Are Yoga Mats Toxic?

Are Yoga Mats Toxic: We are all well aware of the importance of yoga mats for performing yoga practice daily as it has several benefits, especially gripping, cushioning, and comfort. However, there is a growing concern regarding the equipment that is used to support Yoga.

Understanding the Concern: Are Yoga Mats Toxic?

Most of the yoga mats are still being made with PVC material which raised questions regarding its toxicity. So, let’s take a look in detail at PVC Material.

What is PVC?

PVC stands for Polyvinyl Chloride. Basically, it is a cost-effective type of plastic polymer with the ability to release toxic chemicals or substances for example dioxins, phthalates, etc.

Phthalate chemicals are used during the formation of plastic in regards to enhance the flexible properties of plastic. These chemicals play a very toxic role in the disturbance of human body parts such as hormones and the respiratory system.

Secondly, dioxin compounds can be released during the manufacturing of PVC which play a role as a continuous environmental polluting agent. So these harmful substances leave multiple adverse effects on the human body just due to their continuous presence in the environment that causes the destruction of the environment as well as human health.

On the other hand, synthetic rubber is also found in Yoga Mats that may consist of some health’s unsafe components like VOCs that may diffuse gas into the air while used for Yoga. These are such health-sensitive things that lead cause of trouble for the public who have a plan to take long-term Yoga exercise.

Here we’re going to let you know about one of the leading brands with having Non toxic Yoga Mats.

Are Gaiam Yoga Mats Non Toxic?

Gaiam is one of the leading brands with almost all essential supplies regarding yoga and wellness including Yoga Mats. The most repeated question that is asked by the consumers is about its material’s toxicity and non toxicity.

Materials Used in Gaiam Yoga Mats

A wide variety of Yoga Mats is found in Gaiam for Yoga consumers which are made up of non toxic and eco-friendly materials, a few of them which are widely used in the preparation of Yoga Mats are as follows:

• PVC:

Though this material is cheap and budget-friendly for Gaiam the fact is that it’s considered toxic and not eco-friendly as mentioned before. As a result, the only controversial material is left just because of its preparation procedure. This makes PVC a non toxic and eco-friendly material and reduces the risk factor to its consumers.

• TPE

(Thermoplastic Elastomer): As It is a type of chemical-free recyclable plastic it’s considered safe and harmless environmentally as well as for human health. It’s also free from PVC and Latex. That’s why it’s considered eco-friendlier than PVC.

• Natural Rubber:

A naturally occurring substance that consists of a sustainable and biodegradable material. It is used in the preparation of premium Yoga Mats, also offered by Gaiam. So these kinds of Yoga Mats are totally toxins free and are a good option for Yoga Mat’s consumers.

The company markets itself as a sustainability maintainer and environmental-friendly lover. So the answer to the question “Are Gaiam yoga mats Non Toxic” is yes.

Are Lululemon Yoga Mats Toxic?

The debates are ongoing concerning “Are Lululemon Yoga Mats Toxic”. Lululemon is also a brand famous among people due to their yoga-related products’ quality including clothes. Lululemon yoga mats have several qualities or features like

• Durability
• Non toxicity
• Eco-friendliness
• Comfort
• Grip & Cushioning

Lululemon Yoga Mats Material

Lululemon uses two different materials, especially for their signature yoga mats, one of them is natural rubber and the second is polyurethane.

Natural Rubber:

As we have already discussed earlier in this article regarding the natural rubber material. So, in simple words, the natural rubber material is sustainable, non toxic, best for gripping and cushioning along with biodegradability.

Polyurethane:

Lululemon uses Polyurethane for the top layers of their yoga mats as this material is synthetic and increases the grip and durability of the mat. Generally, this material is considered safer than PVC, and Lululemon also claims that their yoga mats don’t have harmful chemicals.

Seller Picks Best Non toxic Yoga Mats:

We have compiled a list of a few best non toxic yoga mats built with eco-friendly materials that are the user’s choice.

Manduka PRO Yoga Mat

The yoga mat is built with PVC now the question is how this mat is Non toxic. It is a high-quality PVC material certified OEKO-TEX which means it is a certified non toxic yoga mat but not much eco-friendly. If I talk about its grip and cushioning, it is a recommended choice for yogis.

Read the comparison before decision on Manduka Pro vs Lululemon Yoga Mat.

Features:

• Non Toxic
• Eco-Friendly
• Certification of Non Harmful substances
• Excellent grip and cushioning.

Jade Yoga Harmony Mat

The yoga mat is built with 100% natural rubber which is a Non toxic material. We have already explained natural rubber material earlier in the article. We are going to list down its features only.

Features

• Synthetic
• Biodegradable
• Eco-friendly
• Durable & Sustainable
• Perfect for Bikram or Hot Yoga / sweaty sessions.

Liforme Yoga Mat

Liforme Yoga Mat is built with Non toxic materials such as natural rubber and eco-polyurethane.

Features

• Eco-Friendly
• Sustainable
• Non Toxic
• Biodegradable
• Excellent Grip and Cushioning
• Ideal choice for regular or serious yogis

Conclusion

Health is the most important factor that can’t be ignored. So, always pay attention to your healthy environment while choosing a yoga mat. Make sure the material is non toxic which has been used to build the yoga mat. In this way, you will remain healthy and get the real advantages of yoga means mindfulness. We have discussed the major materials that are used to build the mat.

Hopefully, I have explained the question are yoga mats toxic? Apart from that, I have also tried to share some of the best non toxic yoga mats and their brand options available in the market that usually we use in our studio.