The flowery designed shower curtain might look very beautiful adorning your bathtub. But the fabric used to create it is very toxic and volatile. Curtains made from PVC (poly vinyl chloride) are very dangerous because the fabric includes many poisonous substances such as chlorine. Chlorine creates a carcinogenic chemical called dioxin. This chemical penetrates the food chain and can be quite toxic for your health.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also warned about the toxicity and volatility of PVC or vinyl shower curtains. A PVC product is burdened with 108 volatile organic compounds and poisonous chemicals including phthalates, mercury and dioxins. While your beautiful PVC shower curtain hangs near your shower, the poisonous gases and compounds spread in the air and stay for many days.

Vinyl shower curtains can have dangerous effects on the human body. The poisonous substances floating in the air can harm the body in various ways. According to The Center for Health, Environment and Justice, toxic substances contained in PVC shower curtains can pose a threat to the immune and reproductive systems and may even cause cancer.

There are some very good environmentally friendly alternatives to vinyl shower curtains, but even these solutions have their own drawbacks. Linen and hemp are good but very costly and shower curtains made from organic cotton might be unable to wick away water as you’d prefer. PEVA shower curtains, however, are a great and safe alternative to conventional vinyl shower curtains.