Is Your Yoga Mat Full of Toxic Chemicals?

Several companies that make yoga mats 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 yoga companies have a duty to be more 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.

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 and mats water-resistant.

Research suggests some yoga gear may contain PFAS if they are made from polyester or spandex. Synthetic materials are always more likely to contain PFAS. Natural fibers like organic cotton or wool are potentially safer, especially for low-impact activities like yoga.

Studies have found that about a quarter of tested workout clothes, including brands like Lululemon and Old Navy, contained detectable PFAS levels.

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 are made of vinyl (PVC), a material that may lead to the release of toxic chemicals during manufacture.

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. Some brands have marketed their yoga gear as safe and eco-friendly, and even if your yoga mat has a “natural” surface, the 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.

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

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 industry reform. Sports equipment and clothing often rely on PFAS to achieve performance features. Common examples include:

• Athletic apparel: Quick-dry fabrics often contain PFAS coatings.
• Sneakers and shoes: Waterproofing sprays and treatments frequently use PFAS.
• Camping gear: Rain jackets and backpacks may be treated with PFAS to repel water and dirt.
• Protective gear: Helmets 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.