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October 11, 2008 1:27:03 AM CDT

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New Shower Curtains Smell Like Cancer

Posted Jun 12, 08 5:40 PM CDT in US,  Science & Health 

(Newser) – Ever wonder about that smell given off by new shower curtains? Well, according to a new study, it’s poisonous. An independent organization has found that PVC shower curtains on shelves at Wal-Mart, Target, Sears and others may give off measurable amounts of dangerous, volatile organic compounds that could linger for up to a month, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Some of the compounds found in the study are classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as hazardous air pollutants; other chemicals found on the curtains are linked to damage in the liver, the reproductive system, and the central nervous system. The EPA conducted a similar study, with similar results, in 2002, but the agency has no jurisdiction over indoor air quality.

Source Los Angeles Times

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This bathroom is full of trouble.   (Magnum Photos)
A man removes a dangerous shower curtain.   (Getty Images)
Another shower curtain.   ((c) ryanrocketship)
Sears sells the contaminated housewares.   (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
You can also buy potentially lethal shower curtains at Target.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
And let's not forget Wal-Mart. Available there, too.   (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
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public health  • Environmental Protection Agency  • retail  • scientific study  • plastic


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