REDUCTION OF AIR POLLUTANT CONCENTRATIONS IN AN INDOOR ICE-SKATING RINK

High carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide concentrations were measured in an indoor ice-skating rink with fuel-powered ice-resurfacing equip ment. In 22% to 33% of the measurements over 90-min segments, CO conce ntrations exceeded 20 muL/L as a 90-min average in the absence of rink ventilation. Average NO2 concentrations over 14 h were higher than 60 0 nL/L. Reduction of air pollutant concentrations in the ice-skating r ink is necessary to prevent air-pollutant-exposure-related health inci dents. Various methods for reducing air pollutants in an ice-skating r ink were evaluated by simultaneously measuring CO and NO2 concentratio ns. Single pollution reduction attempts, such as extension of the exha ust pipe, reduction in the number of resurfacer operations, or use of an air recirculation system, did not significantly reduce air pollutan t concentrations in the rink. Full operation of the mechanical ventila tion system combined with reduced resurfacer operation was required to keep the air pollutant levels in the skating rink below the recommend ed guidelines. This investigation showed that management of clean air quality in an ice-skating rink is practically difficult as long as fue l-powered resurfacing equipment is used.