Wild Moon Underwear PFAS Test Reports
At Wild Moon, we believe in radical transparency. We know you choose us for your most intimate needs, and we take that trust seriously. That’s why we use the most rigorous testing available to ensure our products are safe. At the end of this blog post you'll find a link to our test results for our polymide and bamboo products.
1. How do labs test for PFAS?
There are two main ways to test for "Forever Chemicals" (PFAS), and understanding the difference is key:
-
Targeted Testing: This looks for a specific list of known chemicals (like PFOA or PFOS). The problem? There are over 10,000 types of PFAS. If a lab only looks for 30 of them, they might miss the other 9,970.
-
Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) Testing: This is the "Gold Standard" for screening. Instead of looking for specific chemicals, it looks for Organic Fluorine, which is the chemical backbone of all PFAS. If the test finds no organic fluorine, it’s a much stronger indicator that no PFAS are present, even the ones scientists haven't named yet.
2. Why "Total Organic Fluorine"?
Fluorine is a natural element (found in things like toothpaste or minerals), which is "inorganic." Organic Fluorine, however, is almost always man-made and is the "smoking gun" for PFAS.
-
Our lab uses a process called Combustion Ion Chromatography (CIC). They essentially "flash-burn" a sample of our fabric at extremely high temperatures.
-
The gases released are analyzed to see if any organic fluorine is present.
-
By measuring the total amount of organic fluorine, we get a much more accurate picture of the product's purity than a targeted test ever could.
3. Why can't anyone claim "100% PFAS-Free"?
You might notice that we—and other responsible brands—avoid saying "100% PFAS-Free." This isn't because we use the chemicals; it’s because of how science and the modern world work:
-
The "Zero" Problem: Labs have a "Limit of Detection." If a lab says "Non-Detected," it means there is less than a certain amount (e.g., 10 parts per million). Science can never truly prove a "zero"; it can only prove "below what we can measure."
-
Global Presence: Because PFAS have been used globally for decades, they are now in the rain, the soil, and even the dust in factories. Trace amounts (parts per billion) can exist simply because of the environment, even when a brand never intentionally adds them.
-
Our Promise: Instead of making impossible "100% free" claims, we commit to No Intentional Use. Our tests show that our levels are well below the strictest regulatory limits (like California’s AB 1817), ensuring our underwear is as clean and safe as modern science allows.