Off-gassing is the airborne release of a chemical into vapor form. Off-gassing occurs when manufactured items release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals into the air we breathe. Many companies will tell you that everything off-gasses, but some fumes are more harmful than others. Our plant-based latex foam and wool are considered to be non-off-gassing, but depending on several factors can have a distinct smell for sensitive people that dissipates over a short amount of time. While our standard poly foam is made from polyurethane, it is made without chemicals like fire retardants and formaldehydes. So while it's not a 100% natural material like the plant-based latex foam we offer, it's the healthiest version of poly foam available on the market. This is considered low-VOC (less than .5 parts per million), and technically it does have off-gassing. Importantly, almost all of the off-gassing occurs between right after the materials are produced and a couple of months afterwards, well before they are in your home. Because wood is a natural product, our woods do not off-gas. The finishes we use are low-VOC waxes and stains.