Dick's Sporting Goods (house brand) · Yoga & Exercise Mats
DSG Fitness Mat
Lower concern. Typical foam mat lacks known PFAS-prone coatings.
Fitness mats like this are usually EVA foam or rubber without water repellent finishes, which are lower PFAS concern. No brand disclosure available; contact Dick's if material confirmation needed.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
foam/rubber base with fabric cover (likely EVA or NBR)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
EVA foam and synthetic fabric covers may emit low levels of volatile organics during manufacturing and curing. No test data available for this specific DSG product; risk is typical for entry-level foam mats and usually minimal after 48-hour airing.
Source, ATSDR ↗Degradation and microparticle release over time
Foam mats degrade with UV exposure, heat, and mechanical wear. Breakdown can release small foam particles or rubber dust; risk increases if mat is used outdoors or in high-temperature environments. Not classified as a major health concern for typical indoor gym use.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Flame retardants
Fitness mats are not required to meet strict flame retardant standards; DSG has not disclosed use of brominated or chlorinated flame retardants. No evidence suggests this mat contains such compounds, but label or COO does not guarantee compliance.
Source, EPA ↗Heavy metals
Synthetic fabric covers may use azo dyes or pigments that could theoretically contain trace heavy metals (cadmium, lead). No recalls or reports specific to DSG mats; risk is consistent with standard polyester/nylon athletic textiles and is low for direct skin contact on upper surfaces.
Source, FDA ↗Antimony in polyester base (if present)
If the mat cover is polyester, it may contain antimony trioxide as a catalyst; antimony is not known to migrate significantly under normal use. DSG does not disclose material sourcing, so presence cannot be confirmed, but antimony risk in fitness mats is generally very low.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
DSG Fitness Mats typically use EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) or NBR (nitrile rubber) foam with a fabric cover. EVA foam is chemically inert when cured and does not readily off-gas volatile organic compounds under normal indoor conditions, unlike some polyurethane foams. The fabric cover material (often polyester or nylon blend) is the more likely source of any chemical exposure, though quality varies by production batch.
The brand's record and disclosure
Dick's Sporting Goods has not published specific material safety data sheets or certifications for the DSG Fitness Mat line. The brand does not claim third-party testing for volatile emissions or heavy metals in foam products. No significant safety recalls or complaints tied to this product are documented in public records, though DSG's house-brand transparency on chemical composition remains minimal.
How it compares in its category
Fitness mats span a wide safety spectrum; EVA and NBR bases are mid-range in terms of chemical risk compared to cheaper PVC mats (which may leach plasticizers) or premium closed-cell options (which often carry low-VOC certifications). DSG mats lack third-party eco or safety labels (e.g., Greenguard, GOTS), which would differentiate them from higher-scrutiny competitors but do not necessarily indicate hazard.
If you buy it
Unroll and air the mat in a well-ventilated space for 24-48 hours before intensive use to allow any residual manufacturing odors to disperse. Avoid exposing it to direct heat sources or prolonged sunlight, which can degrade foam and increase off-gassing. Clean with mild soap and water; do not use harsh solvents that may damage the cover or accelerate material breakdown. Replace if foam becomes visibly crumbly, compressed unevenly, or develops a strong chemical smell.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Dick's Sporting Goods (house brand) has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More yoga & exercise mats grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.