Determinants of nitrogen dioxide concentrations in indoor ice skating rinks

Objectives. The combination of poor ventilation and fuel-powered ice resurf acers has resulted in elevated nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations in man y indoor ice skating rinks. This study examined the factors influencing; co ncentrations and the effects of various engineering controls in ice rinks w ith 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 mea surements during the first winter pilot study and single-day working-hour m easurements 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 me an 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 concentrat ions by 65% on average, but outcomes varied widely, and concentrations incr eased in subsequent months. Conclusions. Electric ice resurfacers, increased ventilation; or emission c ontrol systems are recommnended to protect the health of workers and patron s, with surveillance programs proposed to track implementation and maintain an observer effect.