Vertex CORE Synthetic Turf System
Skip until manufacturer discloses PFAS risk or provides testing.
FieldTurf does not publicly disclose PFAS content or treatment in Vertex CORE turf. Synthetic turf systems often contain unknown coatings and infill materials; third-party testing is rare.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
polyethylene fibers, infill composition not publicly detailed
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Vertex CORE Synthetic Turf System is made of, ingredients and materials
Vertex CORE uses polyethylene fibers as the playing surface, a thermoplastic polymer chosen for durability and UV resistance in outdoor applications. The infill composition, which sits beneath the fibers and provides cushioning, shock absorption, and drainage, is not publicly detailed by FieldTurf. Infill can include rubber (recycled tire crumb), sand, cork, or engineered materials; the specific formulation matters because some infills shed particles or leach chemicals under weathering and foot traffic.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Infill composition and leaching
FieldTurf has not publicly disclosed the Vertex CORE infill material. If recycled rubber is used, PFAS or heavy metals may be present; if virgin or engineered infill, chemical identity remains undisclosed. Without testing data, risk cannot be ruled out.
Microplastic shedding
Polyethylene fibers can break down and shed fine particles during weathering, abrasion, and foot traffic, particularly at seams or edges. Particle inhalation or ingestion by users and pets is a theoretical concern; long-term epidemiologic data in synthetic turf users is limited.
Bacterial or mold growth in infill
If drainage is poor or infill retains moisture, microbial colonization can occur, posing infection risk to users with skin abrasions. This is a maintenance and installation issue, not inherent to the material, but design and infill type influence risk.
What’s reassuring
Heavy metals
No published recalls or test reports for lead, cadmium, or other metals in Vertex CORE are on record. Polyethylene fibers typically do not contain heavy metal pigments, but additives and infill sourcing remain unverified by independent analysis.
Source, FDA ↗Flame retardants
FieldTurf has not disclosed whether Vertex CORE fibers contain added flame retardants. Outdoor synthetic turf is not typically required to meet fire standards, but some formulations may include such additives. Absence of disclosure does not confirm absence of treatment.
Source, EPA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
FieldTurf is a subsidiary of Tarkett and a major synthetic turf manufacturer but has not published independent safety testing, material certifications, or PFAS testing results for the Vertex CORE line. The brand's public stance on PFAS in synthetic turf and infill is absent from available records. No major recalls or regulatory actions specific to this product are on record, but the lack of transparency on infill chemistry is notable in a category where PFAS contamination in recycled rubber has been documented industry-wide.
How it compares in its category
Synthetic turf systems vary widely in infill choice and disclosure. Some competitors (e.g., certain premium fields) publish third-party testing for heavy metals and PFAS; others remain opaque. Polyethylene fiber itself is lower concern than polypropylene for degradation. The Vertex CORE's lack of published infill specification and PFAS testing puts it in a middle-ground position, not flagged for known contamination, but also not differentiated by transparency, making direct comparison difficult.
If you buy it
Request infill composition and any available safety testing or certifications from the installer or FieldTurf before installation. Synthetic turf does not require active maintenance for chemical leaching like cookware or storage containers; however, ensure proper drainage to prevent water pooling and microbial growth. Monitor for fiber degradation or discoloration over 5-10 years, which may signal UV breakdown or infill migration. Keep infill dust exposure minimal during installation and consider erosion control in high-traffic or slope areas.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- FieldTurf has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More artificial turf 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.