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Steam rooms are a major draw in the United States for people looking to soothe muscles after a workout, lose weight, heal the body, remove toxins or simply relax after a long day. However, sitting in a room with temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit is not without risks.

A 77-year-old Denver woman died in March 2015 after passing out in the steam room of a fitness club, but her body was not discovered until the next day according to Fox31 Denver. Jefferson County Deputy Coroner Jon Cline determined Akiko Belich had been dead at least 12 hours when she was found. The autopsy report stated Belich died from acute renal failure because of dehydration. Investigators say the steam room temperature was set at 115 to 118 degrees Fahrenheit.

Steam rooms are enclosed and have an environment of high temperature and high humidity. They are used by many for therapeutic experiences and relaxation at gyms, hotels, spa visitors and home users. However, even though they are popular they do present risk.

What are the risks associated with steam rooms?

Livestrong.com and Healthy Living report that some of the risks associated with steam rooms include:

• Time spent in steam room - Never stay in a steam room for more than 15 to 20 minutes because the prolonged increase in body temperature can be dangerous. A person may feel dizzy or nauseous and should get out immediately, drink some cold water and cool off. They further recommend that even if one feels fine after leaving a steam room, he/she should drink 2 to 4 glasses of water to replace the lost fluids through perspiration.
• Health condition - Children under one year old should not be in steam rooms because they do not have fully developed temperature regulation systems in their bodies. Pregnant women should also avoid using steam rooms because serious birth defects, especially in the first trimester, can occur because of the steep increase in body temperature.
• Health condition - The heart rate can double within 10 minutes of being in a steam room creating the risk of a heart attack.
• Health condition - Nonexertional heat stroke may happen in a steam room where the high temperature and humidity make the body temperature rise. If this is untreated, the heat stroke may damage the heart, kidneys and brain.

What standard do health clubs typically employ for steam rooms?

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends an average temperature range between 100-110 degrees Fahrenheit for steam rooms.

Athletic Business magazine, published for the sporting and recreational industries, recommends that the best way to minimize the risks associated with steam rooms is not to rely on users to know and follow the rules of operation. Staff walk-throughs are the most common and effective means of preventing inappropriate behavior or misuse. Scheduling walk-throughs at regular intervals during the day allows staff members to ensure that users are following posted rules, not exceeding time limits or suffering from any health issues.

Can a health club be held liable for a death in their steam room?

Most health clubs, including hotel spas, require users to sign waivers before using them. Even so, they do have a responsibility to those who use their steam rooms. These responsibilities include providing safe environments.

"If you or a loved one has been injured or suffered a fatality in a health club facility, including steam rooms, you should consult an experienced personal injury attorney at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. to determine your rights," said Fort Myers Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Personal Injury Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just 1 percent of Florida attorneys. He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at  239. 337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com  for more information. You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.