@article {Thunqvist646, author = {P. Thunqvist and G. Lilja and M. Wickman and G. Pershagen}, title = {Asthma in children exposed to nitrogen dioxide in ice arenas}, volume = {20}, number = {3}, pages = {646--650}, year = {2002}, doi = {10.1183/09031936.02.00266302}, publisher = {European Respiratory Society}, abstract = {Very high concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) have been measured in arenas using combustion engine-powered resurfacing machines. This study was performed to compare the occurrence of asthma in children playing ice hockey in arenas using propane-powered machines and in children attending arenas using electric machines. Children regularly playing hockey in the arenas (nine propane, six electric) were sent a questionnaire, including questions on allergic disease and risk factors. Measurements of NO2 were performed with passive diffusion samplers during 3 consecutive days. The mean NO2 concentration in the propane arenas was 276 {\textmu}g{\textperiodcentered}m-3 (range 28{\textendash}1015 {\textmu}g{\textperiodcentered}m-3) and 11 {\textmu}g{\textperiodcentered}m-3 (2{\textendash}30) in the electric arenas. Questionnaires were answered by 1,536 children (78\%), with an overall prevalence of asthma of 16\%. The odds ratio (OR) for asthma was 0.9 (95\% confidence interval (CI) 0.7{\textendash}1.2) comparing propane arenas to electric. However, children in propane arenas with higher than median concentration of NO2 reported more wheezing (OR 1.4, 95\% CI 1.0{\textendash}1.9) and nasal symptoms (OR 1.7, 95\% CI 1.3{\textendash}2.3) than children in propane arenas with lower concentrations. In conclusion, children playing ice hockey in indoor arenas have a high prevalence of asthma, but it appears unlikely that increased exposure to combustion products, including nitrogen dioxide, is a major contributor to this excess risk. This study was supported by grants from the Swedish Foundation of Strategic and Environmental Research (MISTRA) and the Asthma and Allergy Association of Sweden.}, issn = {0903-1936}, URL = {https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/20/3/646}, eprint = {https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/20/3/646.full.pdf}, journal = {European Respiratory Journal} }