Toxic chemicals have been found in ski resorts

Researchers from the James Hutton Institute in Aberdeen (Scotland) and the University of Graz in Austria have shown that skiers leave toxic chemicals – perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS) – on ski slopes. This is reported in a paper published in the journal Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts.

14 different types of chemicals commonly used in ski wax have been found in extremely high concentrations in the soil of ski resorts in the Austrian Alps. These substances are classed as perpetual chemicals, meaning they can accumulate and spread in the environment, including groundwater.