Toxic Air at the Rink? Injuries from Fumes and Leaks at Ice Arenas
You bundle up, grab the kids’ gear, and head to the rink expecting cold noses and hot cocoa—not an invisible cloud of toxic gas. But indoor ice arenas can trap dangerous fumes and even refrigerant leaks that send players, coaches, and parents to the hospital.
In this article, we break down how toxic air at the rink happens, what symptoms to watch for, and how Maine families can protect their rights if someone gets hurt.
Where “toxic air” in an ice arena really comes from
Most indoor ice arenas still rely on fuel-powered equipment and closed buildings to keep the ice frozen and fans comfortable. That combination can create a perfect storm:
- Ice resurfacers (“Zambonis”) that run on gasoline, propane, or diesel
- Gas-fired heaters in the stands
- Poor or failing ventilation systems
- A building envelope designed to keep cold in and fresh air out
The EPA notes that in enclosed ice arenas, a primary source of indoor air concerns is combustion pollutants—especially carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and fine particulate matter—released from fuel-powered ice resurfacers.
When operators skip maintenance, run the machine too long, or skimp on ventilation between resurfacing passes, those fumes can build up at ice level—right where kids, goalies, and coaches spend the most time.
Real-world outbreaks: this isn’t hypothetical
Public health agencies have investigated multiple mass poisonings at ice arenas:
- In Wisconsin, a 20-year-old hockey player collapsed during a tournament; firefighters later found carbon monoxide levels between 45 and 165 ppm inside the arena.
- In New Hampshire, hockey players developed sudden cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain after games; investigators traced the problem to nitrogen dioxide gas from combustion sources in the rink.
- Historical CDC reports describe clusters of CO poisoning linked directly to fuel-powered resurfacers and inadequate ventilation or modified engines.
Pediatric safety researchers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia have warned that mass CO poisonings in ice arenas keep happening, and yet only a few states—like Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island—have strong rules requiring routine monitoring and limits in rinks.
Most places, including many communities in and around Maine, rely on rink operators to police themselves.
Refrigerant and ammonia leaks: a different but serious threat
Toxic fumes at the rink don’t only come from exhaust.
Many arenas still use ammonia-based refrigeration systems or other industrial refrigerants to keep the ice frozen. When those systems leak, they can release corrosive, lung-damaging gases into enclosed spaces:
- Ammonia exposure can cause burning eyes, coughing, lung irritation, and, at high levels, life-threatening fluid build-up in the lungs.
- Poorly maintained equipment, corroded piping, or faulty safety valves can lead to leaks in machine rooms that migrate into spectator areas or locker rooms.
Some rinks have even seen explosions or major evacuations after refrigerant leaks, forcing players and families to flee mid-practice.
When owners cut corners on inspections and repairs, they put skaters, parents, and employees at risk.
Symptoms you should never ignore
Because carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, and gases like NO₂ or ammonia may only be faintly noticeable, people often blame early symptoms on “just being out of shape” or “the cold air.”
You should take any of these signs seriously—especially if multiple people at the rink feel sick around the same time:
Possible carbon monoxide exposure
- Headache
- Dizziness or confusion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Unusual fatigue
- Loss of consciousness in severe cases
Possible nitrogen dioxide or exhaust exposure
- Sudden cough
- Tightness or pain in the chest
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Coughing up blood in severe cases
Possible ammonia or refrigerant exposure
- Burning in the eyes, nose, or throat
- Strong choking or suffocating sensation
- Chest pain, shortness of breath
- Sudden lung problems hours after leaving the rink.
If a player, coach, or spectator shows any of these symptoms during or after a game or practice, treat it as a medical emergency and get checked out right away.
Who may be responsible for dangerous air at a rink?
When toxic air at the rink makes people sick, the incident often stems from avoidable negligence, not bad luck.
Potentially liable parties can include:
- Rink owners and operators
- Failure to maintain resurfacers and ventilation systems
- Ignoring alarm systems or CO detector warnings
- Skipping routine air quality testing or running machines excessively
- Equipment manufacturers and service companies
- Defective resurfacers, heaters, or refrigeration equipment
- Improper installation, repairs, or modifications
- Property managers or landlords
- Neglecting structural ventilation problems or code violations
- Schools and leagues
- Continuing games or tournaments after players report feeling sick
- Ignoring known problems with a particular rink’s air quality
An experienced Maine personal injury lawyer can investigate maintenance logs, air-testing records, safety inspections, and incident reports to determine who failed to keep the rink safe.
What to do if you suspect toxic air exposure at a rink
If you, your child, or a teammate gets sick after time at an indoor ice arena, you can protect both your health and any future legal claim by acting quickly:
- Seek immediate medical care.
Describe that you were at an indoor ice rink, mention any possible CO, exhaust, or ammonia exposure, and ask whether testing (such as a CO level or lung imaging) is appropriate. - Report the incident.
Notify rink management, coaches, and—if needed—local fire or health officials. Ask whether CO detectors went off or whether anyone measured air quality. - Document everything.
- Take photos or videos of the rink, resurfacers, heaters, and any visible fog or haze.
- Note dates, times, and resurfacing schedules.
- Write down names and contact information of other people who felt sick.
- Keep records.
Save medical reports, discharge instructions, prescriptions, and work or school absence notes. - Talk to a lawyer before signing anything.
Do not accept a quick “we’ll cover the hospital bill” deal, sign waivers, or give a detailed statement to an insurance adjuster without legal advice.
How a Maine personal injury lawyer can help
Cases involving toxic air and refrigerant leaks at indoor ice arenas require more than a basic accident report. They often involve:
- Technical air quality and engineering issues
- Complex maintenance and inspection records
- Multiple layers of insurance coverage
- Public health and building code questions
A law firm like Peter Thompson & Associates, which focuses on helping injured people throughout Maine, can:
- Coordinate with medical and toxicology experts to understand the full impact of exposure
- Obtain and review air-quality data, maintenance logs, and incident reports
- Identify all responsible parties—including out-of-state owners or equipment manufacturers
- Push for compensation for medical bills, lost wages, long-term lung or brain injuries, and pain and suffering
Bottom line for Maine families and athletes
Indoor rinks keep hockey, figure skating, and public skating alive through long Maine winters—but they carry hidden risks when owners ignore air quality and equipment safety.
If you suspect that toxic fumes or a refrigerant leak at a rink made you or your child sick, you don’t have to handle it alone. A Maine personal injury lawyer can investigate what happened, hold negligent parties accountable, and help you pursue the financial recovery you need to move forward.