Recent incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning at ice rinks have highlighted the need for better air quality monitoring and regulation to protect public health.
Alex Brown reports for Stateline.
In short:
- In December, young hockey players in Buffalo, New York, were hospitalized due to carbon monoxide exposure from ice rink machinery, a common issue across many states.
- Only Massachusetts, Minnesota and Rhode Island currently require ice rinks to meet air quality standards, prompting New York Assemblymember Monica Wallace to propose similar legislation.
- Some rink owners in states with regulations have adapted, improving air quality and enhancing safety as a selling point.
Key quote:
“It’s almost akin to running the car in the garage with the door closed. And it’s in rinks that are used frequently by children, where people are breathing heavily when they’re playing.”
— Monica Wallace, New York Democratic Assemblymember
Why this matters:
Air quality in ice rinks poses serious health risks, especially to children who frequent these venues. Implementing regulations can prevent acute poisoning incidents and reduce long-term respiratory issues like asthma.
