Sourcing Better Solutions

Made without ozone depleters

Ozone’s presence is important in our upper atmosphere, where it provides a shield from the sun’s radiant en- ergy. The Montreal Protocol, adopted in 1987, mandated that industries eliminate ozonedepleting chlorouoro- carbons (CFCs) by the year 2000. U.S. foam producers were well ahead of schedule in complying with this reg- ulation. Unfortunately, in some parts of the world, CFCs are still used to manufacture foam. The CertiPUR-US? label prohibits the use of any CFCs, or other ozone depleters, in the foam manufacturing process.

Made without PBDEs, TDCPP or TCEP (“Tris”) flame retardants
Some PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) were used in foam to meet certain state flammability require- memts, but those PBDEs were effectively banned in the U.S. by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2005. Other flame retardants that have been identified by the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) as substanc- es that may cause cancer, may cause genetic defects, or may damage fertility or unborn child (1A, 1B) may not be used in certified foam. TDCPP or TCEP (“Tris”) are among these FRs. A complete list of specific FRs prohib- ited in certified foam may be found in our Technical Guidelines or at certipur.us/FAQ.

Made without mercury, lead and heavy metals
Though not common components of foam chemistry, heavy metals in food (mercury in fish) and in the home (lead paint in children’s toys) have made the entire heavy metal family an area of concern. CertiPUR-US® lab- oratory testing subjects material extracted to molecular analysis capable of detecting even trace amounts of heavy metal content. CertiPUR-US® verifies that registered foams are made without mercury, lead and other heavy metals.

Made without formaldehyde
Like heavy metals, formaldehyde has never been used as a raw material in foam. Formaldehyde has been labeled as a cause of poor indoor air quality. The absence of formaldehyde in foam is verified in Certi- PUR-US®-certified foam by a small chamber emission test.

Made without prohibited phthalates
Phthalates (pronounced “thal’-ates”) are mainly used as a softening agent in the manufacture of some con- sumer products. The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (2009) eliminated the use of seven specific phthalates for use in children’s toy and child care items. CertiPUR-US? goes a step further by requiring de- tailed laboratory analysis of foam extractions and prohibiting the use of phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission in all CertiPUR-US® certified foams.

Low emission (low VOCs)
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a major component of air pollution. VOC emissions from household products are also a concern for indoor air quality. CertiPUR-US® certified foams are tested using a small chamber test standardized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).* In the test, foam samples are conditioned for 72 hours after which emissions of total organic compounds are measured. Results of this test verify that CertiPUR-US? compliant foams have low emissions for indoor air quality (less than 0.5 parts per million).