What Are PFAS and Why the Concern?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of human-made chemicals used in products for water, grease, and stain resistance. They are often called “forever chemicals” because they break down very slowly in the environment.
Concerns about PFAS have grown because they’ve been linked to long-term health risks when consumed at high levels, particularly through contaminated water or food.
This has led to questions about whether artificial grass contains PFAS and if it poses any risk to families, pets, or communities.
Misconception 1: All Artificial Grass Contains PFAS
The Reality: Not all artificial turf contains PFAS.
Older Turf: Some older turf products did use PFAS in the extrusion process to help shape plastic blades. However, levels were extremely low.
Modern Turf: Many turf manufacturers—including Smart Turf—have proactively removed PFAS from production and regularly test to ensure compliance.
In fact, Smart Turf’s independent lab testing shows non-detectable PFAS levels in our grass blades. You can read our detailed report here: Smart Turf’s Deep Dive on PFAS
Misconception 2: Turf PFAS Levels Are Dangerous
The Reality: Even in older turf, PFAS levels were typically comparable to or lower than everyday consumer items, including:
- Dental floss
- Non-stick cookware
- Food packaging
- Some medications
It’s important to keep perspective—turf was never a major source of PFAS exposure compared to these daily-use products.
Misconception 3: There Are No PFAS-Free Turf Options
The Reality: PFAS-free artificial grass is widely available today.
- Many manufacturers now offer PFAS-free turf lines.
- Smart Turf goes further by providing lab-verified results confirming non-detectable PFAS.
- Industry leaders were early adopters in phasing PFAS out of their products, showing a strong industry shift toward safer materials.
Misconception 4: PFAS in Turf Are the Same as PFAS in Water
The Reality: How PFAS are measured matters.
- Testing turf must focus on the solid materials themselves, not just hypothetical leaching into water.
- Many alarmist reports focus on extraction-based testing that exaggerates exposure risk.
- In reality, the risk of PFAS migration from turf into people or pets during normal use is negligible—especially with modern, PFAS-free turf like Smart Turf.
Misconception 5: Turf Is a Bigger PFAS Concern Than Other Products
The Reality: PFAS are far more widespread in everyday items than in artificial grass.
Examples include:
- Fast-food wrappers and food packaging
- Water-resistant clothing and cosmetics
- Firefighting foam
- Non-stick pans and bakeware
Artificial grass contributes little to overall PFAS exposure compared to these products.
Why Smart Turf Leads in PFAS Transparency
At Smart Turf, we take PFAS concerns seriously. That’s why we’ve:
- Conducted independent lab testing — Results show non-detectable PFAS in our turf.
- Made results public — See the details here: Smart Turf PFAS Testing
- Committed to safe manufacturing — Every roll is Made in the USA, with Microban® antimicrobial protection for added safety and odor control.
When homeowners, schools, and cities choose Smart Turf, they can feel confident knowing our turf is both PFAS-free and family-safe.
Why Distribution & Transparency Matter Together
- PFAS concerns highlight a broader truth: local distribution points and clear communication matter.
- Contractors and landscapers need reliable access to safe, certified materials.
- Homeowners deserve clear labeling and proof of safety.
By combining nationwide distribution with transparent testing, Smart Turf delivers both convenience and peace of mind.
FAQs About PFAS and Artificial Grass
Q: Did older artificial grass contain PFAS?
A: Yes, some older turf used small amounts during manufacturing, but levels were low and similar to everyday products like dental floss or cookware.
Q: Is artificial grass today free from PFAS?
A: Many brands have eliminated PFAS. Smart Turf products are tested and confirmed to have non-detectable PFAS levels.
Q: How does PFAS in turf compare to PFAS in other products?
A: Turf levels (if any) are minimal compared to common items like food packaging, cosmetics, or non-stick cookware.
Q: How do I know if my turf has PFAS?
A: Ask for independent lab testing results. Smart Turf publishes ours openly, showing non-detectable PFAS.
Q: Should I be worried about PFAS exposure from turf?
A: No. Modern PFAS-free turf like Smart Turf poses no measurable risk to families, pets, or communities.
Conclusion
There’s a lot of confusion about PFAS and artificial grass, but the facts are clear:
PFAS were present in some older turf products, but at very low levels.
Today, modern manufacturing has made PFAS-free turf widely available.
Smart Turf stands apart with verified non-detectable PFAS results, giving homeowners, schools, and contractors peace of mind.
When you choose Smart Turf, you’re not only getting durable, antimicrobial artificial grass—you’re also choosing a product that’s transparent, safe, and responsibly made in the USA.
Learn more about our PFAS testing here: Smart Turf’s Deep Dive on PFAS