How TenCate is Addressing PFAS

PFAS

The Unexpected Ingredient

PFAS hangs out in some pretty unexpected places. In fact, you see it in things like makeup, prescription medications and even dental floss.

Dental Floss: up to

248,900 ppm

Prescription Medication: up to

50,000 ppm

Makeup: up to

6,000 ppm

100 ppm

Artificial Turf: less than

The Prevalence of PFAS

Common objects and their parts per million (ppm) of PFAS.

And TenCate has removed all PFAS-containing components incorporated into turf.

PFAS FACTS

PFAS stands for per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances. They are a group of manmade chemicals that have been in use in consumer and commercial products for eight decades. Some common ones are PFOS and PFOA.

PFAS are becoming part of our everyday conversations as the public becomes more educated on the prevalence and impacts of PFAS in our environment. Here are some facts on PFAS that demonstrate the magnitude of the problem.

PFAS are ubiquitous. They have been found on every continent, even in Antarctica.
PFAS have been found in 45% of tap water sources, causing the EPA to set PFAS standards for drinking water.
There are nearly 15,000 types of chemicals in the PFAS family, many of which are unable to be tested for.
Nearly every sample taken in a global soil study shows PFAS, supporting the theory that PFAS exists in soil, water and air worldwide.
According to the EPA, current scientific research suggests that exposure to certain PFAS may lead to adverse health outcomes.

FOREVER CHEMICALS

One of the most concerning things about PFAS is longevity. PFAS are known as ‘forever chemicals’ because they break down very slowly in the environment. So slowly, that they actually build up.

Their longevity means that they remain in our soil, air, and water, and even our bodies, and have been proven to be difficult to remove.

BIOACCUMULATION

Bioaccumulation refers to the buildup of a chemical in an organic body because the rate of intake is higher than the rate of excretion. Water-soluble PFAS (forever chemicals) bioaccumulate in living organisms, like humans and fish, without any known removal technique.

Avoidance is the best way to prevent bioaccumulation, however, with the prevalence of PFAS in our drinking water, air, and even food chain, there is no way to entirely avoid exposure.

PFAS SOLUTIONS

It’s clear that PFAS are problematic and need urgent attention. For now, the threat of regulation has limited the use of PFOA and PFOS. However, more PFAS chemicals continue to be developed and used in the manufacturing of consumer and industrial products.

TenCate has decided to proactively and voluntarily avoid using PFAS in our manufacturing and production processes. And we encourage other manufacturers to do the same where possible.

Public Concern
Synthetic turf has been a concern for athletic organizations and communities and has faced scrutiny as an exposure point to PFAS. This has led to overarching regulations and ill-informed or poorly articulated bans.

While we support action to reduce the public’s exposure to PFAS — and we have proactively removed the source of PFAS in our own turf manufacturing process — it’s important that the truth about PFAS is known: Synthetic turf has a far lower PFAS content than many common household products that we are exposed to and willingly use every day.

The Real Facts
The truth is that PFAS are ubiquitous. They are unavoidable and if we are considering bans on turf, there are many other products we need to consider banning or regulating as well.

At 100 parts per million of PFAS, turf has a significantly lower PFAS content than products like dental floss, makeup, nonstick cookware, raingear or prescription medications.

In fact, even natural grass has measurable and concerning amounts of PFAS, and fertilizer has been found to contribute to PFAS in lawns and grass.

The Real Facts
The truth is that PFAS are ubiquitous. They are unavoidable and if we are considering bans on turf, there are many other products we need to consider banning or regulating as well.

At 100 parts per million of PFAS, turf has a significantly lower PFAS content than products like dental floss, makeup, nonstick cookware, raingear or prescription medications.

In fact, even natural grass has measurable and concerning amounts of PFAS, and fertilizer has been found to contribute to PFAS in lawns and grass.

WHAT TENCATE IS DOING ABOUT IT

All our turf fibers are now designed without PFAS, creating an even better surface for athletes, players and communities.

We vigorously committed to tracking down the PFAS in our product makeup and manufacturing, narrowed it down to the extrusion agent that lubricates the fibers in the manufacturing process, and have found and are using an alternative lubricant to ensure our turf is designed without PFAS.

We’re also paying attention to infills we use. In addition to GeoCool™, we are now actively pursuing other infill solutions that are addressing PFAS content.

Now, with TenCate’s new generation of turf, artificial grass can be free of added PFAS.

WHAT CAN YOU DO IF YOU’RE CONCERNED ABOUT PFAS?

At TenCate, we believe that more companies have to take a stand and be proactive about removing PFAS from their products and processes. We encourage other companies to take the steps we have to locate the source of PFAS in their products and find alternatives.

If you are concerned about PFAS, there are a few things you can do:

Avoid eating freshwater fish.
Check your local drinking water PFAS levels. You can contact your local water utility or health department to see if they’ve tested for PFAS. Or check here if you are in a larger municipality: https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/
Avoid fertilizing your lawn.
Look for “no-added-PFAS” options when purchasing products. Since PFAS is prevalent in our environment, “no added PFAS” means the manufacturer is intentionally avoiding using PFAS in their product development and manufacturing, but cannot guarantee that it is completely free of PFAS due to uncontrollable environmental sources, like water supply.
Demand better. Ask businesses if they have PFAS in their products. Demand they stop using them.
Check out this list of common items that have high PFAS concentration. Get familiar and see if you can find alternatives that can help you limit your exposure.

While you can take steps to reduce your exposure to PFAS, be aware that PFAS are ubiquitous, and avoiding them entirely is nearly impossible.

LEARN MORE

Agency for Toxic Substances (PFAS) and Your Health
Read more

PFAS Explained – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Read more

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) – U.S. Food & Drug Administration
Read more

1131 Broadway Street
Dayton, TN 37321-1802

423.775.0792

Want to learn more?

1131 Broadway Street
Dayton, TN 37321-1802

423.775.0792