We hope this blog finds you in great spirits and ready for an insightful dive into a technical topic. We’re tackling something that’s been buzzing in the turf industry — PFAS in infill and artificial turf and we are focusing on our very own Envirofill.

Understanding the Buzz: PFAS in Synthetic Turf

As advocates for sustainable and safe solutions, all of us must be well-informed about the potential environmental impacts associated with synthetic turf. Recently a family of chemical compounds known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) has become a hot topic. But what’s the real deal, and how does it relate to the infill we use?

What are PFAs?

These compounds have been used in manufacturing as far back as the 1940s. According to the EPA, these are “a group of man-made chemicals that includes PFOA, PFOS, GenX, and many other chemicals.” Some of these chemicals take a long time to break down and can amass over time. With increased or repeated exposure, some PFAS can lead to adverse human effects.  They can be found in many common household items like shampoo, food wrappers, plastic bottles, dental floss, and pharmaceuticals.  They were introduced to increase product lifespans, protecting items from oil, water, grease, and other factors that cause wear and tear.

The EPA is a great resource for additional information on PFAS within consumer goods. https://www.epa.gov/pfas/basic-information-pfas

Envirofill Artificial Turf Infill and PFAS – Separating Fact from Fiction

You may wonder: Does Envirofill contain PFAS? The answer is no, we do not intentionally add PFAS during the manufacturing process. Envirofill was tested using the EPA Test Method 537M and PFAS were not detected above the method reporting limit for Envirofill or its leachate. Envirofill was clean below the lowest detection limit within these EPA test methods.  We are committed to providing a safe and eco-friendly infill solution while not compromising on performance.

What Sets Envirofill Artificial Turf Infill Apart

Reliable: 15+ years of third-party testing showing that Envirofill is safe and non-toxic for kids and pets.
Partner Portal: Direct access to that testing and other helpful Envirofill information:  Insert link
Eco-Friendly: Our infill is designed with sustainability front of mind, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Reusable: When it’s time to replace your synthetic turf installation, the Envirofill can be reclaimed and reused in your next project.  This creates less waste and gives you more value for your infill dollar!

💬 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: We’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic and answer any questions you may have. It’s essential for us to collectively stay informed and address concerns within the industry. Feel free to reach out, and let’s keep the conversation flowing!

Envirofill Tests Negative for PFAS

One of the first municipalities to adopt PFAS testing within its synthetic turf components was San Francisco Recreation and Parks. Envirofill, a coated round sand infill, was put through these tests to affirm its preferred use within their synthetic turf systems. While the lengthy 700+ page report can be found on our Partner Portal (here) I’ll provide you with the cliff notes, but shh don’t tell the teacher.

PFAS were not detected above the method reporting limit for Envirofill or its leachate. Envirofill is clean of PFAS even at the smallest possible detection limit within these EPA test methods.

PFAS is one of many things to consider when designing your artificial turf field, backyard lawn, putting green, or green space. If you have other areas of concern, we would be happy to help. Chances are we’ve got a test result to share with you! Register for our partner portal to learn more about test results.