Maplus GM Med Block 20g
Lower PFAS concern; wax-based glide product unlikely to contain fluorochemicals, but no public disclosure from brand.
Maplus GM Med Block is a traditional paraffin-based ski wax designed for cold and medium conditions. The product category and material composition do not typically require PFAS-based water-repellent coating treatments.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Wax-based ski/snowboard glide wax
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Maplus GM Med Block 20g is made of, ingredients and materials
Maplus GM Med Block is a hydrocarbon-based paraffin wax formulated for mid-range snow temperatures. Ski waxes in this class are typically mineral or synthetic paraffin blends with additives for glide performance and durability. Unlike fluorinated waxes, paraffin-only products do not rely on Teflon-type coating or fluorochemicals to reduce friction, making them chemically simpler but generally requiring more frequent reapplication.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and inhalation risk during application
Heating paraffin wax releases low levels of hydrocarbons and minor off-gassing. Risk is minimal with outdoor or well-ventilated application but may be meaningful in enclosed spaces, particularly with prolonged or repeated exposure.
Skin and eye irritation from direct contact
Molten wax can cause thermal burns; dried wax may irritate skin if worked in repeatedly. Minor irritant risk from dust or incompletely cooled product, especially for sensitive individuals.
Microplastic or mineral dust generation during scraping and storage
Repeated scraping and handling of wax blocks produces fine particulates. While not unique to this product, accumulation of wax dust can be inhaled if not applied outdoors or in dust-controlled spaces.
Storage degradation and oil separation over time
Paraffin-based waxes may separate or oxidize if stored in warm or humid conditions for extended periods, potentially altering performance and chemical stability. No known toxicity risk but loss of efficacy and possible rancidity.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Heavy metals
No recalls or public testing has identified heavy metal contamination in Maplus products. Hydrocarbon waxes rarely contain significant lead or cadmium, but manufacturer does not disclose additive composition.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Briko-Maplus is an established Italian ski wax manufacturer with decades of market presence, but maintains minimal public chemical disclosure or third-party certifications for individual products. No major safety recalls or contamination incidents are on record for this brand. The company has not publicly committed to PFAS elimination or published safety data sheets for consumer products, reflecting a common industry pattern for smaller wax makers.
How it compares in its category
Paraffin-based glide waxes like this occupy the middle ground, lower concern chemical profile than fluoro waxes, but less performance and durability. They are standard entry-level and recreational options. Premium brands (Swix, Toko) often disclose more; budget competitors rarely do either. This product is typical for its segment in transparency and hazard profile.
If you buy it
Apply in a well-ventilated space or outdoors, as heating wax releases minor VOCs and steam. Store in cool, dry conditions away from direct sunlight to prevent degradation and oil separation. Reapply every 3-5 days of skiing depending on snow conditions and friction. Use a dedicated wax scraper and avoid inhaling wax dust or fumes during application; keep away from children and pets during use.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Maplus has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Maplus GM Med Block 20g?
- hydrocarbon ski wax (non-fluorinated)
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and mineral oil vapor
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- hydrocarbon wax blend
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Thermal degradation and fume emission
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Wax-based ski base, fluorine-free formulation
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Inhalation of wax particulates and volatiles during application
More ski & sports wax grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.