A CRYOTHERAPY session turned deadly after a woman died and and another was left fighting for her life – leading to the launch of an investigation.
The tragedy occurred in on Monday evening at a small sports centre located in the 11th district of the capital.
According to initial findings, a nitrogen leak from the is thought to have caused the poisoning.
An employee at the sports centre, who was in her late 20s, was pronounced dead at the scene, while a client, in her 30s, was taken to hospital in a critical condition.
“An into the cause of death has been launched,” the public prosecutor's office said.
Three people who were in contact with the victims and provided first aid also received treatment.
The gym, where 150 people were present at the time of the tragedy, was evacuated shortly afterwards.
Nitrogen is a colourless, odourless gas that is commonly used in cryotherapy.
During a session in a walk-in chamber a person is exposed to temperatures below -100° Celsius for a recommended time of no more than three minutes.
Many enthusiasts believe cryotherapy to be effective at reducing , , rheumatism and various skin conditions.
Star athletes and celebrities have used whole body cryotherapy as an alternative to ice packs and cold water baths.
But many experts warn the treatment has not been proven to be medically sound and are urging further research to determine the short and long-term effects.
Diego Brisset, 26, said he planned to work out at the gym but was told it was closed on Monday evening.
He said he didn't practice cryotherapy.
“I was always told it was dangerous”, he said.
While has ancient roots, its popularity as a modern health trend has surged in recent decades, particularly for athletic recovery and purposes.
It's generally considered a safe and effective treatment option when performed correctly and under professional supervision.
Most people experience minimal side effects, such as redness, swelling, or numbness, which are usually temporary.
But the treatment did come under scrutiny in the in 2015 after a woman froze to death at a spa.
The 24-year-old woman was believed to have entered one of the spa's cold chambers after business hours to relieve some aches, and was discovered the next day by a co-worker.
