Tragic Cryotherapy Incident in Paris Sparks Safety Investigation
Paris, April 2025 — French authorities have opened an investigation following a fatal cryotherapy session at a fitness center in Paris that left one woman dead and another in critical condition. The incident, which occurred on Monday evening, has raised serious concerns about the safety protocols surrounding cryotherapy practices in wellness centers.
According to police sources cited by news agencies, the incident took place at the “On Air” gym located in the east-central part of the French capital. A 29-year-old female gym employee tragically lost her life after being exposed to a nitrogen leak from a cryotherapy chamber that had undergone maintenance earlier the same day. A second woman, aged 34, was rushed to intensive care after going into cardiac arrest.
When emergency services arrived at the scene shortly before 6:30 PM local time, both women were found in cardiorespiratory arrest. Three bystanders who attempted to assist the victims were also hospitalized for precautionary measures due to potential gas exposure, and around 150 people were evacuated from the building.
The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed that police investigators, in collaboration with labor inspectors, are conducting a full inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident. "An autopsy and toxicology tests will be performed to determine the exact cause of death," a spokesperson stated.
Cryotherapy, which involves exposing the body to extremely low temperatures for therapeutic purposes, is widely used by athletes and wellness enthusiasts to reduce inflammation, relieve muscle pain, and promote faster recovery. Sessions typically involve standing in a chamber cooled with liquid nitrogen or nitrous oxide to temperatures as low as -140°C (-230°F) for a few minutes.
Despite its growing popularity, especially among professional sports teams and celebrities, medical experts continue to express caution. The Mayo Clinic in London notes that while cryotherapy may offer some benefits, scientific evidence remains limited. In many cases, simpler methods such as applying ice packs or cold-water immersion may offer similar results without the same level of risk.
Safety organizations have previously issued warnings about the use of nitrogen gas in cryotherapy. In a 2018 report, the European Industrial Gases Association (EIGA) highlighted the risks associated with liquid nitrogen, including the dangers of oxygen depletion and possible asphyxiation. The report emphasized the need for strict safety measures and constant monitoring when using cryogenic gases.
This recent tragedy echoes a similar case from 2015, when a 24-year-old woman in Las Vegas was found dead in a cryotherapy chamber after using it alone after hours. The incident sparked debate in the United States about the regulation of cryotherapy facilities and the need for standardized operating procedures.
As investigations continue in Paris, experts and regulatory bodies are calling for greater oversight and safety reforms in the cryotherapy industry to prevent such fatal accidents from happening again.
Sources: News Agencies