Knoll · Office Chairs
Design Within Reach Knoll Morrison Hannah Task Armchair
Lower concern, standard upholstered task chair with no known PFAS-prone treatments, but Knoll provides no explicit PFAS transparency.
The Morrison Hannah is a conventional upholstered office chair with wood frame and fabric seating. Knoll does not disclose PFAS content or stain-resistant treatments for this model. Standard upholstery without marketed water/stain resistance suggests lower likelihood of added PFAS coatings, though no third-party verification exists.
Shop Knoll on Amazon →Material
upholstered wood frame, fabric (likely polyester or wool blend per Knoll's typical specs)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
furniture is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Morrison Hannah is built on a hardwood frame (typical for Knoll) with upholstered cushions and back using polyester, wool blend, or performance fabrics common to mid-range office seating. The frame construction means minimal plastic leaching risk; the fabric is the primary chemical concern. Knoll typically sources from certified suppliers but does not publish detailed chemical composition or treatment data on individual SKUs, making independent verification difficult.
The brand's record and disclosure
Knoll is a respected furniture manufacturer with general sustainability credentials (ISO 14001, FSC certifications on some products) but does not proactively disclose PFAS, formaldehyde, or flame retardant content on task chair spec sheets. No major product recalls or chemical controversy on record for this model. The brand's silence on chemical composition is typical for the commercial office furniture sector but falls short of transparency leaders like Herman Miller, which provides material health declarations.
How it compares in its category
Task chairs in this price and quality tier (mid-to-premium commercial office) typically feature similar polyester or wool blend upholstery with minimal chemical transparency. Knoll's frame durability and construction quality exceed budget alternatives, reducing replacement frequency and associated embedded chemical risk. Competitors like Steelcase and Herman Miller offer more detailed material safety disclosures, but Knoll's mainstream position suggests adherence to industry baseline standards (BIFMA, CFC fire codes) without extra hazard risk.
If you buy it
Allow 48-72 hours of off-gassing in a well-ventilated space before extended use, especially if you are chemically sensitive. Rotate and flip cushions monthly to even wear and reduce localized compression that can accelerate fabric breakdown. Vacuum upholstery monthly and spot-clean with mild soap and water; avoid harsh solvents that may degrade or reactivate fabric treatments. Inspect frame and joints annually; reupholstering is cost-effective if the frame remains sound, extending product life and reducing replacement chemical exposure.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Flame retardants in polyester/fabric blends
Knoll task chairs likely contain polyester meeting BIFMA fire safety standards (TB117 or TB191 equivalent). Modern polyester often uses brominated or phosphorus-based flame retardants; Knoll does not specify which. This is standard in the category but not disclosed, making independent verification impossible.
Formaldehyde in fabric finishes and adhesives
Upholstered furniture often uses formaldehyde-releasing adhesives and dyes, particularly in wool-blend or performance fabrics. Knoll does not publish formaldehyde content; off-gassing risk is typically low for well-cured commercial furniture but possible during first weeks of use.
Azo dyes in fabric coloration
Polyester and blended fabrics may be colored with azo dyes that can release aromatic amines under high heat or UV exposure. Knoll does not specify dye chemistry. Risk in task chair use is low because chairs remain indoors and do not encounter extreme temperatures, but dye choice is unknown.
Adhesive and finish off-gassing
Upholstered furniture industry-wide reports low-level volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from frame glues, fabric sizing, and foam adhesives, particularly in the first 1-3 months. Knoll adheres to commercial emission standards but does not independently certify VOC limits or provide third-party testing data.
Hardwood frame durability and refinish chemicals
Knoll hardwood frames are typically finished with water-based or polyurethane varnishes. No known hazard associated with factory finishes on Knoll frames; refinishing if needed should use low-VOC products.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
More office chairs grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.