June 13, 2008 Hidden dangers of vinyl shower curtains Play video

(NECN/KOMO) - Your vinyl shower curtain may be creating indoor air pollution, giving off potentially harmful chemicals. It is the chemicals in the vinyl that are released into the air. A coalition of environmental groups tested five vinyl shower curtains and found 108 volatile organic compounds were released into the air during a 28-day period. The levels measured were 16 times greater than the guidelines for indoor air quality set by the U.S. Green Building Council.

The EPA considers seven of those toxic chemicals, such as toluene and ethylbenzene, "hazardous" air pollutants.

The potential health risks from the chemicals found in these vinyl shower curtains include respiratory irritation, headaches, nausea, loss of coordination, nervous system damage and liver and kidney damage.

Reporter Herb Weisbaum of KOMO takes a closer look.