As concern grows around PFAS contamination across Australia, communities are increasingly being asked to accept assurances from synthetic turf manufacturers that their products are “PFAS-free” or contain “no detectable PFAS”.
But should these claims simply be taken at face value?
The answer is no.
The scientific evidence, regulatory reviews, and emerging international experience suggest that independent testing is essential before any PFAS-free claim can be considered credible.
The Problem With PFAS-Free Claims
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they persist in the environment for extremely long periods and can accumulate in soil, waterways, wildlife and the human body.
Thousands of PFAS compounds exist. Scientists and regulators continue to identify new forms and pathways of contamination.
Many synthetic turf manufacturers now market products as:
- PFAS-free
- Fluorine-free
- Non-detect for PFAS
- Free from intentionally added PFAS
While these claims may sound reassuring, they often rely on testing methods that only screen for a relatively small number of known PFAS compounds.
A product can return a “non-detect” result for a limited list of PFAS chemicals while still containing fluorinated compounds or fluoropolymers that fall within broader PFAS definitions adopted by regulators and scientists.
This distinction is critical.
What the Research Shows
Recent international studies have raised significant concerns about PFAS and fluorinated compounds in synthetic turf systems.
Researchers from Stockholm University found fluorine in every artificial turf sample tested, including turf fibres, backing materials and infill components.
Government agencies in the United States, including the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control, have subsequently reviewed the evidence and acknowledged that fluorinated compounds appear to be widespread in synthetic turf products.
Importantly, these agencies also highlighted major uncertainties regarding long-term environmental behaviour, weathering, disposal and recycling.
The debate is no longer simply about whether a small number of PFAS chemicals can be detected.
The key question is whether fluorinated materials are present at all.
Why Total Organic Fluorine Testing Matters
The most objective way to assess this issue is through Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) testing.
TOF testing does not focus on a narrow list of known PFAS compounds.
Instead, it measures the total amount of organically bound fluorine present within a material.
This provides a much broader assessment of whether fluorinated substances are present.
If TOF testing identifies significant fluorine levels within synthetic turf fibres, backing or infill, it raises legitimate questions about claims that a product is completely PFAS-free.
Increasingly, independent scientists and environmental advocates argue that TOF testing should become the benchmark assessment method for evaluating synthetic turf products.
Independent Testing Is Essential
One of the most important lessons from the global PFAS experience is that manufacturer assurances have not always proven reliable.
Australia is currently witnessing unprecedented legal action against multinational chemical giant 3M over historical PFAS contamination associated with firefighting foams.
The Commonwealth alleges that important information regarding environmental risks was not adequately disclosed and is seeking billions of dollars in damages.
This case serves as a reminder that communities should approach industry assurances carefully and insist upon independent verification.
The stakes are simply too high.
Once PFAS enters the environment, remediation can cost millions of dollars and may continue for decades.
The Good News: Testing Is Readily Available
Fortunately, independent TOF testing is available in Australia.
The National Measurement Institute (NMI), located at North Ryde in Sydney, has the capability to undertake Total Organic Fluorine analysis.
Importantly, this testing can be performed at relatively low cost compared with the millions of dollars often spent on synthetic turf installations.
Given that many proposed synthetic turf projects now exceed $5 million, $10 million or even $20 million, independent fluorine testing represents a very small investment to provide objective evidence regarding product composition.
A Sensible Precautionary Approach
Communities, councils, schools and sporting organisations should adopt a simple principle:
If a manufacturer claims a product is PFAS-free, that claim should be independently verified.
The burden should not fall on residents, parents or environmental groups to prove contamination after installation. Instead, objective testing should occur before procurement decisions are made. Independent TOF testing offers a practical, affordable and scientifically credible way to assess these claims.
In an era where governments around the world are tightening PFAS regulations and recognising the long-term costs of contamination, relying solely on marketing material is no longer sufficient.
When it comes to PFAS, trust is not enough.
Verification matters.
Key References
1. Lauria et al. (2022) — Widespread Occurrence of Non-Extractable Fluorine in Artificial Turf
One of the most important peer-reviewed studies examining fluorinated compounds in synthetic turf.
URL: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.estlett.2c00260
2. Health Impacts of Artificial Turf: Toxicity Studies, Challenges and Future Directions
Comprehensive review of health and environmental concerns associated with artificial turf, including PFAS and microplastics.
URL: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10262297/
3. New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) — PFAS in Artificial Turf Memo
Government review of PFAS concerns associated with artificial turf systems.
URL: https://dep.nj.gov/wp-content/uploads/dsr/pfas-artificial-turf-memo-2023.pdf
4. California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) — Technical Document for Artificial Turf Containing PFAS
Technical review examining PFAS risks, testing limitations and regulatory concerns.
URL: https://dtsc.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2026/02/TechnicalDocument_PFASs-in-Artificial-Turf_accessible.pdf
5. Independent PFAS Testing of Cornell Synthetic Turf
Independent review of PFAS testing associated with synthetic turf marketed as PFAS-free.
URL: https://zerowasteithaca.org/independent-pfas-testing-of-cornell-synthetic-turf/
6. Toxic Forever Chemicals Infest Artificial Turf
Analysis of PFAS and fluorinated compounds identified in artificial turf products.
URL: https://www.ecocenter.org/toxic-forever-chemicals-infest-artificial-turf
7. False Artificial Turf Recycling Claims Ripped
Discussion of concerns regarding environmental marketing claims made by sections of the synthetic turf industry.
URL: https://peer.org/false-artificial-turf-recycling-claims-ripped/
8. PFAS Information Hub
Australian Government information on PFAS, regulatory responses and environmental concerns.
URL: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/protection/chemicals-management/pfas
9. Australia Sues 3M Over PFAS Contamination
Article discussing major legal action associated with PFAS contamination and alleged failures to disclose risks.
URL: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/may/28/australia-sues-3m-record-breaking-sum-pfas-forever-chemicals-in-firefighting-foam
10. National Measurement Institute (NMI)
Australia’s national measurement authority with capability to undertake fluorine-related analytical testing, including techniques relevant to PFAS investigations.
URL: https://www.industry.gov.au/national-measurement-institute
