Wax your boards and skis the PFC-free way

Caption competition
Caption competition
View past winners of our Sports caption competition
News in pictures
News in pictures
On Facebook
Sport blogs

Atlantic Odyssey: Exclusive first hand account of how a world record attempt ended in near disaster

Writing exclusively for The Independent, Mark Beaumont recounts the incredible events that saw an at...

iBet: Lazio must go on the attack

Lazio’s games have been full of goals lately – at both ends – and as they are 3-1 down from the firs...

Simon Grayson will take more risks at Huddersfield

Presuming that Huddersfield fans don't bear any grudges over his past connections with Leeds, the ap...

If you're hitting the slopes this season, environmental blogger TreeHugger is passing along word: use an environmental ski and board wax, which they say is not only better for the environment but for you as well.

Reported on January 28, high-performance ski waxes contain high concentrations of perfluorochemicals, or PFCs, while cheaper products used by amateurs often contain PFCs in lower concentrations. While the jury is still out on just how hazardous PFCs are for your body, several studies point to problems. One study cited by TreeHugger showed PFCs altered the liver and spleen of rabbits, and found that the PFC particles were retained in vital organs. Another study found that PFC levels in pregnant rats and mice caused developmental problems in their offspring.

Research is especially troubling if you're a professional ski wax technician, with a couple of studies pointing to higher levels of PFCs in the bloodstream of those who handle the stuff every day. Environmental health watchdog Environmental Health News states that wax technicians working for World Cup ski race teams had median levels of PFCs that were up to 45 times higher than the general population's.

Again, while under debate, PFCs aren't known to do the environment any favors either, because the compound is very stable and doesn't break down in soil, sediment, or groundwater, states TreeHugger. The Minnesota Department of Health states that PFCs have been found in the blood of fish, bald eagles, and mink.

Some PFC-free waxes to try are Green Wax, the best known on the market and made from natural, organic ingredients, completely biodegradable, and the packaging is recyclable. Other eco- and health-friendly options include Purl, Beaverwax, and Enviro Mountain Sports.

http://www.greenskiwax.com/
http://www.purlracing.com/
http://www.beaverwax.com/
http://www.enviromountain.com/

Read more here:

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2011/01/your-ski-and-snowboard-wax-could-be-seriously-harmful-to-you-wildlife.php

http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/news/ski-wax-chemicals


Watch a video on how to use Green Wax: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNFm39laNPI

 

Independent Comment
blog comments powered by Disqus
Career Services

Day In a Page

Can we pull the plug on the plug?

Can we pull the plug on the plug?

Wireless power is beginning to surge its way into homes, businesses and garages
The 10 Best Lecture Series

The 10 Best Lecture Series

From Intelligence Squared - possibly the world's premier debating forum - to the ICA Talks
Still making a big noise: A season of Michael Frayn plays is set to reaffirm the brilliance of his work

Michael Frayn: Still making a big noise

A season of Frayn's plays is set to reaffirm the brilliance of his work
'You could have a job like mine': How successful alumni can inspire pupils

How successful alumni can inspire pupils

Hilary Wilce sees an innovative scheme in action at a London comprehensive
The tuition paradox: You pay more money, you get less choice

The tuition paradox

You pay more money, you get less choice
The rivals: Canberra's political hate story

The rivals: Canberra's political hate story

Six years ago, Kevin Rudd was ousted as Australian PM by former ally Julia Gillard. Is he about to get his revenge?
Menswear finds its swagger to escape role as poor relation of British fashion

Menswear finds its swagger...

... and escapes role as poor relation of British fashion
'There was someone who needed it...' 60 lives, 30 kidneys, all linked in longest donor chain

60 lives, 30 kidneys, all linked in longest donor chain

Organ donation to stranger starts an amazing series of events across 11 US states
The ad that only plays to women: the future of marketing or useless gimmick?

The ad that only plays to women

The future of marketing or useless gimmick?
Sam Wallace: Chelsea's class of 2012 fail to make the grade

Sam Wallace

Chelsea's class of 2012 fail to make the grade
Lewis Moody: My five ways England can bring down the red curtain

Lewis Moody column

My five ways England can bring down the red curtain
Picture preview: Charline von Heyl, Tate Liverpool

Charline von Heyl, Tate Liverpool

Picture preview
Slow progress in Christchurch one year after quake

Christchurch a year on

Residents mark the first anniversary of the earthquake
Niceness rocks! Ballads take centre stage at the Brits

Niceness rocks!

Ballads take centre stage at the Brit Awards
Robert Fisk: 'If only hague and clinton would listen to yusuf islam'

Robert Fisk

'If only Hague and Clinton would listen to Yusuf Islam'