 VOCs are gases that are emitted by many household products. They have many long and short-term health effects. Household products that emit VOCs include paint, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials and furnishings. It can also be found in gasoline and diesel. However, due to closed space and the basic home products that are used throughout the home, concentrations of many VOCs are higher indoors than outdoors. VOCs are easy to detect because they typically bear a plastic-like smell that is highly detectable. Though the smell lessens over time, the chemicals are still there. This is especially the case in bathrooms since they are usually closed off with little circulation.
VOCs are sometimes released into our environment, where they can damage soils and groundwater quality and are very difficult to remove. Vapors of VOCs escaping into the air contribute to air pollution both inside and outside. VOCs are also significant greenhouse gases via their role in creating ozone and in prolonging the life of methane in the atmosphere, although the effect varies depending on local air quality. Everyone should be aware of their indoor air quality and use alternatives to prevent the increase of indoor air pollutants. For example, volatile organic compounds can have health effects on infants or children. It has been reported that respiratory, allergic or immune effects in infants or children are often associated with indoor VOCs and other indoor air pollutants. VOCs in an indoor environment can be reduced by 50% when household rugs and carpets are cleaned with quality vacuum cleaners and hot water steam cleaners. You can also choose to use more eco-friendly materials such as VOC-free paint and flooring.
Your bathroom accessories can be made safe as well. For the shower, instead of using plastic curtains use a frosted glass door. If your bathroom has a shower and bath combination, try a sliding door. It saves space in addition to resources. Glass doesn't break down like plastic and lasts longer. It is also VOC free.
One great option is a shower curtain made from PEVA. This bath choice is non-vinyl (PVC-free), chlorine-free, biodegradable and affordable. It is available from major companies like IKEA or VitaFutura. PEVA curtains are also lightweight, easy to clean, and they don't require a liner.
Other safe and natural shower and decoration choices are: organic cotton, hemp, bamboo or linen. Hemp is especially good in the bathroom. It is anti-microbial and it's really durable. Even plain, conventionally grown cotton is a better choice than vinyl. At least you can wash any of these natural fabrics and keep reusing them for as long as you like. Non-washable, mildewed vinyl needs replacing every year or two and just winds up in a landfill for a very long time.
Check out EnviroCitizen.org's selection of non-toxic bathroom accessories.
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