Over the past few years, there has been growing concern over the use of PVC. You could often find this in the homes with the hard-style shower curtains that were on offer.
Nowadays, individuals seek alternatives in many areas, and their shower curtain is the first place to make a change.
PEVA is a material much like PVC in some ways so that it can be seen as an alternative, yet people are still unsure of what it is and if it will also pose any health hazards.
In our guide, we will look at PVC, PVA and determine why this new material may be a better choice to use in your shower and around your home.(Learn How to Remove Sticky Residue From Plastic)
Is PEVA a Fabric or Plastic?
PEVA (polyethylene vinyl acetate) is a non-chlorinated vinyl, often used as a substitute for PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which is a kind of chlorinated vinyl.
You’ll find PEVA in many household items, and it is good to understand the difference between this material and the PVC that it is replacing. PVC is seen as a carcinogen, and best avoided whenever possible.
PVA is seen as the less toxic version of vinyl because it is non-chlorinated, which means it doesn’t contain any chloride.
Thus, products made using PEVA are expected to be healthier alternatives to PVC products.
You can find this material in use in these household items:
- Shower curtains
- Toys & Baby bibs
- Shoes, Cosmetic bags & Mattress protectors
- Plastic table cloths & Car covers
The issue is that of safety, so here we will see, is PEVA safe?
It can be a complex subject. PEVA is seen as a less-toxic alternative to PVC. However, this doesn’t mean it is free from all bad things.
It may be a better purchase in your shower curtain, yet you can find your product containing polyethylene vinyl acetate, which still contains chemicals, which may be harmful to your health.
One of the worst chemicals in PVC was phthalates, and thankfully PEVA is free from them.
We see PEVA as less harmful vinyl than PVC, though is PEVA safe for babies? It could be wise to restrict exposure to young babies to be safe.
Is PEVA Good or Bad?
Shower curtains are the best examples of PVC or PEVA. Previously, they were made from PVC or costlier fabrics.
However, there is a rise in the demand for PEVA shower curtains, which are entirely free from PVC. Rather, they are made from eco-friendly and odorless PEVA. (Learn What Does PVA Glue Stand For)
You can find benefits between shower curtains made of PEVA rather than PVC shower curtains:
- Biodegradable and non-chlorinated material
- Emits no odors in bathrooms or around the household
- PEVA shower curtain can resist mildew
- PEVA is 100% waterproof, so there’s no need for a liner
- PEVA shower curtains are easy to clean and maintain
- It is durable and long-lasting
- No need for PEVA Shower Curtain Liners
Is PEVA Eco Friendly?
PEVA is very recyclable, and many modern plastic recycling facilities are geared up to deal with any products made from PEVA.
Is a PEVA Shower Curtain Plastic?
Polyethylene vinyl acetate is considered to be a safe material for shower curtains. Because it is made without chlorine, it has no off-gassing as PVC shower curtains do.
Products containing polyethylene vinyl acetate as an alternative to PVC should advertise as such as it is better for them to sell a less toxic alternative.
When shopping for a new shower curtain, you’ll see confusing labels that have terms such as PEVA and EVA. Here’s a rundown of why people are changing to PEVA shower curtains rather than PVC plastic.
A study showed PVC contains toxic chemicals and was highlighted in 2008; however, you can still find this PVC in shower curtains and other products for sale.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride plastic) can often is be labeled as “vinyl, ” and some manufacturers do this to hide the real contents inside their products. You can find many forms of vinyl, yet it doesn’t mean they’re all harmful.
One of the best ways you can tell is when you open the pack, and get a whiff that smells plastic. You can find this hang around a while before fading.
You may think it’s safe, yet vinyl curtains can still release gases and harm your health. Not only this, the bit should you wash your PVC curtain with detergent and hot water, you can even increase the danger.
PVC contains plastic softeners called phthalates, which are a “probable human carcinogen.” It was stopped in many areas such as children’s toys, intimate adult toys and many other areas. Such plastic softeners can lead to hormonal or reproductive problems.
When you look at something more innocent, such as your PVC shower curtains, these contain chloride. When PVC materials are not disposed of correctly, chloride may accumulate and contribute to polluted air.
PVC vinyl shower curtains release above 100 different VOCs (volatile organic compounds) at high doses, and chlorine that is released over time.
Such chemicals have a negative impact on indoor air quality in your living space. VOCs and chlorine cause fatigue, nausea, headache and eye irritation, among many other things.
It’s almost impossible to avoid them altogether, yet changing your shower curtain is a good start.
PEVA solutions are much safer alternative products to PVC. PEVA (often abbreviated as EVA) is a non-toxic, biodegradable type of vinyl and can be used to make items that used to contain PVC.
PEVA contains all the benefits of PVC and many more. You’ll find it less harmful and easier to use. (Learn How Many Squares in a Bundle of Shingles)
The best is, PEVA shower curtains are waterproof, mildew-resistant, and mold-resistant. You can clean them easily, and they are soft enough to use without a liner.
