CEH Finds Toxic Chemical in Lululemon Yoga Mat
Update March 15th, 2024:
Today, we’re happy to share that we have reached a legally-binding, court-enforceable agreement with Lululemon that requires the company to remove NDMA from its latex yoga mats.
Today the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) initiated legal action against athletic apparel giant Lululemon after independent lab testing found dangerous levels of cancer-causing nitrosamines in the brand’s latex yoga mat. Testing found the chemical N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) at more than 1,600 times the daily limit for exposure to NDMA established under California law. NDMA is listed on California’s consumer protection law Proposition 65 because it is known by the State to cause cancer.
Individuals can be exposed to NDMA through contaminated air, water, or soil or–in the case of a product like a latex yoga mat, through the skin, as the chemical can leach from the material. Exposure to NDMA is associated with the development of cancers in diverse organs and tissues including the gallbladder, liver, prostate, and stomach as well as cancers of the blood such as leukemia.
CEH has initiated legal action under CA Proposition 65 against Lululemon, asserting that the company failed to warn consumers of potential exposure to NDMA.
“No one should have to worry about being exposed to cancer-causing chemicals while exercising and prioritizing their wellbeing. It is particularly irresponsible for wellness companies like Lululemon to expose consumers to chemicals that endanger their health. We are calling on Lululemon to reformulate their latex yoga mats to remove all nitrosamines,” said Dr. Jimena Díaz Leiva, Science Director at CEH.
For over 30 years, Prop 65 has served as a safeguard for consumers, protecting their right to know if a toxic chemical may be in a product before it is purchased, or serving as incentive for companies to remove concerning chemicals from their products so that they do not have to warn the buyer.
CEH has previously found nitrosamine chemicals at high concentrations in swim caps and workout bands.