The Right Chemistry: The problems with PFAS
Chemicals used in certain cross-country ski waxes, non-stick surfaces and fire-fighting foam, among other things, also have major downsides.
Author of the article: Joe Schwarcz • Special to the Montreal Gazette
Publishing date: May 14, 2021 • 4 hours ago • 5 minute read •
Cross-country skiers are loath to give up fluorinated waxes because they reduce friction, and when race results are measured in fractions of a second, wax makes a difference, Joe Schwarcz says. "Nevertheless, the International Ski Federation is poised to ban fluorinated waxes," he adds. Photo by Lisa Rathke /The Associated Press
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Say “perfluoroalkyl substances.” That’s a mouthful, right? Luckily, we can get away with using the acronym PFAS, pronounced “peefas.” But the real question is whether we are getting a literal mouthful of these chemicals when we eat or drink. Time to get an earful about PFAS.