After decades of widespread use in a variety of consumer products, the harmful effects of PFAS on human health and the environment became increasingly evident. These “forever chemicals” were found to persist in the environment for long periods of time, accumulating in living organisms and posing serious health risks. Studies linked PFAS exposure to a range of health issues, including cancer, immune system disorders, and developmental delays.
Recognizing the urgent need to address the risks associated with PFAS, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) took a bold step in 2023 by banning the use of fluorinated ski waxes in competitive events. This decision was met with mixed reactions from athletes, coaches, and technicians who had long relied on fluoros to gain a competitive edge on the slopes.
For Tim Baucom, a seasoned wax technician with the United States’ cross-country ski team, the ban on fluoros marked a significant shift in his approach to ski preparation. Having worked at two previous Olympics utilizing fluorinated waxes, Baucom now faced the challenge of optimizing ski performance without these once-crucial products. The absence of fluoros meant that racers and technicians had to adapt to new waxing techniques and products that were less effective but safer for human health and the environment.
Julia Kern, a U.S. cross-country skier with a decorated career, acknowledged the increased difficulty posed by the ban on fluoros. She emphasized the importance of mastering the new waxes and adjusting to the changing conditions on race days. The transition to non-fluorinated waxes required a higher level of skill and precision to achieve optimal performance on the snow.
The legacy of fluorinated ski waxes, once hailed for their unmatched speed and performance, now served as a cautionary tale of the unintended consequences of chemical innovation. While these products revolutionized the world of competitive skiing, their environmental and health impacts could no longer be ignored. As athletes and technicians adapt to a future without fluoros, the focus shifts to sustainable and safe alternatives that prioritize the well-being of people and the planet. The chemicals in ski wax have been a growing concern in recent years, as studies have shown their presence in soil, food, and drinking water. Exposure to these chemicals, known as PFAS, has been linked to thyroid disease, developmental problems, and cancer.
Professional cross-country ski tech, Baucom, first became aware of the health risks associated with these chemicals in the late 2000s. Working in poorly ventilated wax rooms, where fluoro wax was heated and ironed into ski bases, Baucom and his colleagues were exposed to harmful vapors and particulates. Despite efforts to protect themselves with masks and ventilation, the risks were evident.
Studies conducted in Scandinavia found that PFAS levels in ski technicians were significantly higher than in the general population. This high exposure intensity, frequency, and duration raised concerns about the long-term effects of these chemicals on human health. Nordic skier John Steel Hagenbuch also discovered elevated PFAS levels in his blood, emphasizing the persistent nature of these chemicals.
The durability of PFAS means that they don’t break down easily, leading to contamination of soil and water sources. In Park City, Utah, PFAS were detected in underground aquifers near ski slopes, likely due to the use of fluorinated race lubricants. This finding highlighted the potential environmental impact of ski wax chemicals beyond wax rooms.
As awareness of the risks associated with PFAS grew, the ski and snowboard community faced a dilemma between performance and safety. Regulatory restrictions were put in place to limit the use of certain PFAS in ski waxes, leading to bans in some races and competitions. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation implemented a blanket ban on fluoro waxes in all competitions under its purview, signaling a shift towards more environmentally friendly practices in the sport.
Companies like Swix began to dispose of their stockpiles of fluoro waxes in response to these bans, reflecting a broader industry trend towards safer and more sustainable alternatives. The ski and snowboard community continues to navigate the balance between performance and environmental responsibility, as they seek to reduce the impact of harmful chemicals in their sport. The ban on fluorinated waxes in the skiing industry has had a significant impact on companies and athletes alike. With the ban not taking effect until the winter of 2023, companies were left with a surplus of unusable inventory that was no longer in compliance with environmental standards. Jeremy Hecker, chief of operations at Rex Wax, estimated that the move away from fluoros resulted in up to $30,000 in dead inventory.
Following the FIS ban in 2019, other sanctioning bodies, resorts, and towns across North America and Europe also implemented bans on fluorinated waxes. Park City, for example, went fluoro-free in 2023 and allowed skiers to exchange their polluting wax for eco-friendlier alternatives. During the ban’s first year, the city collected over 600 pounds of fluorinated wax.
The transition away from fluorinated waxes has been relatively smooth, according to Knut Nystad, a wax technician for the Norwegian Ski Association. However, there have been challenges in testing and enforcement due to the lingering traces of fluorinated compounds. Athletes and technicians have also had to adjust to a new generation of waxes, with early fluoro-free options being considered inferior to fluorinated waxes.
The impact of the ban has been felt most significantly during races, where the choice of wax can make a substantial difference in performance. The absence of fluoros has led to slower speeds and challenges in maintaining glide and speed on varying terrains. Athletes have noted a difference in performance, especially on downhills, where the lack of fluoros has resulted in competitors pulling away despite being in the draft.
Companies like Swix are working to develop new waxes that can match the speed of fluoros, but it may take several years to reach that level. In the meantime, athletes are focusing on physical conditioning, technique, and equipment choices to make up for the absence of fluorinated waxes. The importance of ski grinding has also increased, with athletes investing in multiple pairs optimized for different snow conditions.
Concerns have been raised about competitive balance, as the shift away from fluoros has highlighted the importance of equipment choices and ski preparation. Some athletes worry that countries with larger research budgets and wax tech teams may have an advantage in optimizing ski performance. Despite these challenges, the ban on fluorinated waxes has led to a greater emphasis on environmentally friendly practices and a shift towards more sustainable solutions in the skiing industry. In a similar incident that took place at a 50-kilometer race last March, only one athlete using Schumacher’s brand of skis managed to finish in the top 20. This outcome raised concerns about the performance of the skis rather than the athlete or the wax used. According to Hecker from Rex Wax, it was evident that the skis played a significant role in determining the outcome of the race. This highlights the importance of having the right equipment, especially when it comes to high-stakes competitions like the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina.
The debate surrounding the use of fluorinated waxes in skiing has been ongoing, with the 2026 Winter Olympics set to ban these products due to concerns about PFAS pollution. While this move is seen as a positive step towards reducing environmental harm, there are still lingering questions about the safety of alternative wax products. Nystad and other industry experts caution that not all replacement waxes are necessarily harmless, as they may contain other chemicals that could be harmful to nature and individuals.
Despite the ban on fluorinated waxes, some argue that the focus on ski wax may be disproportionate compared to other environmental factors in snow sports. Caldwell points out that issues like travel, food consumption, and clothing production also contribute significantly to environmental impact. However, the success of the ban on ski waxes serves as a hopeful example that could inspire similar actions in other industries to eliminate harmful chemicals like PFAS.
While ski and snowboarding wax may be a minor contributor to the global PFAS issue, the ban on fluorinated waxes presents an opportunity for innovation and sustainability in the skiing industry. Companies like Swix have already introduced PFAS-free products, demonstrating that there are viable alternatives available. Athletes like Kern and Hagenbuch, who are preparing for the Olympic games, are adapting to the new regulations and placing their trust in their wax teams to provide them with competitive equipment.
As the Olympic events kick off, the focus on ski wax and its impact on performance remains a crucial aspect for athletes and technicians. Hagenbuch acknowledges the added pressure created by the ban on fluorinated waxes but believes it is a necessary step for the environment. While there may be some nostalgia for the old products, the shift towards more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives is ultimately beneficial for everyone involved. The Olympic Games in Milano-Cortina will not only showcase the talent of the athletes but also highlight the importance of responsible practices in sports. The field of artificial intelligence (AI) has grown rapidly over the past few decades, with advancements in technology enabling machines to perform increasingly complex tasks. One area where AI has made significant strides is in the field of natural language processing (NLP), which focuses on enabling computers to understand and generate human language.
NLP is a subfield of AI that combines computer science, linguistics, and cognitive psychology to develop algorithms and models that allow machines to process, analyze, and generate human language. This technology has a wide range of applications, from virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa to language translation tools and sentiment analysis software.
One of the key challenges in NLP is developing algorithms that can accurately understand and interpret the nuances of human language. This includes understanding the meaning of words in context, recognizing sarcasm and humor, and identifying sentiment and emotion in text. To address these challenges, researchers have developed sophisticated machine learning models, such as deep learning neural networks, that can process vast amounts of text data and learn to recognize patterns and relationships in language.
One of the most well-known applications of NLP is in machine translation, which enables computers to translate text from one language to another. Companies like Google and Microsoft have developed powerful translation tools that leverage NLP algorithms to accurately translate text in real-time. These tools have revolutionized the way people communicate across language barriers, making it easier than ever to connect with others around the world.
Another important application of NLP is sentiment analysis, which involves analyzing text data to determine the sentiment or emotion expressed by the author. This technology is used by companies to monitor customer feedback, analyze social media content, and track public opinion on various topics. By analyzing large volumes of text data, businesses can gain valuable insights into customer preferences and behavior, enabling them to make more informed decisions.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in developing AI models that can generate human-like text. Companies like OpenAI have developed advanced language models, such as GPT-3, that can generate coherent and contextually relevant text based on a given prompt. These models have a wide range of applications, from content generation to chatbots and virtual assistants.
As the field of NLP continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new ways to enhance the capabilities of AI systems to understand and generate human language. This includes developing models that can generate more diverse and creative text, as well as algorithms that can better understand the nuances of language and context. With ongoing advancements in technology, the future of NLP looks promising, with the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with machines and communicate with each other.
