I'm very sensitive to smells, but I didn't have any issues with Cathe's 6' mat or the one for the step. I ordered mine about 2 years ago though, so maybe something has changed in the manufacturing or the way they are stored? I hope you find a solution. A lot of odors cause me to have headaches, which is why I normally order from Amazon, where I can read reviews first and can return the item if it stinks up my house. Cathe's site is the only other place I'll order workout equipment from, because her items have never had a strong odor. Please let us know if the smell goes away, because if it doesn't, I might need to stop ordering anything that's not a video. If you can't get the smell out, you might want to contact customer service and see if there is anything they can recommend or do to help out. I really don't think their items normally have this issue. I'm sure they'd want to know if there has been a change in the way the company that manufacture's their mats is making them.