Is Artificial Grass Safe? Our Position on PFAS, Microplastics and Child Safety

Is Artificial Grass Safe? Our Position on PFAS, Microplastics and Child Safety

Yes — the artificial grass supplied by Astro Klean is safe for children and pets. Our products are 100% non-allergenic, lead-free, PFAS-free, and tested against Australian safety standards. We are an APT Asia Pacific accredited silver agent, and all products we supply carry independent safety certifications. This article explains what PFAS is, why it matters, and exactly what standards our products meet.

We believe every homeowner, childcare operator, and council deserves a straight answer on this topic. Here it is.

What Is PFAS and Why Is It in the News?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man-made chemicals used in a wide range of products for their water and heat resistance. They have been found in some artificial turf products — particularly older crumb rubber infills — and in certain synthetic fibre compounds.

The concern with PFAS is that they are persistent in the environment and the human body (they don’t break down), and some have been linked to health effects at high exposure levels. The European Union banned crumb rubber PFAS-containing infill from public spaces in 2022. Australia is at various stages of reviewing similar restrictions.

Does Astro Klean’s Artificial Grass Contain PFAS?

No. Astro Klean supplies APT Asia Pacific synthetic grass products. APT Asia Pacific is Australia’s only manufacturer of Australian-made recreational and synthetic sports grass. Their products:

• Are manufactured in Australia under Australian safety and environmental standards
• Do not use PFAS-based fibre treatments or coatings
• Do not use crumb rubber infill (we use clean sand or PFAS-free alternatives)
• Are tested and certified against relevant Australian standards

If you are a council, childcare operator, or school considering synthetic grass, we can provide our supplier’s current safety documentation on request.

Is Artificial Grass Safe for Children?

Yes, when the correct product is specified and installed correctly. Here is what makes Astro Klean’s turf safe for children:

• Non-Toxic Fibres: Our turf is manufactured from polyethylene, which is the same material used in food-grade packaging. It does not leach harmful chemicals under normal use conditions.
• No Lead: Early generation artificial turfs sometimes contained lead as a UV stabiliser. Modern Australian-manufactured turf, including our APT products, does not contain lead.
• No Pesticides or Fertilisers: Natural grass requires regular pesticide and fertiliser treatment — chemicals that can remain on the surface and be absorbed through skin contact. Artificial grass eliminates this exposure entirely.
• Soft Fall Compliance: For childcare centres and playgrounds, Astro Klean installs rubber soft fall systems that meet AS 4422 (Playground surfacing — Specifications, requirements and test method). We are QBCC licensed for these installations.
• APT Accreditation: APT Asia Pacific is the sole Australian manufacturer of turf products certified for use in Australian recreational and sports applications. As an accredited silver agent, we are authorised to specify and install their products.

What About Microplastics?

Microplastic shedding from synthetic grass is a legitimate area of ongoing scientific research. Here is what is currently understood:

• Turf fibres can shed small plastic particles over time, particularly in older or degraded products
• The volume of shedding is significantly lower from high-quality, UV-stabilised turf than from budget products
• Regular brushing and professional cleaning reduces fibre degradation and shedding
• Proper end-of-life recycling of turf at the end of its 15–25 year lifespan further reduces environmental impact

Astro Klean’s position: We supply high-quality UV-stabilised turf specifically because it has a longer lifespan and lower degradation rate than budget alternatives. We also recommend professional cleaning every 12–18 months to maintain fibre integrity. We are transparent about the science and believe product quality and correct maintenance are the most practical response to this concern.

Is Artificial Grass Safe for Pets?

Yes. Our turf is specifically designed to be pet-friendly:

• The surface drains rapidly, preventing standing water and bacterial build-up from pet waste
• There are no toxic chemicals in the fibres
• The surface does not harbour fleas or ticks, which require organic matter and soil to breed
• Pet waste rinses away easily with water or a mild pet-safe cleaning solution

For households with pets, Astro Klean recommends a professional clean once per year to sanitise the surface and maintain hygiene. We use eco-friendly, 100% natural non-allergenic sanitisers.

Our Commitment to Transparency

We understand the regulatory environment around artificial grass is changing rapidly. Multiple councils across Australia are reviewing synthetic grass policies. We are committed to:

• Supplying only products that meet or exceed current Australian safety standards
• Providing full product documentation to any client who requests it
• Staying current with regulatory changes and updating our product range as standards evolve
• Never substituting certified products for uncertified alternatives

If you have specific safety questions about a product for a childcare centres, school, or council application, please call us directly on 0475 771 855.

Frequently Asked Questions: Artificial Grass Safety

Q: Is artificial grass safe for babies and toddlers?

A: Yes. Astro Klean supplies non-toxic, lead-free, non-allergenic turf that is safe for babies and toddlers. The surface does not require pesticides or fertilisers, removing a common source of chemical exposure from backyard play areas.

Q: Does artificial grass get too hot for children in Brisbane summers?

A: Modern artificial grass can get warmer than natural grass in direct sunlight — a legitimate consideration in Brisbane’s summers. We recommend choosing a lighter-coloured turf for sun-exposed areas and using shade structures. Turf temperature drops rapidly when the surface is lightly wet. Most children naturally avoid grass in peak midday heat regardless of surface type.

Q: Can artificial grass cause allergies?

A: Our turf is 100% non-allergenic. It does not produce pollen and does not harbour the mould, dust mites, or grass proteins that trigger most lawn-related allergies in children and adults.

Q: Is Astro Klean’s turf certified?

A: Yes. Our APT Asia Pacific products carry current Australian safety certifications. We are an accredited APT silver agent and QBCC licensed for installation. Documentation is available on request.

Have safety questions about artificial grass for your property? Call our team directly on 0475 771 855 — we’re happy to provide product documentation and answer any questions.