Unfortunately, most yoga mats today are still predominantly made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and can contain all sorts of unwanted materials and chemicals, including; Azodicarbonamide (ADA), Phthalates, Parabens, Polypropylene, Formaldehyde, Benzene and other volatile oil compounds (VOCs).
These substances have been shown to off-gas during usage into a breathable gas, some of which are even classed as possible carcinogens!
These can cause headaches, nausea and dizziness, nasal irritation, allergic reactions, neurological problems, liver and kidney damage, cancer, and possibly even fertility problems. I wish we were exaggerating!
As we practice yoga, core principles can therefore be hindered. We breath deeply and make direct skin contact with our mat, leading to us being exposed to any chemicals from the mat.