• Health
• Food
• Fitness
• Expert Q&A

Q: Are vinyl shower curtains safe?

Email this advice to a friend

A: While the Center for Health, Environment and Justice (CHEJ) recently reported that shower curtains made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) can be a health hazard, not everyone agrees. “Our expert staff did a cursory review of the report released on shower curtains and found many problems with the methodology,” says Julie Vallese, director of information and public affairs for the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission.

Nevertheless, this is not the first time the safety of shower curtains has been questioned. A 2002 Environmental Protection Agency study found that these curtains release several hazardous chemicals. The CHEJ’s research goes even further, showing that over a span of 28 days, new vinyl shower curtains release 108 potentially toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs). What’s more, it’s these potentially hazardous chemicals that produce the distinctive “new shower curtain smell.” Inhaling VOCs has been linked to ear, nose and throat irritation; headaches; and -- more worrisome -- damage to the liver, kidneys and nervous system. Some VOCs have also been associated with cancer in animals.

Since the study didn’t go beyond 28 days, it’s not known whether PVC shower curtains continue to release VOCs indefinitely or only until the smell goes away. “But we think it’s better to be safe than sorry, so we’re urging people to return even older shower curtains to the store where they bought them or to the manufacturer,” says Michael Schade, coordinator of the CHEJ’s PVC campaign. By returning the curtains rather than throwing them out, says Schade, consumers can use their power to influence the marketplace. In fact, it may already be working: Many retailers, including IKEA, Target and Bed, Bath & Beyond are phasing out vinyl shower curtains and offering other options, such as cloth and more environmentally friendly EVA and PEVA vinyls.

Q: Do fruit and vegetable cleaning sprays work better than water?

Email this advice to a friend

A: At a time when food-borne illnesses seem to be on the rise, you can’t be too careful, says Colleen Lammel-Harmon, R.D., a spokesperson for the Illinois Dietetic Association. Washing produce thoroughly in clean water and using a scrub brush on heartier fruits and vegetables will do a good job of removing pesticides and bacteria. But commercial cleaning sprays can provide a little extra insurance. You can also make your own spray by mixing one cup water, one cup distilled white vinegar and one tablespoon baking soda in a spray bottle. Mist the fruits and vegetables, then rinse with water. Some other safety tips: Wash lettuce and other leafy greens in clean bowls rather than the sink, which may harbor bacteria. Also be sure to wash fruits like watermelon and cantaloupe. Even though you don’t eat the peel, “pesticides catch on the knife when you cut them and can get onto the flesh of the fruit,” says Lammel-Harmon.

Q: Should I worry about autism if my toddler doesn't play with other kids?

Email this advice to a friend

A: Most children don’t engage in truly social play with other kids until about age 3. So a toddler’s penchant for playing alone isn’t necessarily a red flag for autism. A better gauge is how he responds to adults. “Even children as young as 12 months should be able to use gestures and make eye contact to communicate both what they need and what is interesting to them,” says Jacqueline Wynn, Ph.D., director of the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Westerville, Ohio. They should also respond to their names, imitate actions and begin using toys appropriately. By 15 to 18 months, toddlers should start to use single words, and by 18 to 24 months, they should be speaking simple phrases. If your child isn’t doing these things, it doesn’t necessarily mean he’s autistic. But it’s worth mentioning to your pediatrician, who can do a general developmental assessment as well as an autism screening. Autistic children who receive early and intensive intervention have been shown to make huge developmental progress. For trustworthy information on the early signs of autism, visit the Web sites of First Signs and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Complete Expert Q&A Archive>>