Why PFAS-Free Sports Fabric Matters for Athletes and Facilities

Athletes have faith in the safety of the tools and surfaces they use for training. Facility managers believe the supplies they buy adhere to contemporary health regulations.

Regrettably, a lot of conventional sports textiles have undetectable chemicals that are extremely dangerous to both human health and the environment.

PFAS, sometimes referred to as "forever chemicals," are among the most dangerous materials present in sporting goods, and industry-wide efforts to get rid of them are gaining traction.

What Are PFAS and Why Should You Care?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are a class of thousands of synthetic chemicals that have been used in manufacturing since the 1940s. These substances are widely used in everything from cookware to textiles because they are highly valued for their capacity to repel water, oil, and stains.

The issue is that neither the environment nor the human body naturally decomposes PFAS. Because of their tenacity, they have been dubbed "forever chemicals," and growing evidence connects them to detrimental health effects.

Where PFAS Hide in Athletic Facilities

When you consider all the things and surfaces we find at a sports facility and then think about what items contain PFAS, you might be surprised just how many of these products actually contain PFAS! Some examples of some common items with PFAS are gym mats, wall pads, field tarps, pool tarps, and the protective equipment used by athletes, all of which have coatings made with PFAS that provide water- and stain-resistant properties.

PFAS is often included in traditional PVC and vinyl products through the manufacturing process. Some brands label their products as “high performance” or “professional grade” without telling you there are PFAS in their products!

The Health Risks Athletes Face

Athletes repeatedly come into contact with equipment surfaces both during training and competition. Close contact with these surfaces, as well as contacting them with sweat, microfiber abrasions, and potentially high heat, may increase exposure to chemicals present in fabric coatings on those surfaces.

Research has identified that PFAS exposures may cause a growing and significant number of health issues, including disruption of hormonal balance, suppression of the immune system, elevated cholesterol levels, and an increased likelihood of developing specific cancers.

Children and young athletes are especially vulnerable to these health effects because they are still physically developing. Therefore, schools, youth recreation centers, and training facilities all have a heightened responsibility to ensure that materials used in their facilities do not contribute to long-term health problems.

Why Traditional Sports Fabrics Fall Short

PVC (& V-C) were the materials of choice for a majority of athletic equipment for many, many years. PVC (& V-C) provided strength, waterproofing & economy but came with an environmental price tag. Aside from containing PFAS, PVC & V-C contain certain chemicals, many of which can be poisonous, causing hormonal disruption & cancer. These PVC byproducts, along with other environmental contaminants generated during the production of PVC (& V-C), were not taken seriously by the manufacturing industry. Today, companies that focus on sustainability & health are shifting their purchasing patterns away from legacy items, such as PVC, that are inconsistent with current cultural values.

The Rise of PFAS Regulations

Regulatory pressure on PFAS is intensifying across the United States and globally. The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed stricter limits on PFAS in drinking water, and several states have enacted bans on PFAS in consumer products.

California, Maine, and New York are leading the charge with legislation restricting PFAS in textiles and other materials.

Facilities that continue purchasing PFAS-containing products may face compliance challenges as these regulations expand.

Proactive organizations are getting ahead of the curve by specifying PFAS-free materials now. This forward-thinking approach reduces future liability and demonstrates a genuine commitment to health and safety.

Benefits of Choosing PFAS-Free Sports Fabric

Switching to PFAS-free sports fabric offers benefits beyond regulatory compliance to all users of sport fabrics, including athletes, employees, and facility managers, because it is engineered to address both human health and performance.

Safer Training Environments: Athletes can train safely with apparel that does not leach toxic chemicals due to the sweat and heat generated during training. Parents and guardians feel secure that their children are not exposed to forever chemicals during practice.

Increased Indoor Air Quality: PFAS and other chemicals in fabrics can off-gas into indoor air, which can negatively affect indoor air quality for individuals using the facility. Using PFAS-free alternative materials will greatly decrease the potential for indoor air quality issues inside the facility.

Environmental Responsibility: Facilities that select PFAS-free materials are doing their part to help reduce the total accumulation of forever chemicals in our ecosystems. This assists with providing cleaner drinking water, healthier soil, and more sustainable practices.

Easier Disposal of End-of-Life Products: The existence of PFAS in products complicates recycling and safe disposal due to their inability to be destroyed.

PFAS-free fabrics can often be recycled through proper recycling channels; therefore, using PFAS-free fabrics supports the development of circular economy practices.

Performance Without Compromise

Many facility managers are concerned that by going with a PFAS-free product, they are taking a performance risk. Given how much the industry has relied on these chemicals to provide both water and stain protection, this concern is completely valid.

Modern PFAS-free Sporting Fabrics provide performance that is equal to or greater than traditionally manufactured sporting fabrics. Recent advances in Polypropylene Coating Technology have provided similar water resistance, durability, and flexibilityas those found with harmful substances.

PFAS Free Sporting Fabrics have a similar resistance to mold, mildew, and UV-based degradation, along with maintaining vibrant colors and being able to withstand the demands of daily athletic performance.

Key Features to Look for in Safe Sports Fabrics

While looking for sports fabrics for your facility, you should select materials that meet the specific performance and safety requirements needed. Just because a product is labeled as “eco-friendly” does not mean it has been tested thoroughly, so it is important to check for third-party certifications.

Fabrics that have undergone independent laboratory testing for chemicals such as PFAS, phthalates, lead, and other hazardous materials should be available.

An example of a certification is the certificate of compliance under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) plus the European Union Toy Safety Standard EN71-3, which indicates that the material may be used in proximity to skin.

Fire safety codes require all athletic facilities to adhere to certain fire safety regulations, so fabric should have the NFPA 701 certification or California State Fire Marshall Title 19 registration for compliance with applicable installation requirements.

Another factor to review when selecting sports fabrics is the amount of use that the material can experience. Manufacturers should indicate the tensile strength, tear strength, and abrasion resistance data of their material.

A manufacturer of high-performance fabric should ensure that their material will withstand years of heavy use and not degrade or release particulate matter during that time period.

Fabrics that may come into contact with pool chemicals, cleaning products, and other liquids must exhibit chemical resistance.

Polypropylene-based materials are very good for use in and around areas with large amounts of chlorine or high humidity, such as swimming pools and locker rooms.

Applications Across Athletic Facilities

PFAS-free sports fabrics serve a wide range of applications in both indoor and outdoor settings. Understanding where these materials fit helps facility managers make comprehensive upgrades.

• Gym Mats and Wall Padding: These high-contact surfaces benefit most from PFAS-free materials. Athletes roll, fall, and press against these surfaces constantly, making chemical safety paramount.
• Field and Turf Covers: Protecting playing surfaces from weather requires durable, waterproof fabrics. PFAS-free options provide reliable coverage without contaminating the turf or surrounding soil.
• Pool Covers: Chlorinated water and constant moisture demand fabrics that resist mildew and chemical degradation. Modern PFAS-free materials handle these conditions without compromising safety.
• Ski Lift Seats and Tower Pads: Outdoor athletic installations face extreme UV exposure and temperature swings. Lightweight, PFAS-free fabrics withstand these challenges while reducing environmental impact.
• Protective Padding for Play Zones: Youth facilities and playgrounds require materials that meet the strictest safety standards. PFAS-free fabrics with embossed anti-slip surfaces provide cushioned protection without toxic exposure.

Making the Business Case for Change

Transitioning from PFAS-contaminated materials to PFAS-free materials is more than just a corporate responsibility; transitioning to PFAS-free materials is a financially sound decision. Health-conscious businesses will enhance their brand and reputation among athletes, parents, and community members.

Insurance and liability risk are also limited when you are using PFAS-free products instead of PFAS-containing products. With the rise in lawsuits against companies due to PFAS exposure, PFAS-using organizations are exposed to increased legal and financial exposure.

By highlighting the fact that your facility is PFAS-free, you can set yourself apart from competitors who still use PFAS-containing products. Health-conscious consumers are increasingly searching for businesses that share their values.

Questions to Ask Your Supplier

Before making any purchases, be sure to ask your suppliers direct questions concerning the chemicals in the product you’re considering and whether or not the product has been certified as safe by an independent lab. Your supplier should be able to provide you with clearly documented answers without difficulty.

Request copies of the third-party test results confirming that the product does not contain chemicals such as PFAs, Phthalates, Lead, and Vinyl Chloride. Find out from your supplier if the manufacturer has a take-back or recycling program for end-of-life products.

Ask about the performance characteristics of the fabric in your exact application, including how long you can reasonably expect it to last and what type of maintenance will need to be performed. A qualified supplier should be able to help you select the best product for the needs of your facility.

The Path Forward for Athletic Facilities

There is an overall change in the approach that athletic facilities will take when selecting materials that have been influenced largely by the move away from PFAS and other chemicals. With health, safety, and sustainability no longer being an option or add-on, they are expected as a baseline.

By taking steps to move forward now, facilities will become the leaders in this new wave of development. By leading, early caregivers will also reap the benefits of being able to gain an edge over competitors while making a positive impact on the well-being of athletes and the health of our communities.

Conclusion

PFAS-free sports fabrics no longer only exist as an extra, and they have become a requirement for responsible athletic facilities. The health implications of forever chemicals are far too severe to be disregarded, and the positive alternatives are abundant.

By choosing materials that are free from chemicals like PFAS and Phthalates and other hazardous materials, you will not only be ensuring your athletes' safety, but you will also be complying with current regulations, and you will be demonstrating your commitment to being a leader in the environmental sector. Your athletes who have confidence in your facility deserve only to use safe, clean, and sustainable products.