JACKSON, Wyo. — The town of Jackson shares new options to turn-in ski wax locally, year-round in order to help limit “forever chemicals” in Jackson and its surrounding ecosystem.
Certain ski waxes contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or “forever chemicals” and they need to be disposed of properly to ensure public health and the health of local rivers and streams. Trash in landfills can seep PFAS into groundwater.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), PFAS are commonly found in ski wax, waterproof and stain resistant fabrics, nonstick pans, firefighting foam, food packaging, cosmetics and more. PFAS are referred to as “forever chemicals” because the chemical bonds that help them repel oil and water also prevent them from degrading in nature or bonding with other particles to disintegrate through natural cycles. PFAS accumulate in the food chain and are now found in freshwater fish.
The Town of Jackson press release states that skiers and snowboarders who wax their skis or boards face higher risks of exposure to these chemicals when they use wax that contains PFAS. One study found professional ski waxers in Norway had up to 25 times as many PFAS in their blood as the general population. Ski wax containing PFAS will rub off onto snow, which contaminates soils, streams and groundwater when it melts. People can help limit PFAS in the area by switching to fluoro-free ski wax. Most ski shops now sell fluoro-free ski wax.
The EPA states via their website that PFAS are persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic and remain in the body for long periods of time which may pose a health risk in extremely small quantities. Humans can be exposed to PFAS through contaminated food, water and inhalation. They are linked to cancer, thyroid disorders, developmental and reproductive complications and decreased immune function.
Teton County Integrated Solid Waste and Recycling is now accepting ski wax with PFAS at its hazardous waste collection facility, which will be open for appointments beginning in April. Skinny Skis is accepting old ski wax for disposal, and skiers who drop off old wax can possibly receive a discount on the purchase of new PFA-free ski wax.
