A steam room is an enclosed environment with a high temperature and high humidity, which is typically about 100 percent. These characteristics can provide a therapeutic experience for hotel guests, spa-goers, gym patrons and home users. However popular and therapeutic a steam room may be, its users should realize that the high heat and humidity also pose potential dangers.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a potentially deadly condition that occurs when a person’s body temperature reaches or exceeds 104 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the Mayo Clinic. A steam room can cause nonexertional heat stroke, in which the high temperature and humidity make the body temperature rise. If left untreated, heat stroke can damage the heart, kidneys and brain. Symptoms include headache, disorientation, fatigue, dizziness, high body temperature, rapid heartbeat, hallucinations, seizure and loss of consciousness. Anyone who begins to feel ill in a steam room should leave immediately to prevent heat stroke.
Dehydration and Shock
A person who feels weak and drained after sitting in a steam room may have become dehydrated. If that person has been sweating through exercise before sitting in the steam room, he is more likely to become excessively dehydrated. When dehydration combines with heat-induced blood vessel dilation, the blood pressure drops and can cause dizziness or fainting. A more serious problem associated with dehydration is hypovolemic shock, which leads to insufficient oxygen levels reaching the body’s tissues, and can cause death within a few minutes.
Birth Defects
The March of Dimes online says that pregnant women should never let their body temperature rise higher than 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 10 minutes at a time. Internal temperatures above this level may cause birth defects, in addition to reduced oxygen and nutrition to the fetus. Since hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms typically exceed 102 degrees, pregnant women should avoid entering them.
Fungus and Toxins
The heat and humidity of a steam room can potentially leave users susceptible to toxins from the water source. Also, fungi and bacteria readily grow in a moist environment. No studies have conclusively proven any long-term ill health effects directly related to chlorine or other water purifying chemicals. Also, fungi will not be able to grow in a steam room that is consistently cleaned.
