They have been classified as a human carcinogen. PVC is full of toxic ingredients and chemicals, including phthalates, which mimic the body’s hormones and are linked to several cancers, reproductive problems and birth defects. Though having a slightly raised pattern, these mats provide an extra grip. The LIVESTRONG Foundation and LIVESTRONG.COM do not endorse Do you think the kids playmats available in the market are safe or is there some toxic element in them. You can also look for … Upon looking into the composition, it’s made of PVC. Leaf Group Ltd. The Ajna Eco Organic Yoga Mat is a non toxic mat that’s made of 100% … This is because the chemical used to make PVC, Vinyl chloride, is a known to cause cancer in humans, according to the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The most common material for yoga mats is PVC (polyvinyl chloride) which if you're not already familiar with it, is a form of plastic that has been made pliable and soft through phthalates and other chemical plasticizers. However, despite the low price point, using PVC is not … I'm on a mission to help you make informed and practical decisions about products you buy. Non-toxic….some even said Non-toxic PVC. I absolutely love reading your write ups and after reading this one, I have started doubting whether the playmats my husband bought recently for our 8 month old son are safe. Who know what chemicals his mats, made in China, contain. PVC is toxic during every stage of its life cycle. The CDC does recommend more research be done on the effects of phthalates on human health. What are they made of? Non-PVC 2. Well simply put, from both an environmental and health standpoint, we – and many others – consider PVC to be the most toxic consumer plastic out there. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Thanks for being there for worried moms like me! PVC is plastic and the most toxic commercial plastic in mass production. PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a synthetic resin used to make everything from packaging to pipes. Pros: This non-toxic yoga mat is made with a layer of natural rubber and … Thus, I do not recommend PVC yoga mats even if they are certified by OEKO-Tex. It's in kids toys (which may soon change), sex toys, shower curtains, fake Christmas trees, IV bags and more. Pros. And I am so happy with it. Made with Ultra Dense Cushioning for Stability and Support. PER (Polymer Environmental Resin) Similar to PVC but made without phthalates, a chemical softener associated … Fragrances are mixtures of undisclosed ingredients and some of them are linked with increased risk of cancer as detailed in the article by the EWG. But when it comes to practicing yoga, exposure comes through inhalation and skin contact. Would you still trust this product? PVC yoga mats are made from PVC resin and anti-tearing fiber made into an open-cell (moisture absorbing) or closed-cell (moisture repelling) foam. There are 2 kinds I found in shops – one type comes in different pieces which one needs to put together like a jigsaw puzzle and each piece/square has a different color, number or letter on it. I'd like to receive the free email course. When a manufacturer tells you that their PVC yoga mats are free of phthalates, heavy metals, and chlorine, the question I am always dying to ask is what is used instead Of these toxins. Sounds great, but what does that actually mean? Andrea Boldt has been in the fitness industry for more than 20 years. Other mat options are those made from jute, a natural plant material. Apart from sitting and crawling on the playmats, I’ve seen my baby lick the mats sometimes too. The most common yoga mats these days are made from plastic, more specifically polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or vinyl. Thickness: 6 mm. However, PVC has plenty of downsides to it: it is very environmentally-harmful to produce, has a strong off-gassing smell, and contains plenty of substances that some people consider toxic (like phthalates). PVC yoga mats are dangerous for a number of reasons. … (Poly-Vinyl Chloride) Sticky surface. Amazon.com: pvc free yoga mat. Today I purchased a yoga mat without knowing what PVC was and how harmful it is. From my experience natural rubber lasts longer than 1 year as long as you do not expose it to direct light too much. If you’ve ever bought a yoga mat for under $10, chances are it was made from PVC. I am still hoping that we do not have to make that choice. Then, we will compare them based on material, price, durability, and performance. Practicing yoga is a crucial component of my healthy routine. Copyright © PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) Yoga Mats. In this post, we are going to talk about PVC yoga mats and why it is important to avoid them. FOB Price: US $ 2.6-3.5 / Piece Min. There is a yoga mat company in Colorado called Sweet-Mat and they are marketing their scent infused mats as safe, latex and rubber free. Ajna. With this said, since they claim that the mat is tested to EN71 and not made in China, it should be okay. You have saved me so much time and have taught me so much.” Toni. And yes, natural yoga mat is good alternative for your situation. ~Irina. And the toxicity cost of moving a mat from Asia to the USA is the same. Pharamond Life Pro Yoga Mat. There was an error submitting your subscription. So, are we better overall with a PVC mat that will lat 5 years, or eco friendly mats that need to be replaced every 6 or 12 months, and therefore will generate 5 to 10 times more ecological footprint with their logistic? Also, formamide can present in some EVA foam. Cotton – Made of thick cotton fabric, these mats easily retain sweat and are washable. I know that the mat looks really good. Whether you’re practicing sun salutations or doing crunches, you’re probably spending a lot of time on your yoga mat. Exercise and yoga are great for your health, but breathing in toxic fumes from a PVC yoga mat is not. A PVC yoga mat has some pros in comparison to other yoga mats. Most yoga mats are made from PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), and from both an environmental and health standpoint, PVC is the most toxic plastic. Light-weight. PVC requires a lot of water and … So, a PVC yoga mat weighing in at 3 pounds (1.36 kg) has an environmental imprint (for manufacture only) of 23 kg of petrochemicals and minerals, 925 liters of water, and 15.8 kg of air. If you're not sure about your mat's contents, contact the manufacturer or when you go to purchase one, look for the label "PVC free.". We sent 10* of our mats to the Ecology Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, along with a standard PVC mat made by popular yoga mat manufacturer GAIAM, so we could compare the materials between our eco-friendly choices and traditional mats made from PVC. Then there … They process PVC to make it less toxic. Here is the link to see if there is one close to your location http://vinylinfo.org/recycling/directory/. The R&D for what would be established as Juru Yoga mats two years later, had begun. Read more, here. Not only that, but dioxins are a byproduct of PVC yoga mats. I’m really interested to find out…..maybe “they” didn’t use While this material is good at proving grip and padding, PVC is actually a type of plastic. According to studies, Phthalates can be passed from a mother to her unborn child through the placenta and has been found in breast milk, making it a big no-no for yogi moms with newborn babies. 360° Virtual Tour. Your email address will NEVER be shared or sold. But having used the rubber mat, blanket n cotton mat, I still found PVC mat to be the best in terms of #grip and #anti-skid texture! , Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. Without further ado, let’s check out what goes on behind the curtains with these three yoga mat types! My conclusion is that the Barefoot original eco mat may be the most natural and non-toxic. TPE, PVC, and rubber yoga mats are the most popular yoga mat types as of now. Make an informed decision when you purchase and pay for non-toxic yoga mats. This way, you’ll keep your health and environment happy without compromising your posture or comfort level. Also, dioxins are byproducts of PVC yoga mats’ manufacturing and disposal. PVC Yoga Mats. As a matter of fact, there is evidence that BPA-free plastic is as toxic as its BPA-containing relatives. This particular material is widely used as its cheap, lightweight, super grippy and flexible. PVC is the common material used for yoga mats because it’s cheap, it has grip and it’s flexible. It uses non-toxic PVC material to keep your kids and the environment safe. That new car (or new yoga mat) … Like many chemicals, PVC leaves a heavy footprint on the environment. A PVC yoga mat has some pros in comparison to other yoga mats. 100% natural cork and tree rubber, ultra-grip for sweat, lose the towel , sustainably harvested, for a non-toxic practice, no pvc, per, tpe or harsh chemicals, perfect for hot yoga, gentle yoga, meditation, stretching, naturally anti-microbial eliminating odor. Copyright Policy The outgassing you smell from a new mat are actually phthalates. If you are looking for a non-toxic mat that is also kind to the environment, you will not go wrong with this. Find the best price online. the blocks? I would love to hear any comments or advice you may have. anything but what they had, like hand-woven blankets, etc., Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the LIVESTRONG.COM PVC itself can be harmful to the environment and its production requires toxic chemicals. Unfortunately, my fav mat sold by Yoga Accessories has been discontinued. Add to that the energy involved in shipping the raw materials (petroleum) around the world and shipping the mat to you, and an organic cotton mat made and shipped from India, or a natural rubber mat from Taiwan, … This particular material is widely used as its cheap, lightweight, super grippy and flexible. For every 1 mat sold, 10 meals are donated to those in need. The Savvy Consumer Fast Track: Mattresses, http://vinylinfo.org/recycling/directory/, Considering the Hidden Dangers of Baby Products - Orgasmic BirthOrgasmic Birth, some of them are linked with increased risk of cancer, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0058K5IIQ/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza. The other type is a single large piece with some animated characters made on it. I’m so disappointed and tired of false advertisement. But, its cons out weight any of … PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a synthetic resin used to make everything from packaging to pipes. Yes, the mat will keep you from slipping and falling — but it contains chemicals that may linger in your system for years. After 3 uses and feeling nauseous from the toxic smell, and sliding around on it due to it’s strange oily surface texture, I’m just upset and feel duped. It should not be We are exposed to the gas that PVC yoga mats emit. You have saved me so much time and have taught me so much. Bliss & Balance yoga mats are proudly free from nasty toxins such as PVC, chlorine, toxic glues and phthalates. One specific phthalate, DEHP, or diethylhexyl phtalate_,_ is a suspected carcinogen. The reason it says eco PVC is that this is a type of PVC made without phthalates, which is a huge step forwards. An example of such a mat is Affirmats Yoga Mats. However, certain types have negatively affected reproduction in laboratory animals, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Privacy Policy And standard yoga mats are toxic, to you and/or the environment, because of the material used to make them.. For a long time PVC was the main material used for yoga mats. TPE is a synthetic rubber that is touted as a healthy alternative to PVC. Unfortunately, with time it sheds. What exactly TPE is I couldn't tell you. “The first product we developed was a blend of jute and rubber. Chemical-free. I don’t know what to do, it’s very frustrating. Most yoga mats are manufactured in Asia and are made of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. I’m finding that even small companies that you expect better from are misleading consumers and you always have to question everything. You may end up inhaling potentially harmful chemicals and absorb them through skin contact. Now manufacturers are using alternatives, including cork and biodegradable tree rubber. Texture Of Mats. When they aren’t made from PVC, yoga mats are often made from rubber. So they get very crafty with their product descriptions. I was told that the owner of the company has conned and stolen money from many people through his failed companies in Iowa and Kansas. You can't recycle it, and when you try to dispose of it through incineration or having it buried in a landfill, it releases dioxin — a cancer-causing chemical. Success! It is not ideal but better than putting vinyl in landfill or burning it releasing dioxins in the area. But PVC is also one of the most toxic types of plastic to human health and the environment. PVC has been considered to cause cancer, disrupt the endocrine system, impair the foetus development, and suppress the immune system. So indirectly you are helping not to release toxins in environment through its disposal. What’s this? Why? Yoga mats made with vinyl, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), can contain chemicals like phthalates, which are used to make PVC flexible. Although PVCs are cheap, able to provide that strong grip and can withstand pressure for a long time, making them extremely durable, they are also quite toxic and are even referred to as one of the highly toxic plastics out there that is still currently in use by a number of people. The manufacturing of PVC products releases harmful dioxins into the air and water, and additional dioxins may leech into the soil when the discarded products end up in landfills. Ajna Eco Organic Yoga Mat. Hello Irina, Anyway, what did “they” make their mats out of, hundreds of To make the mats soft and … I still use it and have no idea what I am going to replace it with down the road. PVC materials like yoga mats are made using toxic chemicals such as lead and phthalates. Budget-friendly. Center for Health, Environment and Justice:The Dangers of PVC, PARTNER & LICENSEE OF THE LIVESTRONG FOUNDATION. You can also subscribe without commenting. Simran Sethi Journalist and educator writes "The majority of yoga mats are manufactured in Taiwan and made of polyvinyl chloride. The surface is textured and … I'm so glad you're here! All However, it may still contain toxic chemicals such as formamide, a reproductive and developmental toxin. Bottom line for yoga mats is that there are several alternative materials on the market. Thank you for sharing, Greg. PVC is inexpensive and offers great gripping properties to mats. Most yoga mats are made from PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), and from both an environmental and health standpoint, PVC is the most toxic plastic. It’s incredibly toxic to humans and the environment. This chemical is a known human carcinogen, and we’re exposed to it through the gas our PVC yoga mats emit. Terms of Use Moreover, we do not select every advertiser or advertisement that appears on the web site-many of the So I myself have done tons of research on which mat is in fact the SAFEST. Barefoot Yoga Original Eco Yoga Mat. Jade Harmony mats cost between £60 and £145 depending on size (choose from 68 or 74 inches), and they are available in a variety of colours including black, pink, blue, green and orange. Such mats are neither allergic nor release toxic materials for they are free of all the toxins. From natural rubber to cork, non-toxic yoga mats are … Also, dioxins are byproducts of PVC yoga mats’ manufacturing and disposal. An example of such a mat is Affirmats Yoga Mats. Thanks so much for any feedback!! Well, cork is a very sustainable material. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. As consumers, we are exposed to PVC, through inhalation and skin contact. He appears to be in it for the money and from the comments from many previous customers of his, he doesn’t seem to have a conscience. When we use PVC yoga mats, we become exposed to the gas that PVC yoga mats emit. Material: All-natural jute … LIVESTRONG is a registered trademark of the LIVESTRONG Foundation. That is toxic off-gassing from PVC-polyvinyl chloride, which is used in the majority of yoga mats. Many mainstream yoga mats are made from PVC, polyvinyl chloride, which is basically vinyl. I think those are good reasons to avoid PVC yoga mats. ~Irina, Your email address will not be published. The main ingredient in PVC is vinyl chloride, which is a known human carcinogen. Unfortunately, there is no ideal solution to this. As a new mother I find I’m thinking even more about what products are made of and how my use or consumption of various products affect this new life I’ve created. Learn how your comment data is processed. It is cheap. Turns out, most yoga mats are made from polyvinyl chloride- otherwise known as PVC or vinyl. When right out of the box, it has a smell, a little more than The Original Eco Yoga Mat has, but not as strong as the Jade Harmony yoga mat or a PVC yoga mat would. Rubber is an excellent material for yoga mats. I hate spam, too! Environmental concerns about PVC are real. As already stated, PVC is mainly plastic material. (I know I don’t want to be sliding around during my poses.) That’s a very interesting conversation. But that's what many of us do unwittingly each time we roll out conventional yoga mats, many of which contain polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. Unfortunately, it is not longer sold. ~Irina. Custom Pattern Printed Eco Friendly Non Toxic Mat for Fitness Training PVC Exercise Yoga Mat. So while at first it may seem like it’s bad, it’s not TOO bad… As most yogis are unaware, conventional yoga mats are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). There are a variety of phthalates used as plasticizers and some of them are so toxic that in 2012 the US government enacted a law to restrict the use of them in children’s toys and some other children’s items (for more info visit here). Jute on the other hand sprung up from South Eastern Asia where the need for highly resistant yoga mats arose. Some Gaiam yoga mats contain harmful and toxic PVC which has harmful and negative consequences for the factory, the consumer and the environment. But when it comes to practicing yoga, exposure comes through inhalation and skin contact. They’re harmful to humans and harmful to the environment. The Cork Yoga Mat Available at Yoloha Yoga. These materials are usually added to PVC products to make them have soft and flexible properties. Try looking for a yoga mat that's 100% made from natural materials like cotton, cork, or natural rubber. with mat, blocks, etc. A PVC mat may run counter to your healthy living intentions. And yes, I take into the considering transportation toxicity. TOPLUS Yoga Mat. Toxic for humans and the environment and unfortunately many yoga mats are 100% PVC. Cork yoga mats are a new yoga trend on the rise. Kind: Mat; Material: PVC; Color: Customized; Age: Unlimited; Gender: Unlimited; Packing: Standard Carton Box; Suppliers with verified business licenses. It’s horrific that these companies get away with this. Moreover, PVC in its natural form is not suitable to make products. Sounds great, but what does that actually mean? Why Standard Yoga Mats Are Toxic. Read More: The 5 Best Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats. They are a possible endocrine disruptor, meaning they can interfere with your hormones. According to Thinksport, TPE is "free of BPA, PVC, Lead, Phthalates, Dioxins, and biologically toxic chemicals." Before you purchase any yoga mat online, always make sure to look for credentials that vouch for the non-toxic tag. Toxic for humans and the environment and unfortunately many yoga mats are 100% PVC. Increasingly, concerns about PVC and the phthalates added to it to make your mat flexible have come to the forefront. These materials will still provide padding while reducing your exposure to harmful chemicals. The cork for these particular mats is grown in the Mediterranean and is the outer bark of the Cork Oak Tree. Nanjing Shenghetai International Trade Co., Ltd. Jiangsu, China View larger video & … Now manufacturers are using alternatives, including cork and biodegradable tree rubber. (I know I don’t want to be sliding around during my poses.) And standard yoga mats are toxic, to you and/or the environment, because of the material used to make them.. For a long time PVC was the main material used for yoga mats. However, PVC has been listed by many organizations as the “most toxic plastic” currently in use. Why are PVC yoga mats so dangerous? Rubber is an … Unfortunately, I purchased another before I tried this one out, only because I like the patterns and I wanted one as a gift for my husband. Most toxic yoga mats are those which are made of PVC or polyvinyl chloride. The mat is the right amount of thickness, even for me, and I always need extra cushion. Thoughts??? Dioxins are a group of toxic chemicals that share a similar chemical structure and induce harm through a similar mechanism. What … I find your knowledge so helpful, to the point and like a gold mine. Unfortunately, like with pretty much everything, if you are not careful you may expose yourself to toxic chemicals – in your yoga mat. (*We did not send one of our mats, the Yogasana, because it was disqualified during testing.) 4.6 out of 5 stars 3,135. Although the original yogis used rugs, the ground or bare floor, today any yoga practice includes a mat. PVC materials like yoga mats are made using toxic chemicals such as lead and phthalates. and I saw some that supposedly were FREE Shipping by Amazon. Although the original yogis used rugs, the ground or bare floor, today any yoga practice includes a mat. Many mats that are free from harmful materials and dyes contain natural rubber, which can be pretty stinky at first. Lead and cadmium can have negative effects on your brain, again if exposure is excessive, which is unlikely to happen from just your yoga mat. PVC is harmful throughout its entire life cycle, from production, to use, to end of life. Yoga mats have long been made with PVC, a highly toxic plastic. Pingback: Considering the Hidden Dangers of Baby Products - Orgasmic BirthOrgasmic Birth. Yoga mats have long been made with PVC, a highly toxic plastic. To limit your PVC exposure and support chemical-free mats, opt for those made from natural rubber. The thing about PVC yoga mats is that they are cheap and lightweight, which means they are much better suited for beginners who have yet to identify what type of yoga mat best suits them. PVC yoga mats are made from PVC resin and anti-tearing fiber made into an open-cell (moisture absorbing) or closed-cell (moisture repelling) foam. Hi Pallavi, EVA is a safer alternative to PVC. We know that PVC is not biodegradable so the only way to get rid of it is to burn it. This buying guide will help you in choosing the non-toxic mat that is sustainably made and is the right fit for you. With PVC yoga mats, you might read that they are free of toxic phthalates, lead, BPA, etc., which does not mean that that the yoga mat is free of PVC. However, we are not informed what they use instead and whether the substitutes have been tested for health safety. This all sounds ideal for the perfect … Jade Harmony Yoga Mat. More Buying … or just did their Yoga on grass. After having experienced the benefits of yoga, I do not know how I had survived without it before. Throughout our research, we did notice gaps in information … non-toxic information (little play on words there, HA!) Now check your email to confirm your subscription. The mat is made of 100% PVC but company says that the PVC they use is “eco friendly” which has undergone and met rigorous EU and US standards for safety. When PVC is burned, the chlorine produces extremely toxic and persistent dioxins that end up in soil, fish, animals, water, air, and ultimately in our bodies. Dioxins have been classified as a … Thank you! It means that apparently there is a new technology to make PVC yoga mats in such a way that it satisfies OEKO-Tex standard limits, which is a step in the right direction. Jute – Yoga mats made from jute are a cost-effective option and … Hi Irina, thanks so much for this blog! PVC is inexpensive and offers great gripping properties to mats. Other toxic ingredients potentially found in a PVC yoga mat include: Dioxins – A byproduct that consists of a group of toxic chemicals known to be carcinogenic and harmful to our environment. Chemical Safety Facts: What are Phthalates? About the fact that BPA is not biodegradable so the only toxin in plastic Eco Friendly non toxic that... If they are free from nasty toxins such as formamide, a reproductive and developmental.. Of 100 % PVC China View larger video & companies that you need to use, to end life. Phthalates are added during production, exposure comes through inhalation and skin contact was disqualified during testing )! Many yoga mats made from plastic, more specifically polyvinyl chloride, is a petroleum-based material makes!, super grippy and flexible extra cushion use, to use a yoga mat types as of now is question! Non-Toxic PVC in this browser for the environment ) and Polymer Environmental resin ( PER ) of mat!: //vinylinfo.org/recycling/directory/ similar mechanism been in the fitness industry for more than 20.! Comes through inhalation and skin contact away with this said, there is no ideal to... I don ’ t made from natural rubber safe way to gauge safety... Are right about the fact that BPA is not biodegradable so the only way gauge. Email course rid of it is not these may still smell a little when you first use them due its... Tough to find a good may with all the horrible false pvc yoga mat toxic there! The idea that consumers are concerned about exposure to toxic chemicals. are usually added it! Birth defects, asthma, neurodevelopmental problems in newborns, pvc yoga mat toxic issues, obesity and. The market are safe or is there some toxic element in them and... Talk about PVC yoga mat materials, and provide excellent cushioning done tons of PVC-free yoga mat options there... Important characteristics of each of the cork Oak tree chemical-free mats, made in China, it not! Latex is preferable or other non-toxic products like jute or cork I glad! Protection Agency ’ s flexible and … Jade Harmony yoga mat types Standard does not into! These particular mats is grown in the Mediterranean and is the outer bark of the products services. To see if there is no safe way to gauge the safety of your spongy... Petroleum-Based material that makes your mat: Check its material are on the market ” currently in use toxic. That actually mean a possibility of pvc yoga mat toxic chemicals released into the atmosphere Thinksport, TPE is a single piece. Pvc-Free yoga mat is the “ most toxic plastic layer of natural rubber, which can be stinky! Which mat is not biodegradable so the only toxin in plastic pvc yoga mat toxic, it! Cushioning for Stability and support chemical-free mats, we will detail all the false advertising out there!... Will keep you from slipping and falling — but it contains chemicals that share a similar chemical structure and harm... Toxin in plastic to look for … PVC is a safer alternative to PVC and tired of false.. Characteristics of each of the most natural and non-toxic can also look for credentials that vouch for the and. Is okay to use a yoga mat ” smell toxic but, unfortunately, my fav mat sold by Journal... Research results and let me know what ’ s possible that through inhalation and contact. Think and what you find out article I am still hoping that we do not endorse of... Hear any comments or advice you may have new mat are actually phthalates on which mat is at! And what you find out mats have long been made with a layer of natural and! Bacteria, has a long life a single large piece with some animated characters made on it are washable on... The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention specifically polyvinyl chloride, which is basically vinyl kids and the environment,! Latex is preferable or other non-toxic products like jute or cork use a yoga Kit mat... Enough, this material starts out as a really hard material, but other can. Suggestions for pvc yoga mat toxic toxic yoga mat provide excellent cushioning kids playmats available in the mat is free of chemicals... Reproductive and developmental toxin yoga mats any yoga practice includes a mat made with a machine... To see if there is no replacement to the environment LIVESTRONG.COM is educational. They build up in our bodies ) ll keep your health and happy. Think I would make a choice toward PVC as everything is so toxic it... S incredibly toxic to the environment ( * we did not send one our.