Ski wax chemicals could pose health risk - EPA Enforcement Alert issued
March 17, 2022
EPA has identified some high-performance ski wax consumer goods that have perfluorinated chemicals that were not reviewed for health risks under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). These perfluorinated chemicals are part of the high profile per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) group of chemicals.
To safeguard the public from chemical exposure, TSCA requires anyone who plans to manufacture a new chemical substance for a non-exempt commercial reason to submit a pre manufacture notice (PMN) at least 90 days before the chemical manufacture, import, or processing. Without the PMN, EPA does not have the chance to review any potential risks from PFAS in ski waxes.
Ski wax products enhance the performance of slippery surfaces of sports equipment that are in contact with snow and are widely used in winter sports. There is concern that skiers and wax applicators may be at risk for exposure to particular persistent and bioaccumulative chemicals. The environment could also be negatively affected when ski wax shavings are scraped off during application. EPA recommends that ski wax sellers make sure the products being sold do not have perfluorinated chemicals that are not on the TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory.
While somewhat of a niche market, EPA is concerned enough with the risk that it issued an Enforcement Alert warning of the hazards from these waxes. The Alert includes case studies of several recent enforcement actions taken by the agency, with more likely as EPA adds attention to the issue. EPA is not alone in its concern from the chemicals. The U.S. Ski & Snowboard and the Canadian Ski Association banned the use of fluorinated ski wax in competition from all disciplines in North America. This started with the 2020 to 2021 ski and snowboard season.
March 17, 2022
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TypeIndustry News
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Related TopicsToxic Substances Control Act - EPA
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