There is tempest in a teapot brewing in regard to the chemical safety of shower curtains. It seems that someone got curious about the composition of the “new shower curtain smell”. The alert has sounded and the troops are scrambling to general quarters. A lurking menace in the bathroom hangs there unnoticed, quietly off-gassing a cruel industrial bouquet of death vapors.
A Google survey of the issue turns up quite a number of hits, all reporting the same meager bowl of gruel. Over 100 toxic chemicals have been detected in the fragrance, they say. It would be interesting to see the actual data.
OK. This is the feedback that the manufacturer needs to reformulate the composition of their product. PVC is extremely useful in manufacturing. But the deal with the devil you have to make if you want durable and flexible PVC is the incorporation of plasticizers. The PVC industry has steadfastly outlived many predictions of its demise. It will outlive this toxic curtain episode as well. However, they will have to address this matter of odor in their products, hazardous or not.
I smell opportunity for manufacturers of other polymers to step in and exploit the fear and loathing over PVC curtains.
It may be foolish to offer an opinion here, but it seems to me that the population at greatest risk are the factory and warehouse workers. They face potentially chronic occupational exposure.
Lamentations on Chemistry 
“New shower curtain smell”?? How about going after the “new car smell”! Of course, the automobile industry lobby is quite a bit more powerful than the shower curtain lobby, OR MAYBE, they really are more powerful but they don’t want us to know that they are TGIF
The responsible groups mission (CHEJ) does seek to protect workers and more so the communities since was started by victims of infamous Love Canal contamination. Although it is true Chemical and other producers do need to be aware and pro-active relative potential hazards of their products (perceived or real) this report looks like sensational “scare tactics” to get media attention for the groups agenda (I saw at least 2 TV reports, several on-line notices, plus story in the paper so was effective in that sense). Scanning the report is does indicate over 100 chemicals “detected”, at least 9 of which are known as toxins, of which dioxin was particularly noted. I did not see listing of amounts found nor if any approached the levels associated with know toxicity (could be there or referenced in close read) so danger of exposure may well be below thresholds that should be concerns. Unfortunately everyone wants Zero risk and I can think of many more that are likely worse that this example (gasoline for instance).
In regards to eliminating odor wonder if a post-manufacturing wash/soak in inert solvent (EtOH- then smell like beer?) or perhaps vacuum chambers would be an use? If want to replace PVC I know a few hotels use nylon shower curtain liners yet would seem any synthetic might have issues. Could switch to “natural latex” coated liners that might appease certain people but of course those allergic to latex that would need glass doors. I like baths anyway and dry off with cotton towels.
Ban shower curtains? Use a friggin towel on the floor for God’s sake! Didn’t anyone here go to college? Glass doors on the tubs would solve all your problems.
Phew, now I know we did the right thing getting a shower cubicle. I think this posting has brought you a lot of new readers, like me. And who’d have thought there were so many chemical-related blogs out there. I’d be honoured if you would add mine to your Blogroll: http://www.icis.com/blogs/icis-chemicals-confidential/
Thanks Barbara. I am a subscriber to ICIS. I look forward to it every week. I will place your link in an honored spot on the blog.
According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, the research behind this latest scare is based on bad science. The CPSC says enjoy your shower curtain in peace!
http://greeninstore.blogspot.com/2008/06/bad-science-behind-new-fears-on-vinyl.html
Who cares what CPSC says about anything. They are the group that
find BPA in infant products and formula acceptable.
When folks take time to expose plasticisers and other deadlies –
and work for almost no income – I would certainly consider their info
equally valid with anything coming out of some industral/corporate supporting entity.
tommorow@ourdoodah.com
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