Herman Miller Review, Is Herman Miller Non-Toxic?
PFAS Authority is a scoring system, not a laboratory. We do not test products ourselves. Grades are model-based, built from published ingredients, materials, certifications, brand disclosures and third-party lab results where they exist. See the rubric.
Across 3 graded products, Herman Miller averages Excellent (75/100). On disclosure, the brand says nothing publicly about PFAS. 3 of its products grade Good or better. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab results.
Worth buying from Herman Miller Good or better, safest first
Herman Miller
Embody Chair Herman Miller
Fabric (polyester/nylon blend) and aluminum/steel frame; no Teflon-family coating or water-resistant coating disclosed
Azo dyes (toxic breakdown products)
The Embody's fabric is dyed polyester/nylon; Herman Miller does not publicly specify…
Antimony in polyester fiber
Polyester production sometimes uses antimony trioxide as a catalyst; residual antimony…
Microplastics
Polyester/nylon fabrics naturally shed microfibers during use and cleaning. In an…
Lower concern; no known PFAS-risk treatments, but Herman Miller discloses nothing on PFAS.
⚠Risky category by default
Herman Miller
Verus Task Chair
cast aluminum frame, upholstered fabric seat/back, polyester mesh
Flame retardants
Office furniture upholstery often contains brominated or phosphorus-based flame…
Heavy metals
Upholstery dyes may contain cadmium, chromium, or lead to meet color fastness standards…
Foam off-gassing (volatile organic compounds)
Polyurethane or polyester foam cushioning can emit low levels of volatile organic…
Lower PFAS concern for frame; upholstery fabric sourcing unclear, ask for material transparency.
⚠Risky category by default
Herman Miller
Sayl Chair
nylon and polypropylene plastics, aluminum frame
Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) off-gassing from plastics
Nylon and polypropylene can release trace VOCs during the first few weeks of indoor use…
Plastic degradation and microplastic shedding over time
Prolonged sun exposure or high heat in the office can cause nylon and polypropylene to…
Lower PFAS concern; typical office chair with no obvious fluorochemical triggers.
⚠Risky category by default
Every grade uses the same public rubric. How grades work →