Yoga mats are everywhere these days and they come in a million different variations but one type that we strongly recommend against are those made of PVC because of it’s eco and health-unfriendly properties. PVC outgasses phthalates. If you’re not familiar with phthalates, they are a class of chemicals that are used to soften plastics and are known to be endocrine disruptors.
Phthalates enter the bloodstream and disrupt sex hormone production in humans, interfering with fetal reproductive organ development in utero and affects sexual physiology in adults. Phthalates act by mimicking the female hormone estrogen, which in turn inhibits production of the male hormone testosterone. There is global concern that phthalate exposure is at least one of the contributors to a troubling worldwide drop in male fertility.
So, now that we’ve covered just a few of the many concerning reasons you should be avoiding phthalates, let’s look at some yoga mats that are free of this terrible class of chemicals…
Non-Toxic Kids Yoga Mat: Made of 100% natural tree rubber base and soft microsuede top, this children’s mat is biodegradable and recyclable and free of PVC, silicone, phthalates and chemical odors. To clean, hand wash with water and a mild detergent and hang to dry.
B YOGA Strong Yoga Mat: Made of non-slip 100% rubber, this eco-friendly fitness and yoga mat features natural, open-cell technology for moisture-wicking, anti-odor properties.
OH MY FITNESS™ Natural Thick Cork Yoga Mat with Eyelets: Naturally resistant to odors, dampness and mold, these mats are guaranteed to be free from PVC, latex and all other chemical products. Natural cork with non-slip rubber underside.
Ajna Organic Natural Jute Yoga Mat: Made from premium organic natural non-shedding fibers that repel odors and sweat stains with a durable non-slip texture of biodegradable PER (polymer environmental resin).