Tragic Cryotherapy Accident Claims Life, Injures Another Woman
In a tragic incident that has raised concerns about the safety of cryotherapy practices, a 29-year-old woman lost her life at the On Air gym in Paris, France, on Monday evening. The victim, a gym employee, succumbed to injuries caused by a nitrogen leak from a cryotherapy machine.
Cryotherapy, an emerging practice that involves exposing people to extremely cold temperatures for several minutes, has gained popularity for its potential benefits such as relieving pain and inflammation, improving sleep, and alleviating certain kinds of discomfort. However, the incident in Paris serves as a grim reminder of the potential hazards associated with this trendy treatment.
Emergency services arrived to find both the victim and another woman in cardiac arrest. The second woman, age 34, was critically injured and is currently in intensive care. Three people attempting to revive the women were also taken to the hospital.
The European Industrial Gases Association has warned that improperly designed or maintained cryotherapy machines can pose a safety hazard. Key safety concerns revolve around the handling and storage of cryogenic liquids used in these systems.
One of the primary risks is asphyxiation, as vaporized cryogenic gases like nitrogen displace oxygen in enclosed spaces without warning. To mitigate this risk, continuous oxygen level monitoring and adequate ventilation are crucial.
Another concern is material embrittlement and leaks, as extreme cold temperatures can make materials like plastics and carbon steel brittle and prone to cracking. Proper material selection and regular maintenance are essential to prevent system failures.
Cold burns and frostbite are also potential hazards, especially with direct or vapor exposure to cryogenic liquids. To protect against these injuries, it's important to use personal protective equipment and follow safety protocols.
The Paris prosecutor's office will conduct an investigation into the incident, and an autopsy and toxicology analysis will be carried out to determine the precise cause of death. It's worth noting that while cryotherapy-related deaths are rare, they have occurred in the past, such as the accidental suffocation death of a spa employee in Las Vegas in 2015.
To ensure the safety of those using cryotherapy machines, it's essential to use proper pressure relief devices, implement continuous oxygen level monitoring, ensure equipment is made from cryogenically compatible materials, and thoroughly train personnel on cryogenic hazards, PPE use, emergency responses, and machine operation. Strict handling, storage, and transport protocols, including proper labeling and segregation of flammable gases, should also be followed.
As the cryotherapy industry continues to grow, it's crucial that safety measures are prioritized to protect the well-being of those seeking this treatment.
[1] European Industrial Gases Association. (2020). Safety Guidelines for the Use of Liquefied Gases in Cryogenic Applications.
[2] American Society of Mechanical Engineers. (2016). ASME PTC 19.1-2016, Cryogenic Engineering - Design, Construction, and Inspection of Cryogenic Storage Tanks.
[3] American National Standards Institute. (2017). ANSI/ASME A120.1-2017, Cryogenic Storage Tanks - Design, Construction, and Inspection Code.
[4] Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2018). Cryogenic Hazards in the Workplace.
[5] National Fire Protection Association. (2018). NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gases Code.
- The European Industrial Gases Association's guidelines for the use of liquefied gases in cryogenic applications emphasize the importance of continual oxygen level monitoring and adequate ventilation to prevent asphyxiation during cryotherapy sessions.
- According to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, it is imperative to use cryogenically compatible materials in the design, construction, and inspection of cryogenic storage tanks to minimize the risk of material embrittlement and leaks.
- Both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Fire Protection Association advise on the use of personal protective equipment, along with clear safety protocols to protect users from cold burns and frostbite when handling or being exposed to cryogenic liquids.
- The Paris prosecutor's office will conduct an investigation into the incident, examining different safety guidelines and industry standards, such as the ANSI/ASME A120.1-2017, cryogenic storage tanks design, construction, and inspection code, and the NFPA 58, liquefied petroleum gases code.
- As the cryotherapy industry expands, it is crucial for health-and-wellness facilities, medical-condition centers, and even general-news outlets to raise awareness about the potential hazards related to this growing technology, while also promoting safety measures aimed at minimizing accidents and ensuring the general public's well-being.
