Respiratory Exposure to Highly Fluorinated Chemicals via Application of Ski Wax and Related Health Effects

[helvella]

Initially, I wondered why this paper had ended up in my alert.

But a very brief scan read revealed this sentence:

PFAS exposure can adversely impact cardiometabolic, thyroid, liver, kidney, reproductive, and immune health and are associated with increased risk of certain cancers.

So, if you ski, work with skis, go on holiday to ski resorts, take note.

There are ski waxes which are claiming things like:

all temp, plant-based biodegradable wax

Which appear to be steps in the right direction.

It could be this is a well-known issue and it is my lack of understanding of skiing and the waxes used which explains why it is new to me.

And I am well aware that all too many members can't even imagine going skiing due to health issues, cost, etc.

Respiratory Exposure to Highly Fluorinated Chemicals via Application of Ski Wax and Related Health Effects

Kathryn A Crawford 1 , Nicola Hartmann 2

PMID: 38216812 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-023-00425-4

Abstract

Purpose: Waxes containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are applied to the base of skis and snowboards ("skis") to reduce friction with the snow surface and improve glide. PFAS exposure can adversely impact cardiometabolic, thyroid, liver, kidney, reproductive, and immune health and are associated with increased risk of certain cancers. In the present review, we summarize the state of the science on PFAS exposure from fluorinated ski wax use, including acute respiratory health effects and PFAS concentrations in biological and environmental media collected from ski waxing settings.

Recent findings: Perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acid (PFCA) concentrations in serum and air collected from professional wax technicians and the rooms where waxes are applied are among the highest of any occupation investigated to date, including the fluorochemical industry. High airborne concentrations of fluorotelomer alcohols contribute to high body burdens of certain PFCAs among ski waxers. Fluorinated ski waxes are a significant source of PFAS exposure for people waxing skis and/or spending time in areas where waxing occurs. We highlight recommendations for future research, policy, and technologies needed to address PFAS exposures from fluorinated wax use.

Keywords: Acute respiratory health; Airborne PFAS; Body burden; Particulate matter; Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); Ski wax.

Currently in preview before publication status and I could only access the abstract.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/382...

[DippyDame]

This might interest jimh111

[ERIC107]

Fluoro-waxes is the big story of the current cross-country skiing competition season (I'm a HUGE winter sports fan - biathlon ftw 😁- but have never skied in my life!). The governing body has banned the fluoro-waxes (PFAS-containing) as the fluorinated compounds were found to build up in the environment over the course of the season and then was present in the environment even through the "non-snowy" months.

Definitely a step in the right direction for both the environment and for people's health.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to ERIC107]

Thank you - a bit of extra information really helps.

[ERIC107 in reply to helvella]

They've implemented a new holding area ahead of the start where the skis/wax are all checked - it's being taken very seriously (as one would hope) - and there seems to be little, if any, effect on the ski speeds... so those waxes that are claiming "all temp, plant-based biodegradable wax" are telling the truth, apparently. [Sorry - I realise I've gone very "off piste" (ba-dum tish) from thyroid matters - but it's pertinent to the thread 😊]