Crypton fabric is not considered toxic in its current formulation. The company states its products are now free of PFAS (sometimes called “forever chemicals”), and the fabric carries GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been independently tested for low chemical emissions into indoor air. That said, the story has a wrinkle: older Crypton products did contain PFAS, and at least one independent test confirmed their presence in Crypton upholstery fabric in recent years.
The PFAS Question
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a family of synthetic chemicals widely used to make fabrics resist stains and liquids. They’re called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment or the human body. Exposure has been linked to hormone disruption, immune system effects, and certain cancers.
A Sierra Club investigation found PFAS in upholstery fabric from Crypton (alongside brands like Sunbrella). This matters because stain-resistant performance fabrics have historically relied on PFAS-based finishes to repel liquids. Crypton now claims on its website that both its original Crypton line and its Nanotex by Crypton line are “PFAS-free and free of all forever chemicals.” The company does not publicly specify when this transition happened, which creates uncertainty for anyone who bought Crypton furniture before the reformulation. If your Crypton upholstery is several years old, it may contain PFAS from the earlier formulation.
What’s Actually in the Fabric
Crypton fabric has three functional layers built into it: a stain-resistant treatment on the surface fibers, an integrated moisture barrier that prevents liquids from soaking through to cushions, and an antimicrobial treatment. Each layer involves different chemistry.
The antimicrobial component uses silver ions, which Crypton describes as an EPA-registered technology. Silver ions work by disrupting bacteria on contact, preventing the growth of odor-causing microbes. Crypton states this treatment is permanent and non-leaching, meaning the silver stays embedded in the fabric rather than transferring to skin or releasing into the air. Silver-ion antimicrobials are widely used in medical textiles, wound dressings, and athletic clothing, and they’re generally considered safe at the concentrations used in consumer products.
The moisture barrier is a polymer layer bonded into the fabric’s backing. Crypton doesn’t publicly disclose the exact polymer, but the barrier functions similarly to a thin waterproof membrane. The GREENGUARD Gold certification suggests this layer doesn’t off-gas volatile organic compounds at levels considered harmful for indoor air quality. GREENGUARD Gold is one of the stricter indoor air certifications available, originally developed for use in schools and healthcare facilities where occupants (children, patients) are more vulnerable to chemical exposure.
What GREENGUARD Gold Actually Tests
GREENGUARD Gold certification is issued by UL (formerly Underwriters Laboratories) after a product is placed in a controlled chamber and its chemical emissions are measured over time. Products must meet limits for total volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, and a list of individual chemicals. The thresholds are based on exposure standards set by California’s Department of Public Health, which are among the most stringent in the United States.
This certification tells you that the fabric, as manufactured, releases very low levels of airborne chemicals. It does not test for chemicals that might transfer through skin contact, nor does it specifically screen for PFAS. So the GREENGUARD Gold label and the PFAS question are essentially measuring different things. A fabric could pass GREENGUARD Gold testing while still containing PFAS in its finish.
Cleaning and Everyday Exposure
One often-overlooked source of chemical exposure from furniture is the cleaning products required to maintain it. Some performance fabrics need solvent-based cleaners that introduce their own health concerns. Crypton’s cleaning instructions are notably simple: a quarter teaspoon of enzyme-based laundry detergent or dish soap mixed with a cup of warm water handles most stains. For deeper cleaning, the company recommends hot water extraction, essentially steam cleaning. Crypton also sells its own branded cleaners, which it describes as water-based. None of the recommended maintenance involves harsh solvents or specialty chemicals, which reduces your ongoing chemical exposure compared to fabrics that require dry-cleaning solutions or industrial spot treatments.
How to Assess Your Own Risk
If you’re buying new Crypton fabric today, the current product line appears to be a relatively low-concern choice among performance fabrics. The PFAS-free claim, GREENGUARD Gold certification, and simple cleaning requirements all point in the right direction. No performance fabric is chemically identical to untreated cotton or linen, but Crypton’s current formulation avoids the most concerning categories of chemicals that typically show up in stain-resistant textiles.
If you already own older Crypton furniture purchased before the company’s PFAS-free transition, the situation is less clear. PFAS in fabric finishes primarily pose a concern through two pathways: direct skin contact over long periods and household dust as the fabric gradually sheds microscopic fibers. The risk from a single piece of upholstered furniture is lower than from, say, drinking PFAS-contaminated water daily, but it contributes to your cumulative exposure. Vacuuming upholstered surfaces regularly and washing hands after prolonged contact are simple ways to reduce any transfer.
For people furnishing nurseries or homes where children will be in frequent contact with upholstery, the current Crypton formulation is a reasonable option among performance fabrics. If avoiding all chemical treatments is the priority, untreated natural fabrics like cotton canvas or wool remain the simplest alternative, though they sacrifice the stain and moisture resistance that makes Crypton appealing in the first place.