PFAS and Artificial Turf

The Truth About PFAS and what Brock has done about it.

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What are PFAS?

PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man-made chemicals used in consumer and industrial products for their water-resistant and non-stick properties. They have become so widespread in the modern environment that they have been detected in rainwater across every continent. In recent years, their presence in artificial turf has drawn attention — but the full picture is more nuanced than the headlines suggest.

Understanding PFAS in Product Materials

From rainwater to dental floss to medical devices, PFAS are present throughout the modern environment — which is why context matters when evaluating any single product.

Not All Exposure Is Equal

Products applied directly to the body daily, makeup, cookware, food packaging, represent far greater exposure pathways than a sports field.

The Right Question to Ask

Rather than “does this product contain any PFAS,” the more meaningful question is “was PFAS intentionally added, and why?” Brock’s answer has always been no — and that’s verified through Cradle to Cradle Certification.

Brock’s Position—Built Without Intentionally Added PFAS

Brock’s approach to material health began with product design—not as a reaction to changing headlines or regulations. PFAS are not intentionally used as ingredients, coatings, processing aids, or performance additives in BrockFILL or Brock shock-pad formulations.

BrockFILL

BrockFILL is a pure wood-particle infill made in the United States from sustainably cultivated and harvested Southern pine. It is manufactured without added coatings or performance additives.

BrockFILL has earned C2C Certified® Material Health Gold under Version 4.1.

PowerBase Systems

Brock PowerBase shock pads are manufactured from molded expanded polypropylene and installed beneath the synthetic turf. They are engineered for durability, long service life, reuse through multiple turf cycles when appropriate, and responsible material circularity.

The PowerBase Systems covered by Brock’s current certification have earned C2C Certified® Material Health Bronze and C2C Certified® Circularity Bronze under Version 4.1.

The current certification covers the specific PowerBase products identifie

Our commitment to PFAS-free products isn’t just good for athletes — it’s good for the communities those fields serve.

What “No Intentionally Added PFAS” Means

“No intentionally added PFAS” means Brock does not deliberately use PFAS as ingredients, coatings, processing aids, or performance additives in these product formulations.

Because PFAS are widespread in the environment and analytical methods test for different compounds at different detection limits, Brock uses this scientifically accurate language rather than claiming that every possible test will always produce an absolute zero result.

Third-Party Material-Health Documentation

Brock supports transparent product evaluation by providing current certifications and technical documentation for the specific products covered.

Available documentation includes:

  • Cradle to Cradle certifications
  • Covered-product lists
  • Material-health information
  • Product specifications
  • Supporting technical documentation
  • Current certificate numbers and expiration dates

Need documentation for a specification, procurement requirement, or product review? Contact us

Want the full picture on Brock’s material safety?

Every Brock product line is third-party certified for material health, including PFAS compliance.

View Certifications

PFAS and Brock Products: Frequently Asked Questions

PFAS are a large group of manufactured chemicals used in some industrial processes and consumer products for properties such as resistance to water, oil, grease, stains, and heat. Certain PFAS are persistent and can remain in the environment for long periods.

No, Brock does not intentionally add PFAS to BrockFILL® or its shock-pad products. PFAS are not used to provide water resistance, stain resistance, processing benefits, or performance enhancements in these products.

“No intentionally added PFAS” means PFAS are not deliberately used as ingredients, coatings, processing aids, or performance additives in the product formulation. This wording is more scientifically accurate than claiming absolute zero because trace environmental contamination and analytical limitations can affect test results.

No, “no intentionally added PFAS” does not guarantee that every test will report an absolute zero. PFAS are widespread in the environment, and laboratories use different methods with different detection limits and lists of targeted compounds.

No, one laboratory test cannot identify every type of PFAS. Targeted methods look for specific compounds, while broader fluorine-screening methods may detect organofluorine without identifying its source or determining whether it came from a PFAS compound.

No, BrockFILL is not coated or treated with intentionally added PFAS. BrockFILL is a pure wood-particle infill made in the United States without added coatings or performance additives.

Brock PowerBase® shock pads are manufactured from molded expanded polypropylene and installed beneath the synthetic turf. PFAS are not intentionally added to the product formulation.

Yes, BrockFILL has earned C2C Certified® Material Health Gold under Version 4.1. This certification involves an assessment of product ingredients against the program’s material-health requirements.

Yes, the PowerBase Systems covered by Brock’s current certification have earned C2C Certified® Material Health Bronze and C2C Certified® Circularity Bronze under Version 4.1. The certification identifies the specific PowerBase product models included within its scope.

An artificial turf field should be tested as a complete system because turf fibers, infill, shock pad, base construction, installation, age, and maintenance can all influence impact performance. Evaluating one component alone does not provide a complete picture of how the field performs.

The difference between intentional ingredients and trace detection matters because a product formulation is within the manufacturer’s control, while trace background contamination can come from water, air, equipment, packaging, transportation, or other environmental sources. Brock’s commitment is not to intentionally formulate its products with PFAS.

Yes, PFAS requirements can vary by state, municipality, procurement policy, and project type. Architects and field owners should review current project-specific requirements and request the documentation needed for their jurisdiction.

Brock’s material-health documentation includes current Cradle to Cradle certifications, covered-product lists, product specifications, and supporting information. Contact Brock to request the documentation needed for product evaluation, procurement, or specification development.