Health danger in the wax cabin

FasterSkierJune 2, 2007

Health danger in the wax cabin

The work conditions in wax cabins might be more dangerous than previously thought.

– You get concerned. This is only sport so I have to absolutely sit down and think about what I’m involved with, says Norwegian biathlon head wax-technician Svein Ivar Moen to Norwegian television NRK.

A study in the wax cabins during the Holmenkollen, Oslo World Cup races this March showed that the particle-level was 20 times higher than recommended.

It was even worse in the wax cabin in Ruhpolding, where the national team doctor and project leader Baard I. Freberg used advanced technology to analyze the ingredients the technicians are inhaling during the hectic period ahead of a World Cup race.

– I’m concerned about the exposure they get over time. They have been in the wax cabins for many years, and the ventilation has previously been a lot worse than it is now. Getting large amount of dust particles in your lungs can over time result in chronic lung illnesses and, in a worst case scenario, cancer says Freberg to NRK.

Wax manufacturer Swix is blaming the federations for the bad work conditions.

– Being a wax-technician is an occupation. They are professional people that needs professional work conditions, says senior researcher Leif Torgersen Axell of Swix to NRK.

Source: Langrenn.com

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