An honest look at PFAS concerns in synthetic turf products, what the science says, and how SGS approaches product safety.
What Are PFAS?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of thousands of synthetic chemicals used in various consumer and industrial products since the 1950s. They are sometimes called 'forever chemicals' because they do not break down easily in the environment. PFAS have been found in everything from non-stick cookware to food packaging, waterproof clothing, firefighting foam, and some synthetic turf products.
PFAS and Artificial Turf: The Concern
Some studies have detected PFAS in certain artificial turf products, primarily in older crumb rubber infill made from recycled tires and in some turf fiber coatings. The concern is whether PFAS can leach from turf into soil, water, or air, and whether contact with turf surfaces exposes users to meaningful PFAS levels. This is a legitimate area of ongoing scientific research, and we take it seriously.
What the Current Research Shows
Multiple peer-reviewed studies have examined PFAS exposure from artificial turf. The Connecticut Department of Public Health, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, and several European regulatory bodies have published findings. The general consensus to date is that while some PFAS can be detected in certain turf products, the exposure levels from normal use (playing on, walking on, or being near artificial turf) are orders of magnitude below established health thresholds.
Crumb Rubber vs. Non-Rubber Infill
The majority of PFAS concerns center on crumb rubber infill -- recycled tire material that contains various chemical compounds. For customers concerned about PFAS, we recommend non-rubber infill alternatives: silica sand, Zeofill (natural zeolite mineral), or Envirofill (antimicrobial coated sand). These mineral-based infills do not contain recycled tire material and are not associated with PFAS concerns. The vast majority of our residential and pet installations use these non-rubber options.
SGS Product Standards
We source our turf products from manufacturers who comply with current safety regulations and testing standards. Our residential and pet turf products are certified lead-free and heavy-metal tested. We carry non-rubber infill options for customers who prefer to avoid recycled tire materials entirely. We do not claim our products are 'PFAS-free' because the testing landscape is still evolving and making such claims without comprehensive testing would be irresponsible.
Regulatory Landscape
PFAS regulation is evolving rapidly. The EPA has established health advisory levels for certain PFAS compounds in drinking water. Several states have enacted or proposed legislation addressing PFAS in consumer products. The artificial turf industry is actively engaged in this process, with manufacturers investing in reformulated products and third-party testing. We monitor regulatory developments and update our product sourcing accordingly.
Making an Informed Decision
We believe in transparency. Artificial turf provides real, measurable benefits: water conservation (60,000+ gallons per year per 1,000 sq ft), elimination of pesticide and fertilizer use, reduced carbon emissions from mowing, and year-round usability. The PFAS question is worth understanding, and we encourage customers to research it. For those who want to minimize any potential exposure, choosing non-rubber infill is a straightforward step. Visit any showroom to discuss product options with our staff.
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