Many shower curtains and liners are manufactured with Vinyl Chlorides that give off toxic fumes from the moment you unpack it and will continue to leach out toxins when exposed to hot water and hot air. You know, like in showers… Vinyl Chlorides are a known carcinogen and can affect you when inhaled (that fresh plastic smell…). Just being exposed to VCs once can cause reproductive damage and repeated exposure can cause damage to the liver, nervous system, lungs, and skin. This is not a substance I want anywhere near me, much less in my bathroom!
Fortunately, there are many safer alternatives. We purchased the far less expensive option with this
Nylon is naturally waterproof and durable, so it works well as a shower liner, but can is also presentable enough that you could use it by itself without a decorative curtain. It’s also mildew resistant – and washable when mildew does start to grow. And, while I’m not all that jazzed about using a synthetic, nylon is not listed on any of the major or minor toxicity lists – as you can see HERE.
I wouldn’t blame you if that still left you uneasy. If you want a 100% non-toxic shower curtain, search for an organic cotton shower curtain or hemp shower curtain – just make sure you’re purchasing a legitimate product. Both materials are expensive ($100+) but are virtually guaranteed not to poison you with toxic chemicals. Also, both options tend to be washable and made with higher quality.
You may see PEVA as a common “non-toxic” material that is better than PVC, but it is still made with petrochemicals and other chemicals.
We do not recommend PEVA as a safe alternative.