it does have a pretty potent smell when first opened - that plastic/vinyl smell- ...
585999
As stated by others, it does have a pretty potent smell when first opened - that plastic/vinyl smell- but almost so strong it burned my nose and eyes when sitting with it in our office suite. (And I'm weird-I usually kind of liked that smell - almost like being a kid opening a new toy hahaha)....but, seriously, this was CRAZY. If you can open it outside and leave it there for a couple days, it should be okay :-). Other than that, this was the best value-I priced out various "rubber duckie" packages, different sized pools, with and without ducks/water marbles, etc. Hopefully I at least spare others from the time of doing so themselves!
3483108
When I first opened the package the stinky smell was my welcome! I was expecting a stronger material or for the scarf to be a little thicker in order to protect me from the cold but it doesn't seem that way. I will wash it before use obviously to take the smell out and hopefully it won't fall apart before it's 5th wash. Even though I can't wear it for a very cold weather I'll get some use out of it during chilly seasons.
4054753
Great for price point, can smell plastic-y upon first opening.  Just wash it out and let it air out a few days, otherwise looks great.
4512263
i think the ball will be fine but oh man does it smell !  The plasticy smell permeated my whole apartment as I opened the package and inflated the ball.
3610057
Don't plan on using it right away because it has a plastic smell you'll have to let it air out before you can use i
3256552
This is a good liner -- expected size and material, and hasn't billowed up yet. However, the plastic smell upon opening (and afterwards) is overwhelming and pervasive. Washing the curtain seemed to help a bit, but the smell has yet to entirely dissipate even after keeping a window open all day and night. I suspect that the smell will go away after a couple of days, but in the meantime taking showers in our small bathroom is an almost dizzying experience.
3748330
smells something awful of that "new rubber" chemical smell, really hope that fades soon but it's been sitting out in a wide open, fan-cooled and air-conditioned room for 2 weeks now and I still smell it as soon as I walk in and I have to scrub my hands off really, really well immediately after using it. I can barely tolerate the smell just being in the room 10 feet away from it, it's that intense. That aside, it feels like a good quality ball, good value compared to others of similar size and weight. Hoping after a few more scrub downs and more air the smell subsides...
4505242
As other reviewers have stated, it's pretty smelly when you first open it, but after a day out of packaging (not hanging outside, just out of the bag) the smell is greatly diminished. It served a great purpose on our Disney trip and held just enough "stuff", water bottle, jacket, snack. I'd purchase it again.
1875195
Only had it a few days--will update if it does develop mildew! (Make sure to close your shower curtain after a shower to avoid this.)

The curtain is totally clear so it gives the feel of a little more space in the shower when used with an outer curtain.

It does have a strong vinyl odor right out of the bag, but it does decrease over time. this doesn't bother me though so I'm still giving it 5 stars.
4000892
It does indeed give off a bad smell at first, and douses the laptop in it, as well, but it's a good case and I think that the smell has worn off (finally).
4788301
I bought this last summer and immediately upon opening it up, it had a very strong odor of plastic or rubber, not sure..It was strong. So getting past that it cut a flag pole down with ease and many other jobs that i needed to do...always had enough power. The smell has subsided some but still there.
2110962
When I first opened the box, the scent was truly over powering. The scent is very strong -- at first. After a few days, the scent was not too bad; I kept the box open to allow the bags to 'air out' a bit. If you are sensitive to odors, I suggest doing that. If you are hypersensitive or allergic to certain scents, these might not be the bags for you.

Overall, pretty good bang for the buck. They are strong, don't leak or tear and do the basic job much better than cheaper brands I've tried. 270 total bags in multiple (18) rolls so you are paying about .04-.05/bag. The first bag on each roll has a small sticker to hold the roll closed. I have a bit of trouble with the sticker and usually end up tearing the first (and sometimes second) bag on the roll. If I was more patient, I'm sure this could be avoided. Having multiple rolls, allows me to keep a roll of bags in the car, various rooms in the house, my office, etc. I am never without bags for my dog.

I cannot speak to the issue of biodegradability or environmental matters. To me -- that isn't an issue. I am still unhappy I cannot get free plastic bags at my grocery store. Yes, I'm not exactly "eco-girl" and I realize -- I should be more conscious of that. It's just not my thing. The company says the bags eventually break down; I believe that claim. I am not going to watch a plastic bag for 24 months to observe. As to the complaints about composting -- that is something else to which I cannot speak.

I did not buy these bags for environmental reasons. I bought them because the price was good and they work better than cheaper brands. I will keep buying this brand as long as my dog is around and as long as my state continues to ban plastic bags in grocery stores. I'd give the product five stars if it wasn't for the truly overpowering odor. It doesn't bother me however, more sensitive people may not be happy about the super strong scent.
3436467
I read the reviews about the smell before buying two of these. I figured for the price they were worth a shot.

Like the experience many other reviewers had, the smell was pretty strong when I first opened the package. It seemed to subside after about a week. Either that or I've become immune to the smell. :)

If you can tolerate the smell for a week or so, these racks are pretty good for the price.
4251216
This bag has a very strong plastic, vinyl odor. The construction is pretty good but the smell takes over w week to die down. I was looking for a bag that wasn't made from an animal, this fit the bill but that smell...
4547765
Smells terrible when you open it, so don't plan on using it right out of the bag. We aired it out for 4 days, before we used it. We like it now though. Got it for cheap and it works just as well as others.
418811
As I opened this box of video cases I was met with a terrible smell. The recycled plastic used was not only stinky, but as I opened the cases up fully and set them out to hopefully air out, I found that if I opened them too widely, the cover joint would begin to tear. The plastic is not very flexible, and after 5 days of sitting out, my office smelled awful and the cases didn't seem any less stinky. If you don't mind the smell, and are careful with them, these DVD cases are a pretty good deal, but I wish now I would have paid a few bucks more and got a better product.
1888907
As others have noted, works fine but there's a distinct plastic burning smell for the first few hours of use.