A doctor has revealed on social media why you should ditch your plastic shower curtain, claiming it could increase the risk of certain cancers.
Dr. Scott Noorda, a functional medicine physician in Utah, recently uploaded a video to Instagram in which he claims that plastic curtains can release harmful chemicals that have been linked to immune system damage, fertility problems and other serious illnesses.
Dr. Noorda, 41, recommends replacing curtains made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), one of the most commonly produced synthetic plastics in the world. It is used in construction, food packaging, wiring and clothing such as rain boots.
He told NeedToKnowUK: “Most people use their plastic shower curtain every day without realizing that not only can it cause headaches and irritation, but it can also potentially lead to serious problems such as infertility and an increased risk of cancer. “
Dr. Scott Noorda, a functional medicine physician in Utah, recently uploaded a video to Instagram in which he claims that plastic curtains can release harmful chemicals that have been linked to immune system damage, fertility problems and other serious illnesses.
Dr Noorda instead urged viewers to “buy a fabric shower curtain and dispose of the plastic as quickly as possible”.
PVC is one of the most widely used microplastics in the world. It is used in window frames, drain pipes, paint, food containers and clothing such as rain boots. PVC itself is not carcinogenic or carcinogenic, but its components have been linked to certain types of cancer.
PVC contains the colorless gas vinyl chloride, a flammable substance in tobacco smoke. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), vinyl chloride has been linked to an increased risk of liver, brain and lung cancer, as well as lymphoma and leukemia.
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According to the NCI, exposure to vinyl chloride has been specifically linked to hepatic angiosarcoma, a rare cancer that develops in the lining of blood and lymph vessels. Although it can occur anywhere, it is most commonly found in the skin, breast, liver and spleen.
Symptoms of this liver cancer include abdominal pain, weight loss, bloating or swelling of the stomach, jaundice and fatigue.
Only one in a million people in the United States are diagnosed with angiosarcoma, and most patients are over 70 years old. According to federal data, only three percent of patients with hepatic angiosarcoma live longer than two years.
The NCI estimates that more than 41,000 Americans will be diagnosed with liver cancer this year and more than 29,000 will die. The five-year survival rate is only 22 percent.
Dr. Noorda also said PVC can harm immune, reproductive and hormonal health. And these chemicals are becoming more common.
For example, an Australian study published in June found that the average person inhales a credit card’s worth of microplastics every week.
And a study published earlier this summer in the journal Environmental Science & Technology found that microplastics such as PVC were found in blood samples and heart tissue from patients who underwent surgery.
Exposure to such chemicals can cause symptoms in humans such as headache, nausea, loss of coordination and irritation in the ears, nose or throat.
Dr. Noorda suggested abandoning the plastic curtain and looking for non-PVC alternatives. ‘Look for a fabric curtain made from a natural, machine-washable material like cotton or linen,” he said.
“Avoid curtains made of PVC or other harmful chemicals. Consider a glass shower door as a more durable and long-lasting option.”
“People need to know that common everyday objects can affect their quality of life.”
“It’s especially tragic when it’s so cheap and easy to change.”
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
