Carbon Monoxide Issues at Minneapolis SX?

GrapeApe
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Mc Kinney, TX, USA
2/21/2022 5:18am
I recall racing amateur day in the Astrodome the morning after the Houston SX and it was still filled with smoke and fumes from the night before. Apparently they didn't think about ventilation when designing the 8th wonder of the world.
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Mx391
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y, TN, USA
2/21/2022 5:32am
El hombre didn't look good at all for the podium interview
joeteamevo
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2/21/2022 7:30am
Could it be from the fine dirt dust in the air? The stadium has a massive volume of air. I also did feel cold air moving so I would think they had some ventilation going. Could be a combination of CO and dust that made some people sick.
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lisenbyjacob
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2/21/2022 7:34am
Seemed like AC had extremely bloodshot eyes on the broadcast. I guess that would explain it.
2

The Shop

Stuntman949
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2/21/2022 7:34am
Is this what was going on with AC9 on the floor? Poor guy looked miserable but I wondered if the TV was just janky
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Timo
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2/21/2022 7:36am
JGray42 wrote:
I remember spectating at some Arenacross races in PA and CT in freezing cold weather. We alternated between freezing when ventilation turned on and suffocating when...
I remember spectating at some Arenacross races in PA and CT in freezing cold weather. We alternated between freezing when ventilation turned on and suffocating when it was off. Left with pink faces and headaches. I can’t imagine how heat could keep up while changing the air that fast.
Makeup air units with direct fire heat can have up to 100° heat rise if they're sized right.
2
2/21/2022 7:50am
Roczoff wrote:
I had to stand up-wind at Washougal. Based on that, I wouldn't go to an indoor race. Not that pump gas without catalysts would be great...
I had to stand up-wind at Washougal. Based on that, I wouldn't go to an indoor race.

Not that pump gas without catalysts would be great, but I don't understand the point of race gas when every single rider is running it. No advantage there.
Consistency of fuel related to all things engine building/performance.
mh226
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CA
2/21/2022 8:48am
Not sure what COVID HVAC strategy the stadium was using, but the systems I manage are pulling alot more outside air (75%+) than typical due to COVID protocols. It would make no sense for the stadium to recirc air as part of a COVID strategy, which is what they must have been doing. Clearly the ball was dropped in a big way...
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2/21/2022 9:03am
I’m just hearing about all this because I was traveling all day yesterday and literally couldn’t stay awake haha. Now I also didn’t get allot of sleep all weekend so I’m not sure if it’s related but I’m normally pretty good with lack of sleep…
TeamGreen
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2/21/2022 9:11am
Let me get this straight...?

They built a HUGE NFL FOOTBALL Stadium in MINNEAPOLIS and they can't keep good air IN IT? Circulating THRU IT? And, please, when it comes to a Health Issue...let's not talk about "costs".
And I don't care about "The Weather"!
They built it in Minneapolis, Minnesota!

I've been in HOCKEY Arenas in Canada where they manage this issue just fine...in WINTER during the AX & SX portions of their series over the years.
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flarider
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Daytona Beach, FL, USA
2/21/2022 9:23am
"Close those vents, the motorcycles will warm the place up. It's huge. Look how big it is, no one will notice."


LOL

Wink - Joking winky thing
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stremme12
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HA, HI, USA
2/21/2022 9:32am
TeamGreen wrote:
Let me get this straight...? They built a HUGE NFL FOOTBALL Stadium in MINNEAPOLIS and they can't keep good air IN IT? Circulating THRU IT? And...
Let me get this straight...?

They built a HUGE NFL FOOTBALL Stadium in MINNEAPOLIS and they can't keep good air IN IT? Circulating THRU IT? And, please, when it comes to a Health Issue...let's not talk about "costs".
And I don't care about "The Weather"!
They built it in Minneapolis, Minnesota!

I've been in HOCKEY Arenas in Canada where they manage this issue just fine...in WINTER during the AX & SX portions of their series over the years.
They've raced in this stadium before. I have a hard time believing it wasn't built properly due to cost. It seems to me there was some sort of malfunction or change in place this year that caused it. I wouldn't assume it's just built wrong.
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JCRacing822
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Fargo, ND, USA
2/21/2022 9:38am
This makes sense now. I could definitely smell a stench in there and noticed a bit of haze. The day after the race my eyes were pretty red. Have had a bit of a headache too.
TeamGreen
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2/21/2022 9:44am
TeamGreen wrote:
Let me get this straight...? They built a HUGE NFL FOOTBALL Stadium in MINNEAPOLIS and they can't keep good air IN IT? Circulating THRU IT? And...
Let me get this straight...?

They built a HUGE NFL FOOTBALL Stadium in MINNEAPOLIS and they can't keep good air IN IT? Circulating THRU IT? And, please, when it comes to a Health Issue...let's not talk about "costs".
And I don't care about "The Weather"!
They built it in Minneapolis, Minnesota!

I've been in HOCKEY Arenas in Canada where they manage this issue just fine...in WINTER during the AX & SX portions of their series over the years.
stremme12 wrote:
They've raced in this stadium before. I have a hard time believing it wasn't built properly due to cost. It seems to me there was some...
They've raced in this stadium before. I have a hard time believing it wasn't built properly due to cost. It seems to me there was some sort of malfunction or change in place this year that caused it. I wouldn't assume it's just built wrong.
I'm -NOT- assuming it was built wrong. I'm thinking the AIR/Air Quality at our event wasn't managed/controlled correctly.

Doesn't the roof open?
Isn't there a system for air circulation AND replacement?
I sure as hell don't care to hear about the expense of 'heating" the air.
They have to have the ability to handle this...but, they didn't.

Again, it's MINNEAPOLIS.
And it's February!
They've got The Skyway BECAUSE IT"S SO DAMN COLD THERE! Grinning

"The Minneapolis skyway system connects corporate offices, bars, restaurants, bakeries, hotels, government services, retail, gyms, grocery stores, liquor stores, banks, doctors, dentists, masseurs, pharmacies, hair and nail salons, dry cleaners, live theaters, three pro sports facilities, a church, art exhibits, and... well, you get the idea.""
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Johnny Ringo
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2/21/2022 9:45am
CO has a PEL of 50ppm for an 8-hour TWA
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88FYNN88
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Jackson, NH, USA
2/21/2022 11:11am
Was thinking something was up when I saw this video today. Everyone's eye look like they just fish bowled the place.

2/21/2022 11:23am
88FYNN88 wrote:
Was thinking something was up when I saw this video today. Everyone's eye look like they just fish bowled the place. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kMMKUyeXlE&t=640s[/embed]
Was thinking something was up when I saw this video today. Everyone's eye look like they just fish bowled the place.

2:30s with RJ Hampshire. "I don't know what was up. I could NOT breathe at all!"
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TeamGreen
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2/21/2022 11:42am
88FYNN88 wrote:
Was thinking something was up when I saw this video today. Everyone's eye look like they just fish bowled the place. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kMMKUyeXlE&t=640s[/embed]
Was thinking something was up when I saw this video today. Everyone's eye look like they just fish bowled the place.

2:30s with RJ Hampshire. "I don't know what was up. I could NOT breathe at all!"
That’s what got me thinking about how it affected the 450 Main.
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Mm471
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2/21/2022 11:50am
Minnesotans have some immunity from riding at cedar lake arena
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loftyair
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riverside, CA, USA
2/21/2022 11:53am
Xracer wrote:
In the 2-stroke era, there was always that haze in the stadiums. The haze is still there, but you don’t see if because of the absence...
In the 2-stroke era, there was always that haze in the stadiums. The haze is still there, but you don’t see if because of the absence of premix. Only worse because the bikes are now double the displacement.
JustMX wrote:
Twice the displacement, but firing every other stroke, and no oil
Higher revs, more overall combustion. More power comes from more fuel.
2
Bruce372
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2/21/2022 12:11pm
Imo the irritation and sickness is from fuel vapor and not carbon monoxide.

For people being treated at hospital, i would expect a class action lawsuit
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4
500 Mike
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2/21/2022 2:38pm
Zachintosh wrote:
Does Feld also perform the same fireworks/pyrotechnics opening ceremonies inside domes as they do in open-air stadiums?
they did shoot off a buttload of fireworks, in the middle of the day, inside a stadium. really stupid. opening ceremonies had zero thought put into...
they did shoot off a buttload of fireworks, in the middle of the day, inside a stadium. really stupid. opening ceremonies had zero thought put into it being a day program and was kinda funny trying to guess where the riders were without a spotlight.

i’ve been sick as a dog the past two nights, never had it this bad before and i was a regular at the old Motokazie indoor races where they’d shut down racing a couple times a day to vent the building.
Can’t have a “show” without fireworks!
gmoney17
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Carpenter, IA, USA
2/21/2022 4:24pm
I had bloodshot eyes after press day Friday Got to the stadium at 530 Saturday and didn’t leave till 8. My eyes to this moment are...
I had bloodshot eyes after press day Friday
Got to the stadium at 530 Saturday and didn’t leave till 8.
My eyes to this moment are still red. Nose hasn’t cleared up and I’m feeling extremely sick along with many many others. There’s skid steers, dozers, semis and side by sides constantly running in there along with bikes. This was unlike anything I’ve ever felt at a race. 1000% carbon monoxide poisoning.
The stadium is generally colder because they open the windows however this year they did not. I also read about ventilation changes due to covid…
Thousands of people were affected by this.
Yes me and 3 of my buddies where there for timed practice and for the main show . We all had super red eyes and major headaches and I threw up at the hotel when I got back. I was sick all night until the afternoon Sunday I started to feel better
1
murph783
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2/21/2022 4:51pm
sandman768 wrote:
Exactly how I used to feel after riding all day at MotoTown in Conn.
You ain’t lyin. God that place was a dumpster fire. Fun one though!
MXMatt866
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Chanhassen, MN, USA
2/21/2022 4:51pm
MX Culture wrote:
I did not see or feel any of that yesterday but I did go outside several times (not for that reason). I also saw some people...
I did not see or feel any of that yesterday but I did go outside several times (not for that reason). I also saw some people with bloodshot eyes and actually talked to Justin at the end of the night and he looked and sounded terrible.
Justin's argument makes total sense. The side door for the tunnels was perpetually open all day (should be closed when no traffic is passing) as it looks like intakes and exhaust fans for the tunnel were near that location, drawing in gasses.

Could totally impact the stands near the tunnels, which sucks for spectators.

moto348
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Miami, FL, USA
2/21/2022 8:30pm Edited Date/Time 2/21/2022 9:39pm
Bruce372 wrote:
Imo the irritation and sickness is from fuel vapor and not carbon monoxide.

For people being treated at hospital, i would expect a class action lawsuit
Would those vapors be what caused the bloodshot eyes?

Some of my observations:

Saw starling’s IG post and Malcolm and Joseph Allen (host on the mic) both mentioned not feeling great, Joseph mentioned his eyes bloodshot during the event.

The last sx I attended was 2019 Mlps (& the year before that when we had a massive snow storm) and don’t remember hardly smelling any race gas except maybe a slight bit during the first lap of a race when all the bikes went by at once.

We walked in through the skyway system (first time doing that as opposed to walking outside) and could smell something in the air as we got closer to the stadium. Had the slight smell of the 4 stroke race gas.

Could definitely smell it in the stadium & we didn’t get there until about 315pm and it had been over an hour since bikes were on the track IIRC. After being there a while and “acclimated to it”, the strong smell race fuel smell was intermittent during the races. I remember a burning smell during the 450 heats & LCQs as well, not quite like a burned out clutch tho. It was a weird burning stench, possibly a different kind of fuel?

I noticed it was also quite a bit warmer in the stadium than years prior. No one in my group or I had any adverse symptoms while we were there. I have a slight sore throat, but probably from having to yell to converse with the people next to me during the races. We sat in the lower level near the long rhythm lane (Vikings bench side). This was the first fully indoor SX this year, could also happen in Dallas too.

All the while, in the next section next to us a mom had their newborn (wearing ear muffs) that had to be between 3-6 months old. I love this sport but no way I’d bring a new born into an indoor event with those kind of fumes even with ventilation systems.
cable
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2/21/2022 8:36pm
DonM wrote:
I remember the Silverdome being pretty bad too.
at least when they opened the door the air would blow out.. big time!
1
moto348
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2/21/2022 9:36pm Edited Date/Time 2/21/2022 10:23pm
https://facebook.com/usbankstadium/photos/a.374697982739172/19199984515…

There are a lot of people that were sick.
Someone mentioned not feeling any ventilation until about 330pm. Not one to draw conclusions quickly but obviously the crowd was small, stadium wanted to save money on energy costs by waiting to vent the building out properly?
1
pbody
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Phoenix, AZ, USA
2/21/2022 10:05pm
DonM wrote:
I remember the Silverdome being pretty bad too.
cable wrote:
at least when they opened the door the air would blow out.. big time!
No kidding, definitely had to put some effort in to get through the doors. Too funny!
Bruce372
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2/21/2022 10:45pm
Bruce372 wrote:
Imo the irritation and sickness is from fuel vapor and not carbon monoxide.

For people being treated at hospital, i would expect a class action lawsuit
moto348 wrote:
Would those vapors be what caused the bloodshot eyes? Some of my observations: Saw starling’s IG post and Malcolm and Joseph Allen (host on the mic)...
Would those vapors be what caused the bloodshot eyes?

Some of my observations:

Saw starling’s IG post and Malcolm and Joseph Allen (host on the mic) both mentioned not feeling great, Joseph mentioned his eyes bloodshot during the event.

The last sx I attended was 2019 Mlps (& the year before that when we had a massive snow storm) and don’t remember hardly smelling any race gas except maybe a slight bit during the first lap of a race when all the bikes went by at once.

We walked in through the skyway system (first time doing that as opposed to walking outside) and could smell something in the air as we got closer to the stadium. Had the slight smell of the 4 stroke race gas.

Could definitely smell it in the stadium & we didn’t get there until about 315pm and it had been over an hour since bikes were on the track IIRC. After being there a while and “acclimated to it”, the strong smell race fuel smell was intermittent during the races. I remember a burning smell during the 450 heats & LCQs as well, not quite like a burned out clutch tho. It was a weird burning stench, possibly a different kind of fuel?

I noticed it was also quite a bit warmer in the stadium than years prior. No one in my group or I had any adverse symptoms while we were there. I have a slight sore throat, but probably from having to yell to converse with the people next to me during the races. We sat in the lower level near the long rhythm lane (Vikings bench side). This was the first fully indoor SX this year, could also happen in Dallas too.

All the while, in the next section next to us a mom had their newborn (wearing ear muffs) that had to be between 3-6 months old. I love this sport but no way I’d bring a new born into an indoor event with those kind of fumes even with ventilation systems.
Yes, it sounds like exposure to the organic chemicals in race fuel. It's nasty stuff.

Carbon monoxide doesn't have an odor, and it's toxicity comes from essentially suffocation, in that carbon monoxide binds more tightly than oxygen to the iron in blood, starving the body of oxygen giving life. That's why they make CO sensors since it's a silent killer. Usually CO poisoning happens in homes from fuel heaters not working and giving incomplete combustion. It can happen in engines but given the symptoms it sounds more like fuel vapor.

Years ago, natural gas was contaminated with CO and that's why people stuck their head in the oven to kill themselves.
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