We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Arena ice quality and perspectives on optimizing performance and addressing emerging challenges
AI summary Read the abstract
This survey and review of North American ice arena managers found that maintaining ice quality involves managing temperature, humidity, thickness, and water quality — but also notes that emerging contaminants including microplastics and PFAS ("forever chemicals") are present in arena ice and warrant monitoring. While the paper's primary focus is on optimizing ice conditions for athletic performance, the mention of microplastics as an environmental concern in indoor ice facilities is a notable finding. It highlights an overlooked exposure pathway for arena workers and athletes.
Maintaining optimal ice surfaces in arenas is essential for ensuring athlete performance and safety in sports such as hockey, figure skating, and curling. This study combines expert survey responses from 55 North American ice arena managers with existing literature to identify best practices for managing ice conditions. Key factors, including ice temperature, humidity, thickness, and water quality were examined to identify areas needing empirical validation. While expert opinions offer valuable insights, controlled experiments are necessary to determine how compressive strength, friction, and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) influence ice performance. Lower ice temperatures improve compressive strength and durability for hockey, while slightly warmer temperatures offer better grip for figure skating. Maintaining humidity between 40% and 50% aligns with industry guidelines, balancing friction while limiting frost formation and sublimation. Water quality plays a critical role, yet conflicting recommendations highlight the need for further research to determine optimal TDS levels. Additionally, emerging contaminants such as microplastics and PFAS pose environmental concerns that warrant monitoring. Future research should bridge the gap between expert knowledge and scientific evidence to refine best practices and promote sustainable ice arena operations.
More Papers Like This
Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): Do They Matter to Aquatic Ecosystems?
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines PFAS, the persistent 'forever chemicals' widely used in consumer products, and their growing threat to aquatic ecosystems. Evidence indicates that PFAS accumulate in aquatic organisms, disrupt hormones, and can alter how other pollutants behave in the environment. The research is relevant to microplastic concerns because PFAS are commonly found in plastic products and can leach from microplastics into water.
Microplastics, PFAs, and Rubber-Derived Pollutants from Artificial Turf: Implications for Athlete Health and Sport-Facility Management
AI summary Read the abstract
Artificial turf—common on sports fields—can shed tiny plastic particles, "forever chemicals" (PFAS), and other chemicals from rubber infill, and athletes (especially kids, goalkeepers, and indoor players) may be exposed through skin contact, breathing, or accidentally swallowing particles during play. This review of 23 existing studies found that while exposure is plausible, there's not yet solid proof that this causes long-term health problems—but it's still a good idea for facilities to improve ventilation, monitor materials, and reduce runoff as a precaution. Bottom line: the jury's still out on real-
Research Progress in Current and Emerging Issues of PFASs’ Global Impact: Long-Term Health Effects and Governance of Food Systems
AI summary Read the abstract
This review covers per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly called "forever chemicals," which are found in food, cosmetics, drinking water, and are linked to microplastic contamination. Decades of corporate delay and mismanagement have led to widespread human exposure with potential long-term health effects being studied across the globe. The authors examine PFAS levels in food and water from multiple countries and call for stronger regulations to protect public health.
Firefighters’ exposure to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as an occupational hazard: A review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how firefighters face elevated cancer risk from occupational exposure to PFAS, a class of toxic "forever chemicals" found in their protective gear, firefighting foam, and fire station dust. While focused on PFAS rather than microplastics directly, the research is relevant because both PFAS and microplastics are persistent environmental pollutants that accumulate in the body. PFAS are also commonly found attached to microplastic surfaces, making microplastics a potential carrier of these carcinogenic chemicals.
Why Aim Toward a PFAS-free Future?
AI summary Read the abstract
This paper is not about microplastics — it reviews the environmental persistence, toxicity, and regulatory challenges associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the so-called 'forever chemicals,' and argues for transitioning industry toward safer substitutes using green chemistry principles.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.