PULMONARY FUNCTION AFTER SKI WAXING 793

Abstract

Concern has arisen in recent years about the potential long-term health risks and acute impact on exercise performance that might result from ski waxing. The purpose of this study was to determine if pulmonary function is affected by moderate exposure to ski waxing. Eight healthy non-smoking subjects received 45 minutes of exposure to ski waxing in an unventilated room measuring 1.8 by 2.4 m and 2.9 m tall. Subjects were exposed in pairs with one individual performing the waxing while the other overlooked the waxing process. During the period of waxing, 2 pairs of cross-country skis were waxed with a pariffin wax (Swix® Alpine Pink) then scraped and brushed, and 2 pairs of cross-country skis were waxed with a fluorinated wax (Swix® Cera F, 5 gm per pair) then brushed. Spirometry and lung diffusion capacity were measured approximately 30 minutes before initiating and after completing the waxing, and again 5-6 hours after waxing. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed that spirometry measurements did not change across time. However, the mean(±SD) lung diffusion capacity of 33.3±6.9 ml/min/mmHg immediately after exposure to waxing was significantly (p<0.01) lower than the pre-exposure value of 34.8±8.1 and the value of 35.5±8.3 obtain 5-6 hours after waxing. While lung diffusion capacity showed a statistically significant decrease immediately after exposure to ski waxing, the magnitude of change was small and within the accepted range of error in measurement. We conclude that moderate exposure to ski waxing has a minimal transient effect on pulmonary function.