PFAS Found in 100% of Blood Samples Among Group of Recreational Skiers

By Jillian McKoy | Boston University | November 23, 2024

Read the full article by Jillian McKoy (Boston University)

"Previous research has indicated that skiers face high risk of exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), hazardous chemicals found in the fluorinated waxes that skiers apply to their skis to ensure maximum speed and efficiency. As ski resorts begin to reopen and skiers glide into another winter season with newly waxed equipment, new research by the School of Public Health is shedding light on actual PFAS levels present in skiers who use fluorinated wax—as well as the health conditions associated with this exposure.

Published in the journal Environmental Research, the study found nine different types of PFAS in all of the study participants, who were recreational and amateur skiers. PFAS concentrations were particularly high among ski coaches, as well as people who spent time as a winter athlete for more than 10 years, and skiers who waxed their skis more than 100 times each year.

Higher PFAS levels were also associated with high cholesterol—a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and a concerning finding among a group of healthy, physically active adults."

Topics:

• ChemicalsPFAS
• ChemicalsPolymer
• Products
• ProductsOutdoor gear
• Environment
• Wildlife
• Affected community
• Health
• Measurement Techniques
• Monitoring Data
• PFAS Uses