The Effect of Ice Resurfacing on Carbon Monoxide Levels in Indoor Ice Arenas

Abstract

Once in awhile the news reports incidences of carbon monoxide poisoning in ice arenas. Nobody really thinks about whether or not the level of carbon monoxide will exceed to such a level that poisoning could occur in an ice arena. The purpose of this research study was first, to determine the carbon monoxide level before and after ice resurfacing and second, to check if the level, after ice resurfacing, was within the acceptable range. Thirty indoor ice rinks were chosen randomly from Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. Two sets of samples were taken in each ice rink. The first set of samples was taken before ice resurfacing took place and the second set of samples was taken after ice resurfacing. Four readings were taken near the ice rink surface before and after ice resurfacing. A Q-Trak was used to measure carbon monoxide, temperature, and humidity. The statistical analysis was conducted by using the Number Crunching Statistical Software (NCSS). For the first part of the study, in which two sample sets were taken in each ice rink and the difference in levels were noted, a two-tailed t test was performed. The results obtained indicated that this study was statistically significant. For the second part of the study, a chi-square test was used to determine if the samples taken after ice resurfacing were within the acceptable range of carbon monoxide set by Health Canada and Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc. Two out of thirty ice arenas did exceed the acceptable range of 11 ppm set by Health Canada; however, all thirty ice arenas were within the acceptable range of 25ppm set by Ontario Recreational Facilities Association Inc. Attaching carbon monoxide sensors on walls and tuning the Zamboni regularly are recommended for ice arenas in order to reduce. the occurrence of carbon monoxide poisoning.