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Shower curtains made of polyvinyl chloride are dangerous to public health and the environment, according to a study done by a United States-based environmental non-profit group.
In its report, Center for Health, Environment and Justice warned that PVC shower curtains released chemicals that are hazardous to public health and contaminate the air.
Among these toxic chemicals are volatile organic compounds , phthalates and organotins.
"This study found PVC shower curtains can release as many as 108 VOCs into the air. VOCs are chemicals that easily turn into gases and contaminate our air," CHEJ said.
It further warned: "Some of these chemicals cause developmental damage as well as damage to the liver and central nervous, respiratory, and reproductive systems. Some can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans."
CHEJ said a new PVC shower curtain will normally release a strong chemical odor, which may persist in the homes for days or even months. This "new shower curtain smell" may cause a person to feel nauseous or sick.
The group also pointed out that indoor air pollution, such as the release of high levels of these toxic chemicals, is cited by the World Health Organization and American Lung Association as one of the major risks to human health, CHEJ said.
"Since people spend a large portion of time in their home, they may be exposed to harmful levels of chemicals released from PVC shower curtains, as well as other PVC consumer and building products," it said.
The report titled "Volatile Vinyl: The New Shower Curtain's Chemical Smell" was released globally on June 12 in 17 states in the US, Bulgaria, Canada, India, Lebanon, Philippines, South Africa and the United Kingdom.
Manny Calonzo, president of the waste and pollution watchdog EcoWaste Coalition, told that PVC shower curtains are being sold in several popular shops in Metro Manila.
Calonzo warned that, added to the consumers lack of knowledge about the hazardous effects of these products, the shower curtains in retail shops are not properly labelled.
"Usually, we can only see the brand but they never indicate the chemical component of these products. Worse, other products dont say if they contain PVC. If the product has insufficient label it is best to exercise caution," Calonzo said.
He said his group plans to provide the local retailers a copy of the CHEJ report, with the hope that they will eventually be persuaded to recall the PVC shower curtains from their shelves and label the material content of shower curtains.

"We really dont know if they will exercise corporate social responsible and listen to our suggestions," he said.
Aside from shower curtains, he said table cloths and some school supplies including bags, pencil case, plastic cover, and pencil case contain PVC.
EcoWaste Coalition has already informed the office of Sen. Pia Cayetano, chairwoman on the environment and natural resources committee, about the report.
Calonzo said he hopes by next session of Congress the group can meet with the lawmaker.
The group said the report should also push the National Solid Waste Management Commission, Department of Trade and Industry and other agencies to enforce the phase out of non-environmentally acceptable products. Trina Lagura,