National Outdoor Living · Umbrellas
National Outdoor Living Cantilever Umbrella 10 Ft Red
Skip until EarthWise discloses water-repellent coating type or certifies PFAS-free.
This cantilever umbrella uses polyester fabric treated with an undisclosed water-repellent coating, a common PFAS application in outdoor textiles. EarthWise has made no public statement about PFAS-free treatment or third-party verification.
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Material
Polyester fabric with undisclosed water-repellent coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
PFAS
Fluorinated water-repellent coating coatings on polyester fabrics commonly contain legacy PFAS compounds. EarthWise does not disclose coating chemistry, so PFAS presence cannot be ruled out; this is the primary concern for this product.
Source, ATSDR ↗Coating degradation and particulate shedding
Over time, especially if exposed to UV or heat, polyester water-repellent coating coatings can flake or shed microparticles. No specific degradation studies for this brand model exist; risk is typical for outdoor textiles in this class.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) off-gassing
New polyester umbrellas with applied coatings can emit low levels of VOCs during initial storage and use. Odor typically fades within days to weeks; risk is minimal but may be noticeable in enclosed spaces.
What’s reassuring
Heavy metals
Red polyester fabric could theoretically contain trace metals (azo dyes, cadmium-based pigments) but EarthWise umbrellas are not flagged in public safety records for dye contamination. Standard textile regulations in North America limit intentional heavy metal use.
Source, FDA ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
Polyester does not require formaldehyde-releasing resins for wrinkle resistance (unlike cotton or cotton blends). No public reports link EarthWise polyester umbrellas to formaldehyde contamination.
Source, ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This umbrella uses polyester fabric, a synthetic polymer that is inherently stable and does not leach chemicals during normal use. The critical unknown is the water-repellent (water-repellent coating) coating applied to the polyester. water-repellent coating coatings are often fluorinated (PFAS-based) to achieve water beading, though some brands now use non-fluorinated alternatives. EarthWise has not disclosed which chemistry they use, making it impossible to rule out PFAS exposure from handling, storage, or eventual breakdown.
The brand's record and disclosure
EarthWise maintains a public sustainability focus but does not publish detailed chemical composition or water-repellent coating specifications for this cantilever umbrella. The company has not earned third-party certifications (e.g., OEKO-TEX, bluesign) that would independently verify chemical safety. Silent on PFAS questions, EarthWise follows industry norms of treating coating formulations as proprietary, which limits transparency for consumers seeking alternatives with lower concern.
How it compares in its category
Most large outdoor umbrellas (10 ft cantilever style) use polyester with fluorinated water-repellent coating coatings, so EarthWise is not unusually risky in material terms. A small number of premium brands now offer PFAS-free water-repellent coating alternatives, though they typically command a higher price. Budget and mid-tier umbrella manufacturers, including EarthWise, have not yet widely adopted publicly certified non-fluorinated options.
If you buy it
Store the umbrella in a well-ventilated area to minimize inhalation of any volatilized coating compounds, especially when new. Avoid storing it in hot vehicles or direct sunlight for extended periods, as polyester coatings can degrade faster under UV and heat stress. Hand wash with plain water when soiled; avoid harsh solvents that may compromise the water-repellent coating and speed degradation. Replace the umbrella if the fabric shows significant tearing, as worn coatings may shed microparticles.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- National Outdoor Living has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More umbrellas grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.