Is your yoga mat toxic and potentially damaging your health?

There’s truly nothing better in life than a good yoga session to calm your mind, rejuvenate your body and keep yourself healthy. They say that practicing yoga is one of the best things you can do for your mind and body, and we know it’s true! There’s nothing an hour-long Vinyasa class can’t fix, right? However, there is a harmful side to yoga. We don’t want to burst your yoga bliss bubble, however, it’s important that we have a chat about your yoga mat, and how it might be harming your health.  

These days, many mainstream yoga mats are made from nasty toxins and chemicals. The biggest offender is a substance called PVC – polyvinyl chloride – which is essentially vinyl. This is what gives your yoga mat that spongy feel and makes it super easy to clean, but it’s not so great for the environment, or your health. In this blog, we’re going to share with you some more information about PVC and why you should steer clear of it all costs.

PVC is the most common material used in mainstream yoga mats 

As we now know, most yoga mats are made from PVC. This is one of the most toxic kinds of plastic and a known carcinogenic. PVC is toxic throughout the entire stage of its life cycle; from manufacturing, to consumer use and once it has been thrown away.  

Why are PVC yoga mats so dangerous? 

PVC yoga mats are dangerous for a number of reasons. They’re harmful to humans and harmful to the environment. When we use PVC yoga mats, we become exposed to the gas that PVC yoga mats emit. It’s possible that through inhalation and skin contact that your body will absorb the toxic substances in the mat. Not only that, but dioxins are a byproduct of PVC yoga mats. Dioxins have been classified as a human carcinogen. They are persistent (meaning they do not break down easily) and bio-accumulative (meaning they build up in our bodies).

Furthermore, PVC in its natural form isn’t even suitable to make products from. Plasticizers are added to make it soft, flexible and possible for human use. There are a bunch of phthalates used as plasticizers, and phthalates have been linked to birth defects, asthma, neurodevelopmental issues in newborns, fertility problems, obesity and cancer. It’s shocking, right? The worst part is that most people don’t know that they mat they’re using is so harmful.

How to tell if your yoga mat is PVC free

A lot of yoga mat manufacturers are sneaky. They’ve caught on that consumers are concerned about their exposure to toxic chemicals, so their product descriptions can be deceptive. It’s important that you always ask the manufacturer whether their yoga mats are specifically PVC free.

Where can I buy a toxic-free yoga mat?

Well, we’re glad you asked! At Chuchka, we’re all about the environment and keeping our bodies as healthy as possible. That’s why our Chuchka yoga mats are 100% natural and free from any hidden nasties that damage the environment or your health.

Our Chuchka Cork Yoga Mats are 100% natural and have anti-microbial properties, which resist bacteria, germs and smell. They are also free from all the nasties like latex, silicone, toxic glue and phthalates.

Our Suede Yoga Mats are made from a soft suede microfibre top and a natural, sustainable base, which offer incredible grip. They are also free from latex, silicone, toxic glue and phthalates, so you can practice your downward dog knowing you’re safe from nasty toxins and chemicals.