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The Problem With Propane |
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A recent report in the Vancouver Sun (Vancouver, BC) newspaper stated that ice resurfacing machines commonly known as Zambonis, produce hazardous levels of nitrogen dioxide. Nitrogen dioxide, or NO2 as it's also known, is a by-product of incomplete combustion affecting the eyes, nose, and throat. Prolonged exposure may increase respiratory infections in young children.
The Zamboni machines generally run on propane fuel and can produce hazardous levels of NO2 in a short time. Compounding the presence of NO2 is the fact that often skating rinks will have poorly designed heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems.
Researcher Michael Brauer, a professor at a leading Canadian university, found that up to 40 % of the Canadian ice rinks studied exhibited poor levels of air quality. The problem of airborne contaminants in US ice rinks seems to be less severe because more rinks use electric machines in response to increased personal injury claims. Brauer noted that one-third of the Zamboni sales in the United States involve electric machines. He has also gone on record as saying that as parents become more aware and the potential for personal liability litigation increases, more and more ice rinks in the US and Canada will convert to the electric machines.
One other recommendation by Professor Brauer involved retrofitting many gas-powered Zambonis with catalytic converters which can help to burn off excess levels of combustion contaminants.
Similar levels of nitrogen dioxide can also occur in office/warehouse environments where propane-powered forklifts are operated. The most common control method used in these situations (generally offering lower occupant densities) involves increasing ventilation to the affected areas. The option of adding a catalytic converter to forklifts is also available. Interestingly though, the first control method is a building owner or manager issue, while the second puts the onus of responsibility on the tenant. Which control method would you prefer? |
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