Video: New vinyl shower curtains hazardous

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SEATTLE - It may the last thing on your mind when you get ready for a shower, but that new shower curtain may bring some unwanted friends into your home.

A study found that more than 100 chemicals are released by some curtains, and some are at levels that violate indoor air safety standards.

"I think what's most surprising was the amount of chemicals that were released into the air when you bring a new shower curtain home," said Ivy Sager-Rosenthal of Washington Toxics Coalition.

"Well there is a range of volatile aromatic hydrocarbons that are coming off. These compounds are basically petroleum based products that are used in the manufacture of the material and they're out-gassing from the product," said Dr. Stephen Gilbert PhD, UW Assoc. Professor/Toxicologist.

Toxicologists say the best example of outgassing is that wave of chemical odor that washes over you when you open a new vinyl curtain.

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And they claim that in the confines of a small, warm and humid bathroom, there is even more dangerous out-gassing going on.

The vinyl industry however, says something else is going on. The Vinyl Institute says the report is a classic horror scene based on fear, not facts.

"This report is simple scare-mongering. It is a blatant attempt by a well-known pressure group to manipulate consumers and retailers into thinking that shower curtains pose a danger, when they don't.  It offers no evidence of actual harm," said Greg Bocchi, Pres., The Vinyl Institute.

The industry claims vinyl shower curtains are durable and easy to clean.

But the Center for Health, Environment and Justice insists the curtains pose an unnecessary threat and says there are many non-vinyl alternatives on the market, including some cheaper than vinyl.

So it can be difficult to get a clear picture of what is happening in your shower. One group says trust your nose to tell you something is wrong, while the vinyl industry says trust its scientific studies that say your shower curtain is safe.

It's up to you.