Are surfboards toxic?

[ZuidWester]

Quote the Guardian today:

"To the outsider, surfing may be perceived as one of the more environmentally friendly sports, but enthusiasts are all too conscious that the green image conceals a dirty secret - the toxicity of many modern boards."

See:

http://sport.guardian.co.uk/news/story/0,10488,1541560,00.html

 

[Talbot]

above link incomplete try here

 

[flaming]

Yes, surfboards are made of some pretty nasty materials. But they are then covered in Fibreglass, same as most boats, which is a fairly inert substance. The only problem with surfboards is when they snap in two and the core is exposed. And, thankfully, this is actually quite rare.

Although I supose that eventual disposal of surfboards may present a more longterm problem.

 

[NigeCh]

Surfboard are as toxic as Trabbies

Way back in the aeons of time Bilbo boards were the thing .... I made surfboards & surfskis in the 60's and 70's in Woolacombe. We made our own foam and got sued by Bennet Australia llc for blowing it with distilled water (their patent .... which we ignored .... we added just enough phosphoric acid to void the patent /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif .... And to all you clever clogs out there, "What's phosphoric acid ???"

Boards are no more toxic than all the prats pretending that foam and FRP are ungreen. There are more toxic sailors throwing ali cans overboard than there are surfers against sewage .... and the raw sewage still continues to flow.

 

[Lakesailor]

Re: Surfboard are as toxic as Trabbies

Comments..............Jimi?

 

[squidge]

Re: Surfboard are as toxic as Trabbies

. COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS

2.1 Nature of ingredients and concentration

Major component: phosphoric acid, approximately 70%-75% H3PO4 (P2O5 50%-54%), water and a small amount of sulphuric acid.

Impurities: Fluorine and metallic compounds, sulphates.

2.2 Classification

Corrosive according to EEC classification.

3. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

3.1 Human health

Phosphoric acid is corrosive to all parts of the body.

Skin Contact

On contact with the skin can cause redness and burns.

Eye Contact

Splashes in the eyes can cause irritation and burns.

Ingestion

Can cause corrosion of and damage to the gastro-intestinal tract.

Inhalation

Acid mists may cause throat and lung irritation.

Long term effects

Severity of acute effects is such that significant repeated or prolonged exposure is unlikely.

3.2 Environment

Phosphoric acid is harmful to aquatic life due to its acidity.

 

[catmandoo]

Dont know . Do they taste bad?

 

[JKay]

Great Whites seem to like 'em /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

cheers joe