A new study shows that odd smell associated with PVC plastic is harmful to human health. The study, conducted by the Center for Health and Environmental Justice, looked at PVC shower curtains. Tami Abdollah writes in the Los Angeles Times that some of the toxic chemicals can persist in the home for long periods of time:

The study found that PVC shower curtains contained high concentrations of phthalates, which have been linked to reproductive effects, and varying concentrations of organotins, which are compounds based on tin and hydrocarbons. One of the curtains tested released measurable quantities of as many as 108 volatile organic compounds into the air, some of which persisted for nearly a month. Seven of these chemicals -- toluene, ethylbenzene, phenol, methyl isobutyl ketone, xylene, acetophenone and cumene -- have been identified by the Environmental Protection Agency as hazardous air pollutants, said Stephen Lester, the center's science director and a coauthor of the report.

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CAW and PVC:

• Learn About AB 2505, which phases out PVC in consumer packaging.