RealGrass Classic 5 ft. x 10 ft. Artificial Grass //sq. ft.
Lower concern overall, but brand offers no PFAS transparency. Confirm before purchasing.
Polyethylene and polypropylene fibers don't inherently contain PFAS, but RealGrass provides no public information about stain or water-resistant coatings applied to the product.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
polyethylene and polypropylene synthetic grass fibers
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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.
Flame retardants
Synthetic turf fibers and backing typically contain flame retardants to meet safety codes; RealGrass Classic does not disclose which compounds are used, so antimony or legacy brominated retardants cannot be ruled out. Direct skin contact with infill or fibers may pose minimal risk, but dust inhalation or leaching into soil during heavy rain is possible.
Source, EPA ↗Volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing
Polyethylene and polypropylene artificial grass products are documented to emit VOCs, particularly in warm weather or direct sunlight. RealGrass provides no emissions testing data or GreenGuard certification, so off-gassing intensity for this specific product is unknown but typical of the material class.
Lead
PE/PP fibers are dyed using industrial colorants; while modern manufacturers increasingly avoid lead and cadmium, no independent testing results for RealGrass Classic are publicly available. Green and dark-colored artificial grass fibers carry slightly higher historical risk for legacy heavy metal dyes.
Source, ATSDR ↗Microfiber shedding during wear
Synthetic grass fibers degrade over time through foot traffic and UV exposure, releasing microplastics into soil and potentially into runoff. This is an inherent property of PE/PP materials and not specific to brand quality, but affects long-term environmental and potential inhalation exposure.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Backing material leachables (if polyurethane or rubber-based)
RealGrass Classic does not disclose backing composition on available product pages. If the base contains recycled rubber or polyurethane foam, zinc and phthalates could leach into soil or groundwater, but no specific data or recalls exist for this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
RealGrass Classic uses polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) synthetic fibers, which are thermoplastic polymers commonly used in artificial turf because they resist UV degradation and moisture. These materials themselves are relatively stable, but the manufacturing process often involves additives like flame retardants, colorants, and stabilizers that can off-gas, especially in warm conditions or direct sunlight. The backing and infill materials (if any) are where most chemical concerns arise, as they may contain antimony as a flame retardant catalyst or other brominated compounds.
The brand's record and disclosure
RealGrass provides no publicly available safety data sheets, third-party certifications (such as GreenGuard), or transparency statements regarding flame retardants, heavy metals, or off-gassing emissions on their product pages or website. The brand has not published PFAS disclosure or commitment statements despite growing industry scrutiny of synthetic turf and per-/polyfluoroalkyl substances. No major recalls or established safety controversies are on record for this specific product, but the silence on chemical composition is notable for a ground-contact consumer item.
How it compares in its category
Artificial grass products occupy a middle ground between outdoor furniture and textiles; many competitors (including brands like FieldTurf and SynLawn) now offer third-party testing or GreenGuard certification to address VOC and flame retardant concerns, which RealGrass Classic does not advertise. Natural grass requires no off-gassing risk but demands water and maintenance; artificial alternatives trade chemical exposure for water savings and durability. RealGrass Classic is competitively priced but lags peers in chemical transparency, making it harder to assess long-term safety.
If you buy it
Install in well-ventilated outdoor areas and allow the product to air out for 48-72 hours before heavy foot traffic, especially if stored indoors before placement. Avoid high-heat concentrated use (e.g., reflective heat from windows) that may accelerate off-gassing of additives. Rinse the surface regularly with water to minimize dust and potential microfiber release. Plan replacement after 8-10 years of heavy use; shorter lifespan increases cumulative chemical exposure risk over time.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 62% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Realgrass 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.