An employee has died after a cryotherapy chamber malfunctioned at the gym they worked at. Another woman remains in critical condition.
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According to the New York Post, the incident occurred on Monday evening, at around 6:30 PM, at an On Air Gym in Paris. Authorities believe a Gym employee, who was in her late 20s, died due to a malfunctioning cryotherapy chamber. Police suspect a nitrogen leak occurred during a cryotherapy treatment session. Per Medical Xpress, the employee who was reportedly poisoned by the leak died while emergency services hospitalized a client in her 30s in critical condition.
Following the incident, the Paris public prosecutor's office has launched an investigation. The On Air Gym had 150 people on-site at the time, and workers evacuated the building following the leak. Three people who provided support and first aid to the victims also required hospital treatment.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Cryotherapy is in its infancy but is already used in some sports therapies. During each session, the patient's body is chilled to temperatures below -148F for roughly 2-3 minutes. Professionals use it to treat inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. A small study reportedly found the treatment helped patients suffering from lower back pain. The Clinic also says that early evidence suggests it may help with some mental health conditions, including depression.
The Risks And Benefits Of Cryotherapy Are Still Under Study
The New York Post points out that multiple celebrities have undergone Cryotherapy. Most notably, LeBron James, Demi Moore, and Floyd Mayweather have all used it previously. However, the Mayo Clinic stresses that the treatment isn't for everybody. Some clients may find it works, while others may simply be unable to tolerate it. The Clinic explains that even though the sessions are brief, they may be too extreme for some people.
In a chapter of their study titled 'Our Take,' the Mayo Clinic stresses that experts are still studying the benefits of Cryotherapy. There may also be drawbacks or adverse effects we don't know about yet. The Clinic also points out that a bag of ice remains a cheap way to soothe sore muscles and joints.
