The death of 5-year-old Thomas Cooper in a hyperbaric chamber fire at the Oxford Center in Michigan has sparked calls for more oversight of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the wellness industry. Hyperbaric chambers are pressurized devices that deliver 100% oxygen for healing, but they can be highly combustible. The therapy is FDA-cleared for specific conditions, but the Oxford Center was treating many unapproved conditions, such as sleep apnea and ADHD. The lack of oversight in Michigan, and across the U.S., has raised concerns about safety in these facilities.
A lack of regulatory framework for hyperbaric oxygen therapy outside of traditional health care facilities has allowed many unaccredited spas, wellness companies, and storefronts to offer this treatment without adhering to stringent standards. Michigan legislators are working on introducing regulations to prevent tragedies like Thomas’ death and to stop businesses from making unproven claims about hyperbaric therapy. The proliferation of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, fueled by celebrity endorsements, has also raised the need for mandatory accreditation to ensure safety.
While hyperbaric chamber fires are rare, Thomas’ death has highlighted the potential dangers in these facilities. The FDA regulates certain hyperbaric chambers as medical devices, but does not oversee the practice of medicine. There is no consistent federal, state, or local oversight of hyperbaric therapy outside of hospitals. The lack of oversight from regulatory agencies in Michigan and the U.S. has raised concerns about the safety and regulation of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in nontraditional healthcare settings.
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