TORONTO, June 12 /CNW/ - As many as 100 toxic chemicals associated with
adverse health effects are released into the air from polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) shower curtains. These chemicals make up that "new
shower curtain smell" unique to PVC vinyl shower curtains and shower
curtain liners, according to "Volatile Vinyl: The New Shower Curtain's
Chemical Smell." The new study is released today by the US-based Center
for Health, Environment & Justice (CHEJ) and in Canada by
Environmental Defence and the Canadian Environmental Law Association
(CELA).  Though ubiquitous in homes around the world, PVC shower
curtains contain many harmful chemicals, including volatile organic
compounds (VOCs), phthalates and organotins. Toxic chemical off-gassing
from PVC shower curtains may contribute to respiratory irritation,
damage to the central nervous system, liver and kidney, nausea,
headaches and loss of coordination.  "The new shower curtain smell may
be toxic to your health," said Michael Schade, report co-author and
CHEJ PVC Campaign Coordinator. "Vinyl shower curtains are contaminating
the air we breathe and we need the Canadian government to take serious
action on the use of PVC in consumer products," said Dr. Rick Smith,
Executive Director of Environmental Defence.  "Combined exposure to the
multiple chemicals released from vinyl shower curtains is cause for
concern," said Aaron Freeman, Policy Director, Environmental Defence,
"especially for children as they are more sensitive to toxic
chemicals."  The five PVC shower curtains tested in the United State by
CHEJ were purchased from Bed Bath & Beyond, Kmart, Sears, Target
and Wal-Mart. One brand sold at Bed Bath & Beyond was found in
Canadian stores; however, most major department stores in Canada carry
some variety of vinyl shower curtain...

Full Story: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/June2008/12
/c3028.html