PFAS Detected In High-Performance Running Track Surface Sealers

Water Contamination Lawsuit News

Sealants used on rubber athletic tracks may release PFAS particles into stormwater runoff during rainfall

Thursday, March 12, 2026 - High-performance running tracks are a common feature at schools, universities, and professional athletic facilities. These tracks are designed to provide cushioning, durability, and traction for runners while withstanding years of weather exposure and heavy use. To maintain these properties, track surfaces are often treated with sealers that protect the rubber material from moisture, ultraviolet light, and surface cracking. Environmental researchers have recently begun examining whether some of these sealants may contain fluorinated compounds capable of releasing PFAS over time. PFAS lawyers say athletic infrastructure can become an unexpected pathway for environmental contamination because the materials are installed outdoors and exposed directly to rainfall. Water contamination atourneys also point out that running tracks cover large surface areas, meaning even small amounts of chemical residue released from sealers may accumulate in stormwater systems when rain washes over the track.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, PFAS chemicals have historically been used in coatings and sealants because they improve resistance to water, stains, and environmental wear. The EPA has also reported that PFAS compounds are extremely persistent in the environment and can remain present in water systems for long periods after they are released. Running track surfaces are typically made from layers of rubber granules and binding materials that are sealed periodically to preserve performance and appearance. As the sealer ages, exposure to sunlight, foot traffic, and weather can gradually degrade the coating. When rain falls on the track, small particles or dissolved residues from the sealant may wash away and travel into nearby drains or the surrounding soil. Many athletic facilities are equipped with stormwater drainage systems designed to quickly remove rainwater from the track surface. That runoff often flows directly into municipal stormwater systems or nearby waterways without extensive treatment.

Large athletic complexes may include multiple tracks, practice fields, and paved walkways that all contribute to stormwater runoff during heavy rain. When sealers are reapplied as part of routine maintenance, additional residues may be present on the track surface until the coating fully cures. Environmental monitoring studies have increasingly examined outdoor synthetic surfaces, including athletic fields and running tracks, as potential contributors to PFAS contamination because these materials combine chemical coatings with direct exposure to rainfall. Over time, repeated rain events can carry trace residues from large surfaces into drainage systems that feed local streams and lakes.

In response to growing concerns about PFAS contamination, some athletic facility managers and track manufacturers are beginning to evaluate alternative sealing products that avoid fluorinated compounds. New formulations are being developed that rely on different chemical structures to achieve durability and weather resistance. Schools and sports organizations are also becoming more aware of how maintenance practices may influence environmental impacts. High-performance running tracks play an important role in athletic training and competition, but the sealants used to maintain these surfaces may represent a previously overlooked source of PFAS contamination. Rainwater runoff from large track surfaces can carry small amounts of chemical residue into stormwater systems over time. Greater transparency in sealer ingredients and the development of PFAS-free alternatives may help reduce this pathway while allowing athletic facilities to maintain safe and durable running surfaces.

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