plastic shower curtains and the "new shower curtain smell" we all know. It said that the smell comes from unhealthy chemicals that are intrinsic to the plastics used to make them. Is this true? Should we stop using them? And are there plastic shower curtains that do not have unhealthy chemicals on them?
Gina Soloman responds:
It's true. Many plastic shower curtains are made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which releases hazardous chemicals, including hormone-disrupting phthalates. And lead is sometimes used as a stabilizer in PVC. Lead has been detected in a range of PVC products including toys, lunchboxes, baby bibs, Christmas trees and electronics. Some major retailers have pledged to stop carrying products that contain PVC. And phthalates were recently banned from toys and children's products.
There are plenty of safer alternatives to this toxic plastic. I'd suggest switching to a fabric shower curtain such as one made from hemp or select a non-PVC options such as EVA plastic curtains.
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