Ice rinks, cooling towers, and other industrial and recreational water systems that use recirculated water in contact with PFAS-containing materials present occupational and environmental PFAS concerns. Understanding these industrial applications helps contextualize PFAS pathways beyond household drinking water.
PFAS in Ice Rink Resurfacing Water
Ice resurfacing machines (Zamboni-type equipment) use hot water to create smooth ice surfaces, with water drawn from the building’s supply. PFAS in this water deposits on ice surfaces that skaters contact and, at elevated concentrations, could contribute to PFAS exposure for ice rink workers and frequent users through ice contact and aerosolization during resurfacing. Ice rink PFAS exposure has been a concern particularly in facilities near contaminated water sources or with historical AFFF use in building fire suppression systems.
Cooling Tower Applications
Industrial cooling towers use water to reject heat through evaporative cooling. PFAS in cooling tower makeup water concentrates as water evaporates, reaching higher concentrations in recirculated water than in the source. Blowdown water discharged to control cooling water chemistry can introduce concentrated PFAS to receiving waters if not treated. PFAS-selective corrosion inhibitors and surfactants used in cooling water treatment have historically added PFAS to these systems beyond source water contributions.
Drinking Water Context
For most consumers, these industrial applications are primarily relevant as potential point sources affecting nearby drinking water supplies rather than as direct exposure pathways. Facilities using water for cooling or ice-making near residential communities with private wells should be considered potential PFAS sources in local contamination assessments, informing the scope of well water testing programs for affected neighborhoods.