10 low-stress ways to avoid forever chemicals in your next project

When selecting materials for interior design projects, professionals typically prioritize aesthetic qualities such as color, pattern, and texture, alongside practical considerations like durability and overall sustainability. However, a less obvious yet crucial factor to consider is the presence of per- and polyfluorinated substances, commonly known as PFAS or “forever chemicals.” These substances have been linked to a range of health issues, including various cancers, elevated cholesterol, compromised immune systems, and disruptions to thyroid and reproductive functions. While the public often associates PFAS with clothing and drinking water, they are also prevalent in household items such as fabrics, mattresses, and other upholstery materials, primarily used to impart stain and water resistance. Direct skin contact with these products and the release of PFAS into the air as they degrade contribute to human exposure. Interior designers have a significant opportunity to mitigate PFAS exposure within residential spaces by making informed material choices. Despite the current lack of legal mandates for companies to disclose PFAS content, several strategies can help identify and minimize these chemicals in home furnishings. Sujatha Bergen, Health Campaigns Director at the Natural Resources Defense Council, highlights the role of designers as advocates for safer products, urging them to demand greater transparency and a reduction in toxic chemical use from manufacturers. One key indicator of PFAS presence is product descriptions that emphasize “waterproof,” “stain-repellent,” or “dirt-repellent” properties. It's also important to note that labels like “PFOA-free” or “PFOS-free” are often misleading, as these specific PFAS have been phased out of U.S. production, but many other harmful PFAS remain in use. The widespread belief in the superior stain protection offered by “performance fabrics” is also being re-evaluated. A study published in the AATCC Journal of Research indicated that while performance fabrics initially showed a slight advantage in stain resistance, this benefit diminished over time, making them no more effective than untreated alternatives. This finding empowers designers to propose naturally durable alternatives when appropriate. Third-party certifications can serve as a starting point for identifying PFAS-free products, though their stringency varies. Certifications such as Bluesign, ZDHC, OEKO-TEX, and GOTS either ban or restrict PFAS. However, some certifications, like Greenguard, focus on limiting VOCs and permit PFAS, with studies even finding PFAS in Greenguard-certified products. Direct engagement with manufacturers is crucial; designers should explicitly inquire about PFAS content. Initiatives like the “What’s It Made Of?” campaign encourage design professionals to press suppliers for transparency regarding chemicals of concern. Rethinking the necessity of certain “performance” features can also reduce PFAS use, as many consumer demands for such properties do not align with essential safety requirements. Prioritizing natural-fiber textiles like wool, linen, and cotton, which are inherently stain-resistant or can be left untreated, offers a safer alternative. For high-traffic areas, washable slipcovers present a practical solution, allowing for easy cleaning without relying on chemical treatments. Educating clients on proper care for textiles and upholstery is vital once PFAS-treated fabrics are no longer used. This includes advising on immediate stain treatment through blotting and recommending specific non-toxic cleaning products. As a parting gift, designers could provide clients with a care kit. Furthermore, investing in a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter and using it regularly can help reduce the accumulation of dust that may contain residual PFAS. The carpet industry's successful phase-out of PFAS, driven by research highlighting exposure risks, particularly for children, demonstrates that significant change is achievable across the home furnishings sector. With growing consumer and designer demand, similar shifts can occur, especially as legislation in states like California, Colorado, Maine, and New York begins to restrict intentionally added PFAS in textiles. #PFAS #ForeverChemicals #SustainableDesign #InteriorDesign #TextileCertifications #NonToxicLiving #FabricSelection #GreenBuilding #ConsumerAdvocacy #PFAS #ForeverChemicals #SustainableDesign #InteriorDesign #TextileCertifications #NonToxicLiving #FabricSelection #GreenBuilding #ConsumerAdvocacy