TY - JOUR T1 - Asthma in children exposed to nitrogen dioxide in ice arenas JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J SP - 646 LP - 650 DO - 10.1183/09031936.02.00266302 VL - 20 IS - 3 AU - P. Thunqvist AU - G. Lilja AU - M. Wickman AU - G. Pershagen Y1 - 2002/09/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/20/3/646.abstract N2 - 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 µg·m−3 (range 28–1015 µg·m−3) and 11 µg·m−3 (2–30) 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) 0.7–1.2) 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 1.0–1.9) and nasal symptoms (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.3–2.3) 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. ER -