Just when you think you’ve turned the corner and adopted a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle, you learn that much of your new athletic clothing and yoga gear could be contaminated with PFAS, VOCs, PAHs and other potentially toxic materials. It’s frustrating navigating the world of consumer goods because companies make dubious promises about the safety and eco-friendly practices of their products. Some of these promises turn out to be misleading or false.

As a result, many class action greenwashing and PFAS lawsuits have been filed on behalf of individuals nationwide who believe companies have a duty to be more forthright and transparent about their disclosed raw materials and manufacturing processes. Contact The Lyon Firm if you believe your sporting goods or yoga mat may be full of PVC, PFAS and forever chemicals.

PFAS in Sporting Goods and Yoga Products: Legal Risks and Consumer Rights

The presence of PFAS—per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—in consumer goods has become one of the biggest public health and legal issues of the decade. These so-called “forever chemicals” are persistent in the environment and linked to serious health risks, from cancer to immune system suppression. Once thought to be limited to industrial pollution and firefighting foam, PFAS are now being discovered in products designed for healthy living, including sporting goods and yoga accessories.

For consumers who have purchased gear marketed as “eco-friendly” or “safe,” the discovery of toxic chemicals inside these products is troubling—and in some cases, grounds for legal action.

Is Your Yoga Gear Contaminated?

Testing of some performance clothing and sporting goods has shown contamination with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), synthetic chemicals that may be used to make yoga leggings, tops, and mats water-resistant, stain-resistant, and sweat-wicking.

Research suggests some yoga gear like mats and yoga leggings, may contain PFAS if they are made from polyester, nylon, or spandex. Synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, spandex are always more likely to contain PFAS. Natural fibers like organic cotton or wool are potentially safer, especially for low-impact activities like yoga. We know that PFAS are widely used in some activewear to help repel water and stains, keeping your leggings dry and clean during a sweaty yoga session. Studies have found that about a quarter of tested workout clothes, including brands like Lululemon and Old Navy, contained detectable PFAS levels.

Many consumers might be shocked to learn that their very expensive yoga clothing and yoga mats could be full of harmful chemicals. Some of these chemicals may even be linked to serious health risks. When companies do not properly disclose all the materials on a product label, they may be violating consumer rights. Plaintiffs have filed class action greenwashing lawsuits when companies sell products as a “natural” or “sustainable” when in fact it is full of chemicals.

Yoga mats, for example, labeled PER, Polymer Environmental Resin, are made of vinyl (PVC), a material that may lead to the release of toxic chemicals during manufacture, use and disposal. Some mats contain phthalates, a hazardous class of plasticizers.

Is My Yoga Mat a Health Risk?

Toxic exposure can occur through skin contact, amplifying the risks of contaminated yoga mats, especially during warm yoga sessions, raising concerns about toxin absorption. Some brands have marketed their yoga gear as safe and eco-friendly, yet the presence of toxic materials suggests a troubling truth.

Even if your yoga mat has a “natural” surface, the backing, padding, or bulk of the mat might be made of synthetic latex or PVC. Phthalates are often found in yoga mats. This chemical helps make PVC flexible, but it also may leach out of materials when they heat up. Phthalates have been linked to a range of troublesome health issues.

PFAS has been linked to some health problems, and washing synthetic clothing pollutes water systems, affecting entire ecosystems. Even if you haven’t noticed adverse symptoms, the cumulative exposure risk could be a concern down the road. The lack of clear labeling makes it hard to avoid these chemicals, and our lawyers aim to hold any offenders accountable, and compensate plaintiffs for all the hard-earned money they have spent on products they thought were safe and environmentally friendly.

PFAS in Sporting Goods

PFAS in sporting goods and yoga products highlight the hidden risks in products designed for health and wellness. As more research exposes the dangers of “forever chemicals,” consumers and attorneys are working together to hold companies accountable. Legal action not only provides recourse for individuals but also drives meaningful industry reform. Sports equipment and clothing often rely on PFAS to achieve performance features. Common examples include:

• Athletic apparel: Moisture-wicking, stain-resistant, and quick-dry fabrics often contain PFAS coatings.

• Sneakers and shoes: Waterproofing sprays and treatments frequently use PFAS.

• Camping gear: Rain jackets, tents, sleeping bags, and backpacks may be treated with PFAS to repel water and dirt.

• Protective gear: Helmets, pads, and gloves sometimes contain PFAS in outer coatings.

Contact our attorneys to discuss filing a formal complaint or joining an existing class action PFAS lawsuit. We have filed numerous product liability and toxic exposure lawsuits and represent clients in all fifty states. Call now for a free case review and consultation.

What Consumers Can Do

Until regulations catch up, consumers can take proactive steps:

• Look for “PFAS-free” or “fluorine-free” labels on products.

• Support brands with transparent supply chains.

• Avoid unnecessary stain-resistant or waterproof coatings.

• Wash athletic gear separately to limit household contamination.

• Stay informed about recalls, lawsuits, and regulatory updates.