LP (Lp Inc) · Sports Equipment Padding
+POS Full Grain Black/Tan Leather Umpire Mask Pads
Lower concern. Leather pads unlikely treated with PFAS.
Full grain leather is inherently PFAS-free unless specifically treated. Brand discloses no chemical treatments, which is typical for leather sports equipment.
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Material
Full grain leather with padding
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
Category baseline
clothing 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 mask uses full grain leather (the top layer of hide, minimally processed) paired with padding for impact absorption in umpire use. Full grain leather undergoes tanning, typically chrome or vegetable-based, and may receive finishing treatments for water resistance or color stability. The padding material is not specified in available product information, but is commonly polyurethane foam or cotton blend. Full grain is a less-processed leather type, which generally reduces chemical treatment intensity compared to split or bonded leathers.
The brand's record and disclosure
LP Inc (Lp) does not publicly disclose material sourcing, tanning methods, or chemical compliance certifications in readily available product documentation. No major recalls or chemical controversies are on record for this specific umpire mask line. The brand does not advertise leather certifications (e.g., Leather Working Group environmental standards) or formal restricted substance testing, which is typical for mid-market sports equipment manufacturers.
How it compares in its category
Leather umpire masks are inherently lower-risk than synthetic alternatives because leather typically requires fewer synthetic chemical coatings to achieve durability. Competitors generally use similar full grain or top-grain leather with comparable tanning and finishing processes. This product lacks third-party certification advantages (LWG audit, REACH compliance badges), placing it at the middle of the transparency spectrum for this niche category.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and sunlight, which can degrade both leather and padding. Clean with a soft damp cloth and mild soap; avoid harsh solvents that may strip protective finishes. Inspect the padding annually for compression or deterioration, particularly around high-impact zones. If the leather cracks, stains persistently, or padding becomes flat, replacement is warranted for both safety and hygiene in repeated facial contact use.
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.”
Heavy metals in leather tanning (chromium, lead)
Chrome tanning is industry standard but can leave residual hexavalent chromium if poorly controlled. Full grain leather typically has lower heavy metal risk than split leathers because fewer processing steps expose interior layers, but finished product testing is not publicly available for this brand.
Formaldehyde in leather finishing resins
Leather finishing treatments may contain formaldehyde-based resins for color lock or water resistance. Direct skin contact over extended periods (umpire mask worn for hours) could theoretically present low inhalation or dermal exposure, though leather does not typically off-gas formaldehyde at room temperature as plastics do.
Azo dyes or azo metabolites in black/tan leather
Leather dyeing, especially for dark colors (black) and earth tones (tan), may historically have used azo dyes linked to carcinogenic amines when degraded. Modern EU and some US regulations restrict specific azo dyes, but LP does not specify compliance with these restrictions or dye safety testing.
Padding material composition and off-gassing
Padding material is not specified; if polyurethane foam, it may release trace volatile organic compounds during storage or warm conditions. If cotton blend, risk is minimal. Direct face contact means any off-gas is inhaled, though pad interior isolation from skin reduces exposure compared to loose padding.
Microbial growth in padding from sweat and moisture
Umpire masks are worn during physical exertion, accumulating sweat and saliva. Padding can harbor bacteria or fungi if not regularly cleaned and dried, posing low infection risk for facial contact use. This is a maintenance issue, not an inherent chemical hazard, but relevant to safe product care.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% 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.
More sports equipment padding 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.