Let’s break it down:

This one may have never crossed your mind. Shower curtains release invisible toxins into the air every time you turn on the warm water. Most store-bought curtains are made from PVC, a type of plastic softened with phthalates and other chemicals that help it stay flexible. When exposed to steam and heat, these ingredients release VOCs- the same compounds that can cause headaches, dizziness, and irritation to the skin and lungs. PVC curtains can also trap moisture, making them a perfect home for mold and mildew, which thrive in warm, damp bathrooms. Over time, they can even shed microplastics into your home’s air and water.

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The gentle truth:

As previously noted, warm showers open pores and increase inhalation of vapors, so ingredients in soaps, shampoos, aerosols, and cleaners are more readily absorbed. Chlorine and VOCs can vaporize in hot water, irritating the respiratory system and contributing to symptoms like fatigue or headaches. The bathroom often holds dozens of products that contain parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and preservatives that place stress on the liver, hormones, and immune system. Adding this issue to a bathroom's poor ventilation, these toxins will build up and spread to other rooms in your home. When looking through a sustainability lens, these chemicals that wash down your drain daily are harmful to not just your household, but the environment.

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Choose with care:

Choose non-toxic materials. Look for PEVA or EVA curtains (PVC-free, odor-free, and free of phthalates and chlorine) or, better, go for fully natural with organic cotton, linen, or hemp curtains. These breathe better and are naturally mold-resistant when allowed to dry properly. Choose machine-washable fabric liners that can be tossed in the wash every few weeks to prevent mildew buildup.

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Remember to ventilate the space. Run your exhaust fan or open a window after showers to keep moisture levels down. Make sure your curtain has enough room to air out- folds that stay damp are where mold begins. Air out new curtains outdoors just like any porous material.  When you buy a new liner or curtain, unroll it outside for a few days before hanging. This helps release any lingering plastic odors, warehouse contamination, or gases safely outdoors.