The International Ski Federation's (FIS) Committee for Competition Equipment has banned the use of fluorinated ski waxes or all FIS disciplines starting with the 2020/2021 season. The decision by the FIS board was unanimous. The ban applies to all types of waxes containing fluorine, according to Langrenn.com.
This ban will include any races where FIS points are awarded, include races like the US-based SuperTour.
Several factors led the the ban:
- The clear heath hazard of waxing with r\fluorine-based waxes
- The environmental impact of fluorine waxes
- Costs associated with fluorinated increase cost of the sport, particularly for new skiers.
A specialist FIS Working Group led by FIS Experts Atle Skaardal (Alpine Skiing) and Pierre Mignerey (Cross-Country), and including the ski and wax industry, will be formed to establish the regulations and control procedures. Currently, controls are limited to things like testing brushes for fluorine residual.
Note that the ban on fluourine does not necessarily make waxing safe, since breathing the dust of non-fluorinated waxes is not recommended. Some ski waxers mist their skis with water to reduce airborne dust. Others were a mask.
