Behind the Vinyl Curtain

The twentieth century was the age of plastics. Tens of thousands of new synthetic materials promised prosperity and comfort. Polyesters, polyvinyls, high impact polystyrenes, who could resist these triumphs of modern technology and the conveniences they offered? Only now are we starting to realize their costs to human health and the environment. Volatile Vinyl: The New Shower Curtain’s Chemical Smell is a recent study of vinyl shower curtains by the eco-watch group Environmental Defence. It raises new questions about the safety of welcoming toxic chemicals into our homes. More...