Toxic chemicals emitted by vinyl shower curtains have been linked to serious health problems, such as damage to the liver and the central nervous, respiratory and reproductive systems. The vinyl material releases high quantities of phthalates and organotins and other chemicals that produce dangerous effects when absorbed by the human body.

Recent tests found that new polyvinyl chloride shower curtains can release as many as 108 volatile organic compounds into the air, resulting in a distinct smell, and often causing headaches, nausea and other health problems. Researchers fear that heat and humidity during shower use can only increase the concentrations of chemicals released (Tami Abdollah, "That 'New Shower Curtain Smell' Gives Off Toxic Chemicals, Study Says," Los Angeles Times, June 13, 2008).