If you’re looking for a low-maintenance landscaping solution for your backyard but you also want to make environmentally friendly choices, you need to read the labels when selecting artificial grass.
Despite its growing popularity in the U.S., synthetic turf is still seen as a source of “forever chemicals” or PFAS, which are plastics that break down only very slowly over many years. These concerns over long-term toxicity when replacing real grass with artificial grass are often misguided—and based on outdated information.
Modern manufacturing methods mean that the best artificial grass is now PFAS-free, safe for children, pets, and the whole family, and better for the wider environment than previous products.
So, how can you choose the right turf and, specifically, what is the best PFAS-free artificial turf available in the U.S.?
Let’s find out…
What is the Best PFAS Free Artificial Turf?
The best PFAS-free artificial turf not only contains no “forever chemicals” in its product design but also ensures they are not added during the production or installation processes—for instance, transferred from production machinery or infill added to stabilize the installation.
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What Are PFAS and Why Are They a Concern?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a valid public health concern that extends far beyond artificial grass.
This large group of man-made chemicals has been used in various products since the 1940s, valued for their ability to repel water, grease, and stains. You will find them in everything from fast-food packaging to carpeting, cookware, childcare products, cosmetics, and waterproof clothing:
The problem? Their permanency in the environment and the potential for health and environmental risks. PFAS break down very slowly over many years (in some cases, hundreds of years), giving them the name “forever chemicals” and raising both public and regulatory attention to the matter.
Some PFAS are easily transported in the environment for long distances and have been detected in groundwater, surface water, and soil.
PFAS have also been associated with adverse health effects for humans, including an increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer, liver damage and metabolic changes, thyroid issues, reproductive and developmental harm, and immune system suppression.
Consequently, we have recently seen fast-food outlets and other household names make commitments to remove them from their products.
With artificial grass, this PFAS-removal process already started several years ago…
PFAS and Artificial Grass
When measured against the global PFAS issue, artificial grass has been a minor contributor, though it has had more of the spotlight than many household names that millions of Americans use every day.
Many articles claim that artificial grass is a major contributor to the PFAS problem in the U.S. Some perspective is needed. Consider the size of the issue with the sales from tens of thousands of McDonald’s, Starbucks, Taco Bell, Target, and Amazon stores around the globe—and how traces of PFAS in artificial grass compare with this.
It should also be noted more widely that the artificial grass industry has not disregarded the PFAS issue.
Traditional artificial turf manufacturing processes used small amounts of PFAS as lubricants for the extrusion machines for plastic yarn. Some of these toxic chemicals would naturally transfer to artificial grass during the production process, often leaving the finished product with significant traces of PFAS on blades and backing. This has now changed with premium manufacturers, who use safer, alternative lubricants.
PFAS can also be present in the infill used to stabilize artificial grass installations. The main culprits are crumb rubber and EPDM or TPE pellets. PFAs may be introduced during production or as part of a coating for the infill.
The good news is that since the mid-2010s, the artificial grass industry has taken steps to eliminate the use of PFAS during the manufacturing and infill processes.
What Makes Artificial Turf PFAS-Free?
The turf supplied by Artificial Grass Pros is PFAS-free and doesn’t use forever chemicals, even as a lubricant in the manufacturing process. All products supplied by Artificial Grass Pros are tested for traces of PFAS and other harmful chemicals.
Additionally, we never use crumb rubber, EPDM or TPE materials as infill. The infill added during the installation process is silica-based with virtually zero risk of PFAS contamination.
How Do You Know if the Turf is PFAS-Free?
Identifying the best PFAS-free artificial turf can be tricky. Manufacturers don’t always advertise this clearly and sometimes make vague claims.
It’s essential, then, to work with transparent suppliers when selecting your artificial grass products. To claim that a product is PFAS-free, there should be:
For confirmation that the artificial turf or infill you’re installing is PFAS-free, try the following:
The best PFAS-free artificial grass comes from suppliers who can demonstrate the following type of documentation:
Ultimately, you should expect all premium artificial turf products to be PFAS-free.
Top Features to Look for in PFAS-Free Turf
The best PFAS-free artificial turf should also be free of several other undesirable substances that are sometimes associated with artificial grass—or claims that artificial grass is bad for the environment will only grow.
For instance, the artificial grass you select should be lead-free and free of any other dangerous heavy metals. It should contain no phthalates and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).
However, there is no national standard requiring full transparency on these chemicals. It’s essential to work with a supplier who can help you answer any concerns you may have about the products.
Other Properties of the Best Artificial Grass
The best artificial grass is also UV resistant, which is especially important for the conditions experienced in most backyards in the south.
Some turf (like that provided by Artificial Grass Pros) also employs special cooling technology during the manufacturing process to ensure that spaces don’t overheat. These cooling tips in summer will also help.
You should also look for artificial grass that will withstand the wear and tear of the intended space. Rarely-used front lawn turf needs to be less durable than a backyard lawn that the kids and pets play on, for instance. A kids’ playground or dog run needs different turf again to a backyard putting green.
The best artificial turf should last 15-20 years or more if professionally installed.
Water-Saving Properties of Artificial Turf
Artificial grass has its pros and cons. One of its many benefits is that turf can replace water-hungry real grass and reduce outdoor water demands for households, which are often significant.
This is especially important in states that face drought conditions and water constraints. Estimates suggest that by replacing real grass with artificial grass and reducing outdoor watering needs to zero, households can save up to 60 percent of their total water usage.
Another consideration is that both droughts and storms can affect real grass lawns, sports fields, and other spaces, rendering them unusable. When artificial grass is properly installed for adequate drainage, lawns and fields are usable all year round.
FAQs
The Artificial Grass Pros Commitment to PFAS-Free Solutions
The PFAS issue requires better education and transparency from manufacturers. At Artificial Grass Pros, we believe in using durable and non-toxic materials in all of our artificial grass.
Our premium turf is made from polyurethane and polyethylene, both of which are PFAS-free. We use silica-based infill and all installations are UV resistant, with heat reduction technology employed.
This goes a long way to delivering safe, toxin-free, low-maintenance spaces that all the family can enjoy. Discuss your options with one of our artificial grass professionals today…
