Laserfiche WebLink
Page 1 of 2 <br />Enclosed Sports Arenas <br />The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) regulates air quality in Minnesota's enclosed <br />sports arenas by requiring the responsible person to monitor for carbon monoxide and <br />nitrogen dioxide, which are by-products of combustion engines. By definition, an "enclosed <br />sports arena" means any building with a roof and a majority of the sides closed in which <br />sporting events and demonstrations occur. Ice arenas that use internal combustion engine- <br />powered vehicles for ice maintenance, indoor go-cart tracks and arenas used for racing, <br />competition or demonstrations of midget cars, motorcycles, and snowmobiles must comply <br />with the MDH Enclosed Sports Arena Rule. <br />Minnesota was the first state to pass rules to protect individuals from exposures to exhaust <br />emissions that can occur in ice arenas. Minnesota promulgated an ice arena rule in 1973 <br />after carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide emitted from a resurfacing machine caused <br />illness in spectators and hockey players. In 1977, the rule was amended to regulate all <br />enclosed sports arenas when any type of internal combustion engine is in use. <br />Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas often formed in the process of incomplete <br />combustion of organic substances, including fuels. It is dangerous because it interferes with <br />normal oxygen uptake for humans and other living organisms needing oxygen to live. <br />Arenas are required to keep concentrations of carbon monoxide at or below 30 parts per <br />million (ppm) in the air. <br />Nitrogen dioxide is a highly reactive oxidant and corrosive gas. It is formed as a by-product <br />of combustion. Exposure to nitrogen dioxide can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, lungs, and <br />lower resistance to respiratory infections. People with existing respiratory illness such as <br />asthma are at increased risk for these health effects. Arenas are required to keep <br />concentrations of nitrogen dioxide at or below 0.5 ppm in the air. <br />Owners and operators of enclosed sports arenas must follow Minnesota Rule, parts <br />4620.3900 to 4620.4900. The rule requires that facilities be certified by the Minnesota <br />http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/indoorair/arenas/index.html 04/06/2010 <br />Indoor Arenas -Minnesota Dept. of Health <br />