PFAS Transparency

PFAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, is the highest-concern public issue facing the synthetic turf industry. Act Global addresses it directly and transparently. This page covers what PFAS are, what independent research shows about synthetic turf and PFAS, what testing has been conducted, and what field owners and specifiers need to know when evaluating synthetic turf systems.

What PFAS Are

PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals used in a wide range of industrial and consumer products. They are called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in the environment or the human body. Public concern about PFAS has grown significantly as research has expanded understanding of their persistence and potential health effects.

In the context of synthetic turf, PFAS concerns center primarily on infill materials, particularly crumb rubber, and on fiber coatings and backing materials used in some turf systems.

What the Research Shows

The most comprehensive independent review of PFAS in synthetic turf to date is the Federal Research Action Plan (FRAP) conducted by the EPA and ATSDR, published in 2024. Key findings from independent research include:

  • PFAS have been detected in some synthetic turf components at varying levels
  • Exposure pathways and health risk levels remain an active area of research
  • The science is still evolving — definitive conclusions about health risk from synthetic turf PFAS exposure are not yet established
  • Regulatory frameworks around PFAS in synthetic turf are developing at state and federal levels

Act Global’s Position

Act Global does not dismiss PFAS concerns. We engage with the science honestly, including where research raises difficult questions and where conclusions are not yet definitive.

Our position:

  • We support transparent material disclosure for all synthetic turf components
  • We work with suppliers to understand and minimize PFAS content in our systems
  • We publish available testing results rather than making blanket safety claims
  • We monitor evolving regulatory requirements and research developments

We do not use language like “PFAS-free” or “non-toxic” unless independent testing of specific products supports those claims. Honest disclosure is more valuable to field owners and communities than reassuring but unverifiable marketing language.

What Field Owners Should Ask

Field owners and specifiers evaluating synthetic turf systems should ask suppliers:

  • Has this specific product been independently tested for PFAS content?
  • What were the results and from which accredited laboratory?
  • What components, fiber, infill, backing, adhesives, were tested?
  • How does your PFAS disclosure policy align with current EPA and state guidelines?
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