That “new shower curtain smell” may be a sign that your vinyl shower curtain could be hazardous to your health according to recent findings from research institutions around the nation.

Researchers for the Virginia-based Center for Health, Environment & Justice recently investigated various shower curtains from popular national retail chain stores. The organic chemicals released from these curtains have sprouted new concerns about the inhalation of toxins from household shower curtains.

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 (Latimes.com). Long-term exposure to these toxins may leave a person prone to liver damage, as well as respiratory and reproductive system damage. The less severe health problems associated with inhaling the chemicals are respiratory pain, headaches, and nausea. On a daily basis, the chemicals can cause eye, nose and throat irritation along with. Additionally, they found that heat and humidity from hot water showers or baths enhance the release of these harmful toxins. More research is being conducted to further prove these statements.

BASCO Shower Enclosures, an industry leader in custom shower doors, suggests avoiding the problem altogether by upgrading to a glass shower enclosure. Opt for the safest and smartest choice: a Basco Shower Enclosure, an investment in you and your family’s’ health. Not only does this allow the stress of using a shower curtain to vanish but it also comes with the added visual effect of a bigger bathroom.

For more information about BASCO Shower Enclosures visit their website at www.bascoshowerdoor.com or connect with them through Facebook.com/BascoShowerEnclosures or Twitter @BascoShower