Zamboni blamed for hockey players' illnesses at Kangiqsualujjuaq arena
Nitrogen dioxide gas emissions from ice cleaning machine likely cause of headache, nausea
Nitrogen dioxide gas emitted from the Zamboni was the likely cause of a rash of illnesses at a recent hockey tournament in Kangiqsualujjuaq, Que., according to the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services.
About 140 people, mostly teenage athletes, were examined by medical staff on the first day of the Bantam Regional Hockey Tournament April 10. Several of them had symptoms such as a cough, headache, nausea and in some cases vomiting and anxiety.
About 30 people were given oxygen and seven were transferred to Kuujjuaq for further medical attention. All the people affected have recovered.
The arena was closed until further notice while authorities investigated the cause of the illnesses.
Gas test results and the symptoms experienced by those who got sick point towards nitrogen dioxide gas emitted from the Zamboni as the cause, the board says.
The board cites higher gas emission levels than normal from the Zamboni, its more frequent use in the arena due to the hockey tournament, as well as possible issues with the ventilation system and gas detectors as contributing to the illnesses.
Public Health director Serge Dery says the arena will be allowed to reopen for activities that don't require the use of the Zamboni.