OEKO-TEX®

This independent, worldwide certification tests raw and semi-raw materials, accessories, and finished household products. It certifies as “compliant” those that are free from banned substances and have extremely low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions.

The Hidden Problem of Indoor Air Pollution

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), VOC emissions are one of the main contributors to indoor air pollution in developed nations and have been linked to:

• Ozone depletion
• Smog
• Respiratory illnesses
• Memory problems

By ensuring that finished mattresses and all of the materials used in their production are free from (or conform to acceptable limits for) harmful chemicals, heavy metals, flame retardants, and VOCs, the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification enables customers to shop with the confidence that their certified mattresses and household products are much safer than the conventional alternatives.

Learn about the Four Product Classes for Certification with OEKO-TEX® Standard 100

Recognizing that some products come into much closer contact with people’s skin than others, OEKO-TEX® has developed four product classes:

• Product Class I: Articles for babies and children under the age of three (clothing, diapers)
• Product Class II: Articles that come into direct contact with the skin (socks, bed linen)
• Product Class III: Articles that are worn further away from the skin (coats, ponchos)
• Product Class IV: Materials used for decoration and furnishing (curtains, upholstery)

Products that are used with young children and in direct contact with the skin have much stricter limits for emissions than those used as the outer layer of clothing or in household furnishings.

Pros and Cons of the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Label

OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification does not require organic production or fair-trade practices of suppliers or manufacturers. However, it does ensure that products destined for use in homes and educational institutions are safe and present an acceptably-low level of toxicity.

When purchasing a product with this certification, make sure to look for the certification code and to determine whether it is a single component that is certified or the entire finished product. It is possible for just the cover of the mattress to be certified or just the latex.