Fluoro Ski Wax - A Slippery Slope for Environmental and Public Health

Written by Micaela Griffin, P3 Specialist
Published on January 6, 2025

While some of us may be dreading the colder temperatures on the way, others are excited to pull their gear out of storage and hit the slopes. Ski season is officially here! Regardless of whether you ski or snowboard, you’ll likely need to wax your board or skis before heading out for a day on the mountain. But did you know that your ski wax may contain toxic substances, such as PFAS? These fluorinated compounds may help our boards and skis glide through the snow with ease, but they carry a hefty cost to our environment and public health.

What are PFAS? Per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds, or PFAS, have been widely used in many consumer products such as stain and water-resistant garments, non-stick cookware and food packaging, firefighting foams, and more. PFAS do not break down easily and therefore remain persistent in the environment once released. At certain levels, risks to human health include reproductive effects, hormone interference, increased cholesterol and/or risk of obesity, developmental complications, and increased risk of cancer.¹

Skis are prepared for use — Figure 1: REI.com (8)

Ski wax can contaminate the environment by shedding from our skis and boards into the snow beneath us, eventually making its way into the soil and local waterways. PFAS have been detected in many ski areas, including the water wells in Park City, Utah.² The culprit? Ski wax from the local ski resorts. Furthermore, those of us that wax our own boards or work in a shop where waxing occurs may have direct exposure to PFAS compounds through inhalation. Research has shown that professional wax technicians are exposed to some of the highest airborne PFAS concentrations compared to other occupations, including chemical manufacturing industries.³ Aside from PFAS, many ski waxes are manufactured with paraffin, a petroleum byproduct that contributes to carbon emissions.

In January 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published an enforcement alert after identifying ski wax manufacturers, importers, and sellers that produced or sold products containing certain perfluorinated chemicals in violation of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).⁴ Fluorinated waxes have also been banned as of the 2023-2024 season by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, but these products may still be used recreationally.⁵

While there are control mechanisms in place to reduce and eventually (hopefully) eliminate PFAS from wax products, many skiers, snowboarders, and/or retailers may still have fluoro waxes in their possession.

So, what can we do? As we enjoy our time out on the slopes, we should be aware of our impact on the environment and do what we can to minimize our personal exposure. The good news is that there are many PFAS free and plant-based waxes now available. When shopping, look for products that are biodegradable and certified as fluoro, PFC, or PFAS free.⁶ If you’re getting your skis or board waxed at a shop, ask the technicians what type of wax they use. And if you’re waxing your skis or board yourself, do it in a well-ventilated area and wear a mask. If you do have leftover fluoro wax at home, some brands, such as MountainFLOW, may offer take-back programs for waxes containing PFAS.⁷ A snowboarder sits at the top of a slope

Although regulations are moving in the right direction, we all have a personal responsibility to keep harmful pollutants out of our environment. As you head to the mountains for a getaway this season, consider your environmental impact. Happy Skiing!

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