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| Shower Curtains & Liners |
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| CHEMICALS CONTAINED: |
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| Most shower curtains are made from plastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Ever notice the strong odors coming from a brand new shower curtain or liner? Those odors are chemicals out-gassing from the plastic, and some of the chemicals can be toxic. Since PVC is one of the most common materials used in plastic shower curtains, vinyl chloride is a common toxin released. |
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| HEALTH CONCERNS: |
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| The effects of vinyl chloride range from irritation of the eyes, ears, and throat, to respiratory irritation to neurological effects. Vinyl chloride is a suspected human carcinogen. |
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| TIPS & ALTERNATIVES: |
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Purchase shower curtains and liners made from cotton (ideally unbleached, organic), linen, or hemp. It is true these are much more expensive than the plastic curtains and liners, but hemp, for instance, is naturally mildew-resistant, durable, and will last a very long time.
Also, many (if not most) fabric curtains and liners can be thrown in the washing machine for easy cleaning, so you won’t need to replace them as often as the plastic ones. |
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| Wallpaper |
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| CHEMICALS CONTAINED: |
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| Conventional wallpaper is made from or coated with vinyl or other kinds of plastic (vinyl is one of the most toxic forms of plastic). It is often printed or embedded with chemical dyes that can contain toxins. Conventional wallpaper adhesive also emits VOCs. |
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| HEALTH CONCERNS: |
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| VOCs in general can cause irritation to the respiratory tract, eyes, ears, nose, and throat, as well as more serious effects. Vinyl is one of the most toxic kinds of plastic, and emits vinyl chloride, a suspected human carcinogen. |
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| TIPS & ALTERNATIVES: |
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| Look for wallpaper made from paper, not vinyl or other plastics, with non-toxic inks or dyes. For adhesive, look for clay- and water-based types. |
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| Window Treatments |
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| CHEMICALS CONTAINED: |
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Treatments for stain, mildew and wrinkle resistance often contain formaldehyde, as well as other chemicals.
Fire retardants such as PBDEs.
Shades and blinds may be treated with chemicals to resist fading, and may be made from plastics such as vinyl chloride, which can outgas harmful chemicals. |
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| HEALTH CONCERNS: |
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Formaldehyde is a suspected human carcinogen and can cause sensory and pulmonary irritation, headaches, neurological effects, kidney and liver damage.
PBDEs may have toxic effects—including reproductive, endocrine-disrupting, neurological, and thyroid-disrupting.
Vinyl chloride is a known human carcinogen. |
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| TIPS & ALTERNATIVES: |
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Look for draperies made from natural fibers such as linen, wool, hemp, silk, and cotton.
Labels on textiles don’t have to indicate that the fabrics have been treated with formaldehyde resins and other chemicals, but ask retailers and manufacturers for information on what their products are treated with.
Avoid products labeled as “permanent press,” “wrinkle-free,” or “no-iron.”
If you do buy conventional draperies, let them air out for a week before bringing them into the home. |
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