Shaw Sports Turf · Artificial Turf
Unbranded Cruze Artificial Grass Turf
Wait for manufacturer to disclose PFAS status; artificial turf coatings commonly contain PFAS.
Artificial grass turf generally receives water-repellent and stain-resistant coatings for outdoor durability. This product has no PFAS disclosure or lab testing, and artificial turf is a recognized PFAS application.
The safe swap
AstroTurf
SeeGreen 5 ft. W X 7 ft. L Green Polypropylene Astroturf
85/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Polyethylene (PE) fibers with proprietary stain/water treatment
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent treatments have historically contained PFAS chemicals.
Category baseline
PFAS exposure happens more often with clothing products.
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
PFAS
Artificial turf coatings for stain and water resistance commonly use PFAS-based chemistries; Cruze has not publicly disclosed testing. PFAS can leach into soil and groundwater, particularly problematic in high-traffic areas or where runoff drains into local water systems.
Source: ATSDR ↗Microplastics
PE fiber turf naturally degrades and sheds microplastics over time, especially under foot traffic and UV exposure. While not a direct toxicant, accumulation in soil and water is an emerging environmental concern; indoor or heavily trafficked areas may see faster release.
Source: EPA ↗Heavy metals
Artificial turf may contain heavy metals (lead, cadmium) in dyes or infill materials used to color or weight fibers. Shaw has not published heavy metal testing for Cruze; this is particularly a concern if the turf will be used in areas accessible to children or pets.
Source: FDA ↗Bacterial or mold growth if moisture retained
Inadequate drainage or standing water can promote mold or bacterial colonization in the turf base or infill, particularly in humid climates. Proper installation with drainage substrate and regular rinsing minimize this risk but require user diligence.
What’s reassuring
VOC or off-gassing from coating
No reports of odor complaints or volatile organic compound emissions specific to Cruze have been documented. However, new artificial turf can emit minor odors during first outdoor exposure; this typically dissipates within weeks in well-ventilated environments.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Cruze uses polyethylene (PE) fibers, a common thermoplastic polymer in artificial turf that is chemically stable under normal use. The hazard lies not in the fiber itself but in the proprietary stain and water treatment coatings applied to the surface. These coatings are industry-standard practice to repel moisture and resist staining, but manufacturers rarely disclose their exact chemistry, making PFAS presence difficult to verify without direct inquiry.
The brand's record and disclosure
Shaw Sports Turf is a major manufacturer with established market presence, but publicly available safety disclosures for Cruze turf are sparse. The brand has not published PFAS testing results or commitment statements on PFAS-free alternatives. No major recalls or safety controversies are on record for this specific product line, but silence on emerging contaminants like PFAS is increasingly problematic in the turf category.
How it compares in its category
Most artificial turf products fall into the same disclosure gap; few manufacturers voluntarily test or communicate PFAS status. Cruze is mid-range in transparency relative to competitors. Natural grass avoids these coating concerns entirely but requires more maintenance. Some newer brands have begun offering PFAS-free certifications, making them alternatives worth comparing if PFAS is a priority.
If you buy it
Use in well-ventilated outdoor settings; avoid high-temperature exposure (e.g., direct prolonged sunlight in extreme heat) that could stress the coating. Rinse periodically with water to remove dust and debris. Replace infill material (sand, rubber pellets) according to manufacturer guidance, typically every 5-8 years. Before purchase, contact Shaw directly to request PFAS testing data or material safety sheets for the specific stain/water treatment used.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Shaw Sports Turf has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Artificial Turf
AstroTurf
SeeGreen 5 ft. W X 7 ft. L Green Polypropylene Astroturf
Polypropylene (PP) astroturf
VOC off-gassing from polyurethane or latex adhesive
Limited concern
Polypropylene UV degradation and microplastic shedding
High concern
Backing adhesive failure and fiber separation
Moderate concern
Infill contamination (if rubber granules used)
Limited concern
Lower concern; polypropylene rarely requires PFAS, but no brand disclosure on treatments.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
AstroTurf
LITA ECO Ultra Thick Cut to Length
Synthetic turf fibers (polyethylene/polypropylene backing)
PFAS
Limited concern
Microplastic shedding from fibers
Moderate concern
Leaching from backing polymers or adhesives
Limited concern
Infill contamination (if sand or crumb used)
Limited concern
Wait for brand to disclose turf composition; synthetic turf historically may use PFAS.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Sportmaster
Multi Sport Turf
synthetic turf (polyethylene/polypropylene fibers, infill material unspecified)
Heavy metals
Limited concern
Undisclosed infill composition and leachates
Moderate concern
Fiber degradation and microplastic generation
Limited concern
Volatile organic compound off-gassing during installation
Limited concern
Insufficient brand disclosure.
⚠Risky category by default
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.