Determinants of nitrogen dioxide concentrations in indoor ice skating rinks

Objectives. The combination of poor ventilation and fuel-powered ice resurfacers has resulted in elevated nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations in many indoor ice skating rinks. This study examined the factors influencing; concentrations and the effects of various engineering controls in ice rinks with different resurfacer fuels. Methods. Indoor NO2 concentrations were measured in 19 enclosed ice skating rinks over 3 winters by means of passive samplers, with 1-week average measurements during the first winter pilot study and single-day working-hour measurements in the final 2 winters. Personal exposures to drivers also were assessed during the last winter. Results. Rinks in which propane-fueled resurfacers were used had a daily mean indoor NO2 concentration of 206 ppb, compared with 1 32 ppb for gasoline-fueled and 37 ppb for electric-powered resurfacers. Engineering controls, such as increased ventilation and resurfacer tuning, reduced NO2 concentrations by 65% on average, but outcomes varied widely, and concentrations increased in subsequent months. Conclusions. Electric ice resurfacers, increased ventilation; or emission control systems are recommnended to protect the health of workers and patrons, with surveillance programs proposed to track implementation and maintain an observer effect.