Carbon monoxide poisoning hit dozens at hockey arena in 2014, CDC says

Hockey players at a 2014 Wisconsin tournamentwere treated for carbon monoxide poisoning that may have been caused by malfunctioning ice-resurfacing equipment, say U.S health officials who want to raise awareness to prevent similar situations.

The largest carbon monoxide poisoning in Wisconsin's history is described in Friday's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

On Dec. 13, 2014, a 20-year-old male hockey player lost consciousness after participating at an indoor tournament in Lake Delton that attractedabout 50 players and 100 other attendees.

The fire department detected elevated levels of carbon monoxide, a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas that is highly toxic.

A total of 92 people went to the emergency department and two were hospitalized, saidPaul Creswell of Wisconsin's department of health services and his co-authors. Of these, 74 had confirmed carbon monoxide poisoning, most likely caused by a high level of emissions from an ice resurfacer.

Exposure to carbon monoxide can cause health problems such asheadaches and fatigue, and can leadto a coma and death. There can also be lasting neurological problems,the researchers said, and exposure during pregnancy can result in miscarriage and fetaldevelopmental problems.

Of 36 people who responded to a survey two months after the Wisconsin event, the most commonly reported symptoms were:

• Lightheadedness (70 per cent).
• Shortness of breath (33 per cent).
• Chest tightness (22 per cent).

"Despite awareness of the risk for CO poisoning from ice resurfacers with high CO emissions, large-scale CO poisoning events still occur," the researchers said.

Ice arena managers can prevent potential poisonings by:

• Ensuring ice resurfacers are regularly maintained.
• Using electric-powered models.
• Checking for adequate ventilation.

Some U.S. states have enacted indoor carbon monoxide monitoring requirements to prevent large-scale poisonings.The authors of the CDC-published reportsuggested other public health officials could consider such requirements.