Freedom Chair with Headrest by Humanscale vs World Office Chair: which is safer?

Humanscale World Office Chair is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.

Humanscale

Freedom Chair with Headrest by Humanscale

PFAS grade

C 75/100

Overall grade

F 53/100

Verdict

Buy with care

Hazard flags

⚑ 4

Material

mesh fabric, aluminum frame, foam cushioning, polyurethane upholstery options

Confidence

72%

PossibleVolatile organic compounds (VOCs) from polyurethane foam and upholstery finish

PossibleUndisclosed flame retardants in foam or fabric

PossibleFormaldehyde releasers in adhesives or fabric binders

Why this gradeBuy

Our pick

Humanscale

World Office Chair

PFAS grade

C 75/100

Overall grade

D 67/100

Verdict

Buy

Hazard flags

⚑ 2

Material

Steel, aluminum, plastic (polyurethane foam), fabric upholstery

Confidence

72%

PossiblePolyurethane foam off-gassing (VOCs)

PossibleMicroplastics from foam or synthetic upholstery wear

Why this gradeBuy

Both products run through the same public rubric: materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →

More office chairs: see the full ranking