An Off-Target Response

Target is replacing its PVC shower curtains with vinyl curtains. Whew, I feel so much safer now! Not really. The move is part of a plan to remove PVC plastic products from the store, following the lead of Target competitors — Wal-Mart and Toys R’ Us.

All seek to appease radical green groups, who have attacked vinyl products based on specious claims about risks. Green activists allege that PVC poses a host of risks ranging from birth defects, cancer, to early puberty. Yet there is no definitive body of scientific research demonstrating any of these impacts in real world situations, and there is no data showing that the alternatives are less risky. Check out this Steve Milloy article on the topic and CEI’s paper on PVC.