Steelcase Review, Is Steelcase 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, Steelcase 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 Steelcase Good or better, safest first
Steelcase
Think Chair
steel frame, polymer backrest, foam seat
Flame retardants
Office furniture foam is required to meet flammability standards; the Think chair likely…
Volatile organic compound off-gassing from new foam and polymers
New polyurethane foam and injection-molded plastics release VOCs during the first weeks…
Polymer backrest degradation and potential microplastic shedding
Polypropylene or polyurethane backrests may develop surface cracking or brittleness after…
Lower concern office chair with no evidence of intentional PFAS, but no public disclosure.
⚠Risky category by default
Steelcase
Series 2 Upholstered Chair
upholstered fabric, foam cushioning, steel frame
Flame retardants
Commercial office chairs are legally required to meet fire codes, triggering use of flame…
VOC off-gassing from polyurethane foam
New polyurethane foam releases volatile organic compounds for days to weeks after…
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Commercial upholstery fabrics may be treated with formaldehyde-releasing resins for…
Deterioration and particle release over time
Extended use causes foam fragmentation and fabric shedding, releasing particles that may…
Lower concern for PFAS, but Steelcase discloses nothing, ask for transparency if concerned.
⚠Risky category by default
Steelcase
Amia Chair Steelcase
steel frame, foam, upholstered fabric
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from polyurethane foam
New polyurethane cushioning foam can emit low-level VOCs (particularly formaldehyde…
Flame retardants
Office furniture foam often contains flame retardants to meet fire codes. Steelcase does…
Microplastic shedding from synthetic fabric
Synthetic upholstery fabrics (polyester, nylon) can shed microfibers with abrasion and…
Lower concern; office chair with standard materials unlikely to contain PFAS, but no brand transparency.
⚠Risky category by default
Every grade uses the same public rubric. How grades work →