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Jewish World Review
A whiff of vinyl
By
Karen Youso
http://www.JewishWorldReview.com |
(MCT) Q: I have a new vinyl shower curtain and was given a vinyl tote bag, perfect for traveling. However, both of them stink terribly. What causes this and what can I do about it?
A: Vinyl products (PVC) stink because they contain volatile organic compounds. VOCs are carbon-containing chemicals that are volatile enough to evaporate at room temperature. This process, called outgassing, is also a problem with building products such as plywood, particleboard, carpet and pads, paints, stains and glues.
Outgassing odors are most noticeable when products are new, but diminish over time until they finally disappear. A shower curtain can outgas for a month or longer, for example, depending on conditions. High temperature and humidity will speed up the release of VOCs.
Meanwhile, you'll want to avoid exposure to VOCs because they can be toxic. Most commonly they irritate eyes, noses and throats, causing coughing, headaches, dizziness and nausea. Usually, the symptoms go away when outgassing ceases.
Here are some ways to avoid or reduce outgassing from vinyl products:
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Don't buy the product. PVC is indicated in some products as a numeral 3 in the recycling symbol with a triangle of chasing arrows. (Vinyl cannot be recycled in most cases.) For items such as shower curtains and handbags, take a whiff. If they stink, don't buy them, or return them to the store and give your reasons.
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Look for substitutes made of PEVA plastic or polyester, which tend to have fewer problems with outgassing. Try stores such as Ikea and Brookstone. Read the label.
Postpone major remodeling jobs such as carpet installation until spring or summer, when you can increase ventilation by opening doors and windows. Or look for products that release small quantities of chemicals. For example, the Carpet and Rug Institute has a voluntary program to test samples of carpeting. Carpets marked with the institute's "green label" release fewer chemicals.
If you are stuck with the curtain and bag:
Every weekday JewishWorldReview.com publishes what many in in the media and Washington consider "must-reading". Sign up for the daily JWR update. It's free. Just click here.
Karen Youso is a columnist for the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Send a note by clicking here.
Previously:
Storing, handling old photos
© 2007, Star Tribune Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
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