PFAS Testing in Mattresses & Crib Mattresses: Trust Begins with Radical Transparency
At Avocado Green Mattress, we're committed to providing safe, non-toxic adult mattresses, kids mattresses, crib mattresses, and pillows. We are proud to announce that our GOTS-certified organic mattresses, crib mattresses, and pillows have been rigorously tested and contain no detectable amounts of PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). This short article details our testing process, explains the dangers of PFAS chemicals in mattresses and bedding, and compares our testing methods to other commonly used screening tests.
What are Toxic PFAS "Forever Chemicals?"
PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals used in various industries around the globe. They're known for their persistence in the environment and in the human body, hence their nickname "forever chemicals." Exposure to PFAS has been linked to various health issues, including cancer, hormone disruption, immune system effects, and developmental issues in children. The United States Environmental Protection Agency has significant research, data, and tools associated with the dangers of PFAS.
Our PFAS Testing Methodology
To ensure our mattresses are free from harmful PFAS substances, we conducted tests (May 23, 2024) using solvent extraction followed by Liquid Chromatographic/Tandem Mass Spectrometer (LC/MS/MS) analysis and/or Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. These highly sensitive methods detect PFAS at parts per billion (ppb) levels.
PFAS Test Results: No Detectable Amounts
Our comprehensive testing revealed no detectable amounts (less than detection limit) of PFAS in our products. Here are the details of the 241 substances tested, with a detection limit of 0.01 mg/kg (10 ppb):
Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA)
Ammonium perfluorobutanoate
Sodium perfluorobutanoate
Potassium heptafluorobutanoate
Silver perfluorobutanoate
Lithium perfluorobutanoate
Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA)
Sodium perfluoropentanoate
Potassium perfluoropentanoate
Lithium perfluoropentanoate
Ammonium perfluoropentanoate
Silver perfluoropentanoate
Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)
Ammonium perfluorohexanoate (PFHxA-NH₄)
Sodium perfluorohexanoate
Potassium perfluorohexanoate
Silver perfluorohexanoate
Lithium perfluorohexanoate
Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA)
Sodium perfluoroheptanoate
Potassium perfluoroheptanoate
Ammonium perfluoroheptanoate
Cesium 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tridecafluoroheptanoate
Silver;2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tridecafluoroheptanoate
Lithium perfluoroheptanoate
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
Perfluorooctanoyl fluoride (PFOA-F)
Silver perfluorooctanote (PFOA-Ag)
Sodium perfluorooctanoate (PFOA-Na)
Potassium perfluorooctanoate (PFOA-K)
Ammonium pentadecafluorooctanoate (APFO)
Pentadecafluorooctanoic acid--piperazine (2/1)
Octanoic acid, 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-pentadecafluoro-, chromium(3+)
N,N,N-Triethylethanaminium perfluorooctanoate
Perfluorooctanoyl Chloride
Lithium perfluorooctanoate
Cobalt perfluorooctanoate
Cesium perfluorooctanoate
Perfluorooctanoate N,N,N-Trimethylmethanaminium
Tetrapropylammonium perfluorooctanoate
Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)
Perfluorononanoate ammounium salt (APFN)
Perfluorononanoate Na-Salt (PFNA-Na)
Potassium perfluorononanoate (PFNA-K)
Lithium heptadecafluorononanoate
Cyclohexanaminium perfluorononanoate
Silver perfluorononanoate
Piperidinium perfluorononanoate
Methanaminium perfluorononanoate
Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)
Perfluorodecanoate ammonium salt (APFDA)
Perfluorodecanoate Na-salt (PFDA-Na)
Potassium perfluorodecanoate
Lithium perfluorodecanoate
Silver perfluorodecanoate
Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUdA)
Perfluoroundecanoic acidsodium salt
Ammonium perfluoroundecanoate
Potassium perfluoroundecanoate
Calcium perfluoroundecanoate
Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)
Ammonium Perfluorododecanoate
Sodium perfluorododecanoate
Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA)
Comparison with Organic Fluorine Screening Tests
Our testing methods are superior to generic organic fluorine screening tests, which can often be inaccurate and fail to detect specific PFAS compounds. The precision of our LC/MS/MS and GC-MS analyses ensures that even the smallest traces of PFAS are identified and quantified, ensuring safety and transparency.
The Dangers of PFAS in Adult Mattresses and Crib Mattresses
PFAS chemicals are often used in water-resistant and stain-resistant treatments on mattresses and crib mattresses, waterproof mattress protectors, flame retardants, foam production, adhesives, and bonding agents. However, these widely used chemicals can pose significant health risks:
Cancer: Some PFAS have been linked to an increased risk of cancer.
Hormone Disruption: PFAS can interfere with hormonal systems, affecting growth and development.
Immune System Effects: Exposure to PFAS can weaken the immune system.
Developmental Issues: PFAS can impact the development of fetuses and children.
By choosing an Avocado organic mattress, crib mattress, or pillow, you're ensuring your family is not exposed to these harmful levels of toxic chemicals. Our rigorous testing and non-toxic approach showcase our healthy obsession with health and safety.
Avocado Mattress' Non-Toxic Priorities
At Avocado Green Mattress, we prioritize your health and the environment. Our comprehensive PFAS testing using advanced analytical techniques ensures our products are free from these harmful "forever" PFAS chemicals. We're dedicated to providing safe, sustainable, and non-toxic sleep solutions for you and your family. We invite you to review our certifications for toxicity, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility. Learn more about the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 label, which applies to every component and material of our finished organic-certified mattresses, pillows, and toppers.
For more information on our testing methods and results, please review our detailed PFAS Test Report (PDF) for our certified organic latex, organic cotton, organic coir pad, and organic waterproof mattress protector. We routinely test our suppliers and will continue to publish the latest results.