Beware - The Vinyl Curtain
You know that weird smell in the house when you put up a brand new vinyl shower curtain? Yeah THAT smell. Well it could be poisoning you. More than 100 toxic chemicals associated with adverse health effects are released into the air from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) shower curtains, according to a study released by the US-based Center for Health, Environment & Justice (CHEJ).
Though used in homes around the world, PVC shower curtains contain many harmful chemicals.
Toxic chemicals that get released from PVC shower curtains can contribute to respiratory irritation, damage to the central nervous system, liver and kidney, nausea and headaches.
I stopped using this particular kind of shower curtain many years ago, mostly because I think they look kind of tacky, just a personal preference, don't get your feathers ruffled if you like them. And I always hated the funky smell that permeated the house for days. There are so many cute and inexpensive cloth liners there is no reason to add yet another stealth chemical to our homes. The cloth alternatives are sold everywhere just check the label.
Let me be 100% clear. This is one study by one organization. It has not been proven to be fact by the scientific community. That being said. My personal opinion is - I would rather be safe than sorry. I try to always live a lifestyle that cuts out as many things as possible that could be potentially harmful.
Oh yeah, take a quick shower we are in the midst of a drought in California:)About this blog
Roxanne Kotzman is a Daily News Photo Department veteran of nine years. When she and longtime friend Stacy Long
discovered their love all of all things environmentally responsible, they launched Happy Monkey Planet and jumped head-first into the vibrant eco-community.
Wow, so much to learn! But initially the idea is a pretty simple one: Let's change the world through information, education and action.
Rox & Stacy are a lot like you: ecologically minded but sometimes just plain overwhelmed when charged with the task of making a far-reaching difference in the environment. They have jobs, families, homes, lives and pets.
But what if doing better was a simple as a light-bulb change, a reusable canvas grocery bag, recycling that soda can or a cold-water wash?
These eco-chicks just hope to have a little fun, learn a little more, share a lot of information and maybe make the planet a happier, greener, cleaner place.
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