"Hot waxing presents several opportunities for acute exposure to PFAS from ski wax, as was highlighted in a recent literature review from Middlebury College. Heating the wax to above its melting point releases volatile organic compounds, or compounds with relatively low boiling points. Mechanical scraping of the wax can also release aerosols and particulate matter, capable of further inhalation hazard."
"These risks have been known since at least 1992, and more recent studies have confirmed high levels of PFAS exposure in ski tuning work areas. The recent review highlighted that a host of studies have found that ski technicians have higher blood concentration of PFAS than any other occupation, including firefighters, known for their high levels of exposure from the use of PFAS containing fire suppressing foams."
Ski technicians experience acute and chronic exposure to PFAS and other organic compounds through routine waxing, heating, and mechanical scraping of ski wax. Heating wax releases volatile organic compounds and scraping produces aerosols and particulate matter, increasing inhalation risk. Studies since 1992 and recent reviews show elevated PFAS levels in ski tuning areas and higher blood concentrations in technicians than in other occupations, including firefighters. PFAS exposure is associated with respiratory injury, decreased lung diffusion capacity, immune dysfunction, liver and kidney disease, developmental impacts, and cancer. High-performance waxes can contain up to 100% PFAS, raising exposure risk.
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