Environmental Law

BEWARE THE VINYL SHOWER CURTAIN (OR NOT)

By STEPHEN HOLZER

     The website of Seattle TV station KREM (channel 2) reports on a controversy over vinyl shower curtains (is nothing sacred?):

It may the last thing on your mind when you get ready for a shower, but that new shower curtain may bring some unwanted friends into your home.

A study found that more than 100 chemicals are released by some curtains, and some are at levels that violate indoor air safety standards.

"I think what's most surprising was the amount of chemicals that were released into the air when you bring a new shower curtain home," said Ivy Sager-Rosenthal of Washington Toxics Coalition.

     On the proverbial other hand, there is this quote from the KREM report:

          "This report is simple scare-mongering. It is a blatant attempt by a well-known pressure group to manipulate consumers and retailers into thinking that shower curtains pose a danger, when they don't. It offers no evidence of actual harm," said Greg Bocchi, Pres., The Vinyl Institute.

     What's next on the chopping block-- new car smell?

Full post as published by Environmental Legal Blogs on June 14, 2008 (boomark / email).