Are PEVA Shower Curtains Safe? (Or Just a Greenwashing Gimmick?)

PEVA is a common PVC-free alternative to shower curtains and liners.

But what is it? Which is really better: PVC or PEVA? And what is the safest material for a non-toxic shower curtain?

Let’s get into it.

PVC Is the Most Toxic Material for a Shower Curtain

A lot of regular shower curtains are made from polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. Although PVC is all around us, it is actually the most toxic kind of plastic.

As its name indicates, PVC contains chlorine, which creates byproducts called dioxins and furans. These are toxic. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dioxins “can cause reproductive and developmental problems, damage the immune system, interfere with hormones and also cause cancer.”

Not only that, but PVC usually contains phthalates, which are used to make the plastic more flexible. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors, which means they can interfere with one’s natural hormone function and lead to infertility and developmental toxicity. They’re also linked to things like diabetes and asthma, and also may be carcinogenic.

To make matters even worse, heat can release these and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the plastic, which means you’re likely breathing small amounts of them in every time you take a hot shower.

These chemicals can increase indoor air pollution and negatively affecting your and your family’s health over a long period of time.

Despite its ubiquity, many people have been taking baby steps to decrease the amount of PVC in their life. One way to reduce your exposure is by ditching PVC shower curtains and liners.

PEVA Is Less Toxic Than PVC… But It’s Still Not the Best Option.

Polyethylene vinyl acetate (aka PEVA) is becoming a common PVC-free alternative for shower curtains.

It’s a different type of plastic than PVC.

When shopping for a PEVA shower curtain, you’re likely to see it marketed as “environmentally-friendly” or “non-toxic.”

But, not so fast… Although PEVA is certainly a better alternative to PVC, it doesn’t make a clean getaway.

The primary selling points for PEVA are:

• It doesn’t contain chlorine, which means it doesn’t produce those toxic byproducts.
• It doesn’t contain phthalates.
• It’s lower in VOCs than PVC.

Also, plastic shower curtains like PVC and PEVA are waterproof, so you don’t need to use a liner (unless you want to for aesthetic purposes).

That said, PEVA is still plastic, and it can still contain some potentially toxic VOCs. If you can go with a 100% natural shower curtain, that’s great… BUT that’s not the best option for everyone! In a minute, I’ll help you decide whether or not a totally plastic-free shower curtain is the right choice for you and your family.

EVA Is Similar to PEVA

You may also see some shower curtains made from EVA.

PEVA and EVA are not exactly the same thing, but they are similar. Basically, PEVA is a variation of EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate). PEVA replaces some ethylene with polyethylene. This makes it slightly less flexible but also lower in VOCs.

What About Nylon and Polyester for Shower Curtains?

Nylon and polyester fit into a similar category that PEVA does. They are a better alternative to PVC, are affordable and durable, and are water-resistant (although not 100% waterproof).

They are, however, still plastic. That means they can contain VOCs and are not as eco-friendly compared to natural materials like hemp, linen, and cotton.

EVA, PEVA, polyester, and nylon are all less toxic than PVC.

The Safest Shower Curtains Are Made From Natural Materials

These are the healthiest non-toxic materials for your shower curtain:

• Cotton (organic or conventional)
• Linen
• Hemp

These shower curtains are almost always machine washable, so they’re generally pretty easy to clean and can last a lot longer than plastic curtains and liners.

Regarding organic versus conventional cotton: Organic cotton is better overall since it’s grown without toxic pesticides, but it’s also more expensive. If you need a more affordable option, conventional cotton is still good. Although conventionally-grown cotton results in more toxins in our environment (air, water, and soil), the end product is much healthier for you than any kind of plastic.

You Might Not Actually Need a Shower Curtain Liner…

Some people choose to go without a shower curtain liner and JUST use a natural/organic shower curtain by itself.

However, although hemp and linen have some natural antimicrobial properties, fabric shower curtains can grow mold, mildew, and bacteria.

This is the biggest downside to using a natural shower curtain without a liner.

Whether or not you really need a plastic shower curtain liner depends on several different factors, including:

• How fast the curtain can dry
  • what is the airflow in the bathroom like?
  • how often is the shower used each day?
  • what kind of material is it made out of?
  • how thick is the fabric?
  • how tight is the weave?
• Whether or not you’re willing to take the shower curtain down and throw it in the washing machine every 2-4 weeks
• Other personal preferences

Keep in mind that mold and bacteria can be toxic, too. So, if you think your living situation might lead to this kind of fungi/bacteria growth, then you might want to go with a PEVA shower curtain or liner.

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Ready to swap out your toxic shower curtain for a safer one? 👉

Now that you know all about PEVA, PVC, and other shower curtain materials, check out my guide to the best brands:

My Picks for the Best Non-Toxic Shower Curtain Brands:

Home

The Hidden Toxins in Your Shower Curtain (And the Brands That Actually Pass the Test)

Most shower curtains are made from plastic that can leach toxins like phthalates & VOCs. To reduce your exposure, switch to a non-toxic, organic shower curtain.

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In summary: PVC shower curtains have got to go. PEVA shower curtains are less toxic, but still not the best. The next time you’re ready to swap out your shower curtain, go for natural hemp, linen, or organic cotton, if you can!

I hope this guide has helped you find the best non-toxic shower curtain for your home!

If you have any other questions that weren’t addressed here, let me know in the comments.

And if you find this sort of info helpful, sign up for my (free) weekly newsletter. I share reviews, toxin-related news, greenwashing examples, and a whole lot more.