Yoga mats and Yoga mat accessories online retail shop

Sticky Yoga mats - Ecological issues

What are the issues?

Some people could not care less about what goes into making a Yoga mat - probably because they imagine that it will not affect anyone.

We stopped promoting standard sized, sticky PVC yoga mats in June 2007 and encourage other suppliers to do the same.

Many Yoga websites are now being supported by more conscious shoppers, as part of a larger trend of making better infomed purchasing decisions on the internet.

We hope that many will continue to enjoy the benefits of following yoga, meditation or other similar practices with ecological and environmental awareness.

What hazards have been identified ?

There is a long-running and controversial debate about the recycling of soft PVC that is used for most "sticky" (synthetic) Yoga mats although definitive guidance, based on good science about dioxins, additives etc. is emerging only slowly over time.

We are particularly aware and concerned about the science, health and ecology debate surrounding the manufacture of *Sticky* Vinyl (PVC) Yoga mats.

Harmful substances may be present in untested stretch and exercise floor mats in unacceptably high proportions - or they may otherwise evolve during use which may also have a bad effect on peoples health and/or the Environment.

Also, potentially harmful treatments with active substances, such as biocides may be added with the intention to make the mats *sanitized* by chemical or biological means.

Similarly, flame retardants may also be added to minimise fire hazards

Ingredients found in some synthetic mats called Phthalates have been shown to be a potential hazard, especially to newborn babies and very young children

DHEP (another term for DOP) is not present in OEKOTEX certified mats making them less harmful.

For a more scientific view try Phthalates and Human Health: Demystifying the Risks of Plastic-softening Chemicals By Kenneth Green, D.Env.

What can I do to make sure the mat I have is safe ?

Yoga mats can only really be considered SKIN SAFE if they have achieved "Confidence in Textiles" mark OEKOTEX 100 (www.oekotex.com). or else the mat material has been tested in the laboratory, to a level that meets or exceeds this standard.

Although mats are not tested individually, the manufacturing and handling processes are controlled and monitored to assure quality and conformity.

Yoga mats tested by the OEKOTEX ASSOCIATION have been tested to perform within very precise, and proven safe chemical limits:-

• pH (a measure of acidity/alkalinity, 7.0 is condsidered neutral) 4.0-7.5
• Formaldehyde: 75ppm (ppm= parts-per-million)
• Extractable Heavy metals (e.g. Arsenic, Lead, Cadmium, Chromium...): 92ppm
• Mercury: 0.02ppm
• Pesticides (e.g. DDT, Lindane, Hexachlorobenzene...): 1ppm
• Phenols (e.g. Tetrachlorophenol): 2ppm
• Organic Tin: 1ppm
• Chlorobenzenes and Chlorotoluenes:1ppm
• Biocides: none
• Forbidden flame retardants: none

The ability of the material to resist staining is also tested towards water, perspiration and saliva.

Emmissions are tested for volatile substances such as hydrocarbons, Vinylchloride: 0.6mg/m3 and also to determine that there are no unpleasant odours.

Some artificial (e.g. AZO) dyestuffs are considered either pollutants or are Carcinogenic/ Allergenic and are also avoided.