Cryotherapy Incident at On Air Gym
The gym had replaced the liquid nitrogen tank in the cryotherapy chamber earlier that morning. Unfortunately, a nitrogen leak occurred during its use. A 29-year-old female gym employee entered the chamber for a session but never returned. When a colleague went to check on her, they found her in cardiac arrest. She was pronounced dead shortly afterward. Witnesses saw the emergency team carrying her body, covered with a white sheet, and police had blocked off the area outside the gym.
A second woman, aged 34, also suffered a cardiac arrest after inhaling nitrogen. She was rushed to the hospital, remaining in a coma and in critical condition. She had planned to undergo cryotherapy after a marathon that Sunday.
Three people who attempted to assist the women were injured in the process. They were taken to the hospital. As a precaution, around 150 people in the gym were evacuated immediately. 
The police said they would conduct an autopsy and toxicology tests to determine the exact cause of the death.
What is Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy, especially in cryogenic chambers, has gained popularity in recent years in the US and Europe. Many people use it for its potential therapeutic benefits, including muscle recovery, reduced inflammation, and improved blood circulation. The process exposes the body to extremely low temperatures, typically ranging from -110°C to -140°C, using liquid nitrogen or nitrous oxide.
While some top athletes support its benefits, scientific opinions are divided. The method is said to help relieve pain, speed up tissue repair, and boost energy levels by releasing adrenaline and endorphins. Cryotherapy is also touted for weight loss, claiming that a 3-minute session can be equivalent to 45 minutes of running.
However, it is not without risks. Nitrogen is a colorless, odorless gas that can displace oxygen and lead to asphyxiation in enclosed spaces. This makes it essential for cryotherapy chambers to be properly supervised to avoid dangerous accidents. Some common side effects include burns, headaches, worsening pain, hives, and digestive issues.
Past Cryotherapy Incidents
This is not the first cryotherapy-related incident. In 2015, a similar tragedy occurred at a cryotherapy center in Las Vegas. A 24-year-old woman, Chelsea Patricia Ake-Salvacion, went for a session and was later found dead. She had been in the cryotherapy chamber alone. The authorities indicated she likely died from asphyxiation due to oxygen depletion.
Conclusion
Despite the popularity of cryotherapy, these incidents highlight the risks involved. The On Air Gym in Paris has temporarily closed and plans to reopen on Thursday. As the treatment grows in popularity, strict safety measures must be enforced to prevent further accidents.
