AstroTurf · Artificial Turf & Grass
Artificial Landscaping Turf 15ft Wide $2.39/sqft Artificial Turf
Skip until brand discloses coating composition and PFAS status.
Artificial turf typically uses water and stain-resistant coatings of undisclosed chemistry, common sources of PFAS. AstroTurf provides no transparency on treatment compounds.
The safe swap
Sportmaster
TrafficMaster Emerald Green Precut Turf Artificial Grass Rug
75/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned its C.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
polyethylene or polypropylene fibers with unknown stain-resistant/waterproof coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
furniture is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This product uses polyethylene or polypropylene synthetic fibers, which are thermoplastics that shed microplastics over time as they degrade from UV, foot traffic, and weather. The unknown stain-resistant and waterproof coating is the main concern: these are typically applied to repel water and resist staining, but their chemical composition is not disclosed on consumer-facing materials. Coatings on synthetic turf often contain plasticizers, flame retardants, or other additives that can off-gas into outdoor air or leach into soil, especially during hot weather or under standing water.
The brand's record and disclosure
AstroTurf has not publicly disclosed the specific chemistry of its stain-resistant or waterproof coatings, including whether PFAS compounds are present. The brand has no published third-party certifications (e.g., GreenGuard, FloorScore, or standard PFAS testing) visible in mainstream consumer sources. Industry-wide, synthetic turf manufacturers have faced scrutiny over PFAS and flame retardant use, but AstroTurf's official stance on this issue remains silent, making it impossible to verify safety claims against current toxicology standards.
How it compares in its category
Artificial turf as a category carries inherent risks that natural grass does not: microplastic shedding, coating durability, and chemical leaching into soil and stormwater. Some competitors (e.g., Perennial, Artificial Grass Warehouse brands partnered with sustainability audits) have begun disclosing PFAS testing or using PFAS-free coatings, though this remains uncommon. AstroTurf's price point ($2.39/sqft) is mid-market for bulk rolls, suggesting standard coating practices rather than premium low-chemical formulations; transparency would distinguish it.
If you buy it
Installation should occur on a porous base (permeable landscape fabric, gravel, or sand) to allow water drainage and minimize pooling, which accelerates coating breakdown and chemical leaching. Avoid high-temperature applications (direct full-sun exposure in extreme climates exceeding 140F) where off-gassing may increase. Clean with plain water or mild soap; do not use aggressive solvents that may degrade the coating. Inspect seams and worn areas annually; replace sections if backing material becomes exposed or fibers noticeably shed, as this indicates failing structural integrity and potential increased chemical release.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Volatile organic compounds (VOC) and off-gassing
Synthetic turf with undisclosed coatings can off-gas in warm conditions. No specific VOC data is published for this AstroTurf product, but polyethylene and polypropylene fibers with water-resistant treatments commonly release low levels of hydrocarbons and adhesive volatiles, especially in the first weeks after installation.
Coating leaching and environmental persistence
Unknown stain-resistant and waterproof coatings will degrade over 5-10 years of outdoor exposure. As coatings break down, components leach into soil and groundwater, particularly around installation seams and under standing water. Without disclosure of coating chemistry, the identity and hazard profile of these leached substances cannot be assessed.
Microplastic shedding
Polyethylene and polypropylene synthetic fibers are known to fragment and shed microplastics through UV degradation, foot traffic, and weathering. Studies on artificial turf fields show measurable microplastic release into surrounding soil and stormwater. This product's heavy-use design (15ft wide roll for high-traffic areas) may increase shedding over time.
Heavy metals in pigments and backing adhesives
Synthetic turf colorants and backing adhesives may contain lead, cadmium, or chromium compounds, especially in budget-market products with minimal third-party testing. AstroTurf does not publish pigment or adhesive safety data. Risk is low for skin contact but notable if turf is installed in areas where children sit directly on fibers or if dust is inhaled during installation.
Flame retardant additives
Many synthetic turf products contain brominated or organophosphate flame retardants in both fibers and backing to meet fire codes. AstroTurf's product does not explicitly state whether flame retardants are used. These additives can off-gas or leach and are of concern in residential settings where polyethylene-based materials are handled or installed indoors or in semi-enclosed spaces.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 35% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Artificial Turf & Grass
Sportmaster
TrafficMaster Emerald Green Precut Turf Artificial Grass Rug
polypropylene turf backing, polyethylene grass fibers
Lower concern; no known PFAS-prone features, but brand disclosure absent.
⚠Risky category by default
Sportmaster
Multi Sport Turf
synthetic turf (polyethylene/polypropylene fibers, infill material unspecified)
Insufficient disclosure. Synthetic turf infill composition unknown.
⚠Risky category by default
Sportmaster
Artificial Landscaping Turf | 15ft Wide | | Artificial Turf, Synthetic Grass for Landscaping, Garden, Yards, Fields | In
polyethylene or polypropylene synthetic fibers, backing adhesive unspecified
No PFAS disclosure. Synthetic turf backing adhesives often contain PFAS; verify with seller.
⚠Risky category by default
More artificial turf & grass grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.