Non Toxic EVA Shower Curtains

InterDesign EVA Shower Curtain
  

EVA shower curtains are available in many different designs. Find one to match your bathroom.

Click to see all the designs including fish, frog, boy/girl, brown and blue, Gerbera Daisies (pictured, left) and more.

EVA shower curtains are growing in popularity as consumers discover the many dangers of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) shower curtains. The vinyl in PVC shower curtains contain phthalates, which are plastic softeners. The phthalate DEHP has been linked to hormonal and reproductive problems. The EPA has labeled it a "probable human carcinogen." Phthalates have been banned in children's products in the U.S. since early 2009.

PVC shower curtains also release VOC's, including ethylbenzene and other nasties linked to liver damage and respiratory problems. According to a 2002 EPA study, PVC shower curtains "could result in elevated indoor air toxics concentrations for more than a month," (which is about how long that vinyl smell lasts in your bathroom).

To make matters worse, we use these toxic products in the most confined area of our homes, and THEN we take a steam bath or sauna in it everyday -- which is pretty scary when you think about it.

PVC also has a negative environmental impact. Because it contains chloride (the "C" in PVC), both the manufacturing and the disposal of PVC products create the byproduct dioxin, a carcinogenic chemical that ends up in the environment, and moves up the food chain to us.

The good news is that manufacturers and retailers are starting to phase out PVC shower curtains. Today, there are many non-PVC alternatives on the market, including a variety of EVA shower curtains. EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) is phthalate free and nontoxic, making it a healthy and green choice for shower curtains and other consumer products.

Trickle Eva Shower Curtain  

Circo Sealife Shower Curtain  



Whales, snails, fish, octopuses and submarines swim about in this marine life EVA shower curtain.

    Periodic Table Shower Curtain - EVA vinyl
  

Is this EVA shower curtain a Science study aid, or a work of Art? You decide.

This Periodic Table shower curtain is the same one seen on The Big Bang Theory.

    NYC Subway Map Shower Curtain

Take a bite of the Big Apple with this PEVA New York City subway map shower curtain.

PEVA is PVC-free, non-chlorinated, and biodegradable, making it a healthier, greener alternative to traditional vinyl shower curtains.

    Chicago Subway Map Shower Curtain

 

Show your Chicago pride with this PEVA subway map shower curtain.

    Croscill Fabric Shower Curtain Liner, Linen

 

This linen shower curtain liner is a great non toxic alternative, and can also be used as your non toxic shower curtain.

I wish I could tell you that there was a safe way to dispose of PVC shower curtains, but there isn't. PVC emits chlorine, additives and toxic gases, whether you burn it or bury it (in a landfill). I never knew this until recently, and I'm ashamed to admit that several of my disposed-of PVC shower curtains are now leaching chemicals into a landfill somewhere. Live and learn!

Some people suggest repurposing PVC shower curtains as tarps or waterproof coverings, but now that I know about the VOC's they give off, I wouldn't want the material anywhere in my home. Earth911 has a search function where you can locate recyclers of PVC in your area, which I think is your best bet.