Don’t ignore indoor air concerns at ice rinks

It’s the last thing owners, facility managers and users of ice rinks want to think about – poor IAQ at indoor ice skating rinks, perpetuated by the emissions from Zambonis and other machines as well as inadequate ventilation or safeguards.

But when you hear stories of entire hockey teams falling ill at a Rhode Island arena or more than 130 people suffering some form of carbon monoxide poisoning at an ice rink in Colorado, it soon becomes obvious that this is an issue that needs to be taken seriously.

Watch out for the air quality in ice arenas.
Photo by Sandtrooper (own work)

Lack of regulations in arenas

Most North American states and provinces do not regulate indoor air quality at ice rinks and sports centers.
Most air quality issues are caused by ice-resurfacing machines, or Zambonis, and ice edgers running on gasoline, natural gas or propane. Electric machines do not contribute to IAQ problems.

The machines can cause high levels of carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which are life-threatening gases in high concentrations. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and poisonous gas and can cause mild to severe symptoms, depending on the concentration level.


Poisonous gases a threat to rink users

There may be an indoor air concern in the arena near you if you notice the following symptoms after spending time in one:

• Headaches
• Breathing problems
• Nausea, fatigue, vertigo, disorientation
• Increased heart beat
• Vision loss
• Stomach pains

Exposure to NO2, a highly reactive oxidant and corrosive gas, causes a slight irritation to the lungs and throat, but the effects worsen after 48 hours and can include fluid and bleeding in the lungs. Weaker lungs increase the chances of getting pneumonia and developing long-term breathing problems.

The pollutant level is highest just after the resurfacing machine has gone through. Athletes are at a greater risk because their activity level makes them breathe in large amounts of harmful gases.

People should be extra careful at tournaments or competitions when the ice is resurfaced more often than usual.

Facility managers need to control IAQ at ice rinks

There are many ways ice skating facilities can ensure safe levels of indoor air pollutants.

1. Be knowledgeable about potential safety hazards and IAQ problems
2. Educate workers on their role in protecting users (espec. Children) and IAQ; let occupants know that they should pay attention to warning signs, inform arena management and consult a medical professional
3. Set up carbon monoxide detectors throughout the facility
4. Schedule regular tune-ups and emission-checks for the ice-resurfacing machines 
5. Install a state-of-the-art exhaust system that pumps fresh air into the arena and locker rooms
6. Use an industrial-strength air purifier in spaces where IAQ is of particular importance, e.g. in public areas and locker rooms
7. Check the ventilation systems regularly. Problems are often easily fixed, but they have to be detected first
8. Establish procedures and guidelines on what to do with complaints and how to handle emergency situations
9. The International Ice Hockey Federation recommends two ventilation units in arenas, one over the skating rink and one in public areas

Questions or concerns? Talk to one of our air quality experts toll free at 1-866-667-0297.

Sources: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/icearenas.html
http://www.northjersey.com/news/environment/117219963_Zambonis_clear_the_ice__then_rinks_clear_the_air.html?page=all