Vinyl Shower Curtains May Cause Liver Cancer, Other Problems, Study Finds

Vinyl shower curtains sold at major retailers across the country give off toxic chemicals that have been linked to liver cancer and other serious health problems, a national environmental organization report finds.

Researchers for the Center for Health, Environment & Justice have determined that plastic shower curtains contain high concentrations of toxic polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other chemical compounds that have been linked to liver cancer as well as damage to the central nervous, respiratory and reproductive systems.

The report tested new shower curtains purchased from major retailers including Bed Bath & Beyond, Kmart, Sears, Target and Wal-Mart.

Seven of the more than 100 chemicals contained in shower curtains — toluene, ethylbenzene, phenol, methyl isobutyl ketone, xylene, acetophenone and cumene – have been identified by the Environmental Protection Agency as hazardous air pollutants, according to the researchers.

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