[Acute deterioration of the CO diffusion capacity following exposure to ski-wax vapors]

In cross country skiing use of hot wax is of importance. 90% of the active swiss cross country skiers have their own, self maintained equipment. Long unprotected exposure to hot wax fumes may cause disturbance of lung function. To examine short lasting disturbance in pulmonary function, CO-diffusion capacity and dynamic and static lung volumes in five healthy human subjects after exposure for one hour to hot wax (containing Paraffin and Cera-F) were determined. The subjects complained about burning eyes and tears, sore throat and coughing. Immediately after exposure all subjects showed a significant decrease of the CO-diffusion capacity of 10.6% (SEM 3.9), related to the ventilated alveolar space (DCOSB/VA). Maximal decrease of 13.6% (SEM 2.4) was after 90 min. After 24 hours the reduction persisted with 9.4% (SEM 2.1). The dynamic and static lung volumes remained unchanged. In summary a reduction of the CO-diffusion capacity after inhalative hot wax exposure was observed for at least 24 hours.