Hey, Where’s the Fresh Powder Gone?
Skiing trips are the stuff of great family memories—those epic wipeouts, the hot chocolate breaks, and the breathtaking views from the lift. But did you know there’s a hidden hitch with our beloved snowy slopes? It’s all about the wax—yes, the stuff that makes skis and snowboards glide so smoothly.
What’s the Wax Got to Do With It?
Turns out, the slick wax that helps us skiing down mountains has a secret ingredient: PFAS. These chemicals are great at keeping things non-sticky and smooth, but they don’t just stick to the skis; they stick around in nature—forever, to be precise. As we shred the slopes, tiny bits of this wax wear off and mix with the snow. Come spring, the snow melts and those PFAS go on a journey into the ground and local waterways.
The Great Outdoors Isn’t So Great With PFAS
When it comes to Mother Nature, PFAS are party crashers left behind by skiing. These chemicals don’t know when to leave! They seep into groundwater and contaminate it, affecting not just the scenic spots we love but also the wildlife that calls these places home. Imagine streams and soils becoming cocktail mixes of chemicals—that’s not the kind of outdoor legacy we want to leave behind.
Not Just a Drop in the Bucket
PFAS don’t just mess with nature after all the fun of skiing is over. They have a knack for sneaking into drinking water and can lead to some serious health headaches like thyroid issues, certain cancers, and even fertility problems. It’s a big deal because cleaning up this mess isn’t like fixing a broken ski lift. It’s complex and costly, and guess who foots the bill? Yep, we do.
Turning the Tide on PFAS
Fortunately, it’s not all downhill. Ski resorts are catching on and kicking PFAS waxes to the curb. They’re switching to greener alternatives that promise a smooth ride without the environmental hangover. And it’s not just about switching waxes; it’s about embracing better practices that protect our playgrounds for generations of skiers and snowboarders to come.
Let’s Keep Our Winters White
As we look forward to more snowy adventures, it’s comforting to know that steps are being taken to keep those postcard-perfect spots just as pristine as they appear in our scrapbooks. By choosing resorts that prioritize sustainability, we’re not just planning another family trip; we’re voting for a cleaner, greener way to enjoy our winter sports.
So next time you’re gearing up for the slopes, remember—it’s not just about the gear and the good times. It’s also about keeping those snowy slopes as pure as the fun we have on them. Here’s to cleaner, greener gliding!
References:
- “Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).” National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/pfc. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024.
- Crawford, Kathryn A, and Nicola Hartmann. “Respiratory Exposure to Highly Fluorinated Chemicals via Application of Ski Wax and Related Health Effects.” Current environmental health reports vol. 11,1 (2024): 39-45. doi:10.1007/s40572-023-00425-4
- Jha, Gaurav et al. “Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Integrated Crop-Livestock Systems: Environmental Exposure and Human Health Risks.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 18,23 12550. 28 Nov. 2021, doi:10.3390/ijerph182312550
- Fenton, Suzanne E et al. “Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Toxicity and Human Health Review: Current State of Knowledge and Strategies for Informing Future Research.” Environmental toxicology and chemistry vol. 40,3 (2021): 606-630. doi:10.1002/etc.4890
- Australian Government PFAS Taskforce. “FAQs.” Australian Government PFAS Taskforce, 28 Sept. 2023, www.pfas.gov.au/about-pfas/faq. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024.
- Cordner, Alissa et al. “The True Cost of PFAS and the Benefits of Acting Now.” Environmental science & technology vol. 55,14 (2021): 9630-9633. doi:10.1021/acs.est.1c03565
“Skiers Leaving ‘forever Chemicals’ on Pistes, Study Finds.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 25 Jan. 2024, www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/25/skiers-leaving-forever-chemicals-on-pistes-study-finds. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024.