Avoiding PFAS in Your Baby’s Nursery

The safety and health of our babies are top priorities. However, dangerous chemicals can lurk in our little ones’ nurseries; this is particularly true for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as “forever chemicals”, which are pervasive in our daily lives. These synthetic products have naturally found their way into our homes and wardrobes thanks to their non-stick, water-resistant, grease-resistant, and stain-resistant properties.

So, where can PFAS be found in our newborns’ nurseries?

How can they enter our babies’ bodies?

What are the known health consequences?

And most importantly, how can we avoid them?

PFAS from the Floor…

Floor coverings are often treated with products that resist liquids and prevent stains. For example, lacquers and sealants used on parquet floors typically contain PFAS, utilized as wetting agents and for their hydrophobic and stain-resistant properties. This is also often the case for vinyl flooring and carpets, which are frequently chosen for their ease of cleaning, especially in children’s rooms.

…to the Ceiling…

PFAS are used to improve the flow, spread, and gloss of paint, making it easier to apply. Therefore, they are commonly found in wall and ceiling paints in our rooms. PFAS are also used in certain paints to add additional stain-resistant and anti-graffiti properties, which some of us might seek out for our little one’s nursery!

A 2023 report by the Healthy Building Network found that, out of 94 paint samples tested across various brands, 50% had significant levels of fluorine, indicating the presence of PFAS.

…and Everywhere Else!

Again, it is this highly convenient stain resistance that makes PFAS nearly ubiquitous in baby gear and nursery items:

Carpets and rugs are often treated with PFAS to repel liquids and prevent stains.
Baby furniture, such as cribs, dressers, and high chairs, may use stain-resistant fabrics or surfaces treated to be hydrophobic.
Baby mattresses may also contain PFAS, particularly in waterproof covers that prevent leaks from damaging the mattress.

Thus, it’s clear: PFAS are everywhere because they make our lives easier. We love the durability and easy cleaning of these PFAS-treated surfaces, often unaware of the potential compromises we might be making regarding our child’s health.

Ingestion, Inhalation… Multiple Routes of Absorption

Babies can absorb PFAS in several ways:

Inhalation: PFAS can evaporate from treated surfaces and be inhaled by the baby.
- A 2020 study in the United States found that carpets were one of the main sources of PFAS emissions into the air and dust in rooms occupied by children, posing obvious health risks.
- Consider the time your baby spends in their crib and the potential PFAS from the mattress they could breathe in for hours.
Ingestion: Babies often explore their environment with their mouths. They can ingest dust particles containing PFAS or put contaminated objects in their mouths.
Skin Contact: When your child crawls on the floor or touches furniture, their skin comes into direct contact with these materials that may contain PFAS. It has been shown that PFAS can penetrate the skin barrier, exposing our little ones to an additional contamination risk.

The risks for babies exposed to PFAS include developmental issues, immune system alterations, hormonal disruptions, and an increased risk of certain diseases later in life.

Rely on Trusted Brands

Fortunately, some manufacturers are committed to producing PFAS-free products. Here is a list of brands that guarantee PFAS-free products for your baby’s nursery:

Flooring:
- It’s impossible to recommend tiles for your little one’s room, as they would pose other risks with any fall… but it would be the best PFAS-free vs easy-cleaning option! Nevertheless, there are natural alternatives like Sisal flooring, a natural fiber extracted from agave leaves, as well as seagrass, coconut fiber, or hemp. While these may be more challenging to clean, they offer a good balance of comfort, aesthetics, cost, and health safety.
Paints:
- Since 2011, the absence of PFAS has been added to the criteria of the European ECOLabel for Paints. Therefore, you can generally choose paints with this label without worry.
Bedding:
- Since 2024, the OKEOTEX certification includes even stricter criteria regarding the presence of PFAS in textiles. You can rely on this standard when choosing your baby’s mattress and consider brands like PINNKKU, LA PREMURA, or BABY BEES.
Furniture:
- Since PFAS are often found in stain-treated varnish, it is recommended to opt for furniture made from natural materials, such as solid wood with water-based paint. A brand like Modern Nursery guarantees their nursery furniture without PFAS for example.
Accessories:
- The list of accessories in a baby’s room is too long to detail here. However, for some ideas, you can check out the great sustainablejungle.com blog for a list of OKEOTEX certified play mats, or look for CEBA BABY’s changing mats on e-commerce sites like Amazon.

Stay Vigilant, Stay Informed

In conclusion, vigilance is key to protecting our babies from PFAS. By choosing products guaranteed to be free from these substances and staying informed, we can provide our children with a healthier and safer environment. So, keep your eyes wide open and stay connected to our blog infopfas.com for more information on this topic!

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