The death of a Michigan boy has sparked serious concerns about the lack of regulation in hyperbaric oxygen therapy clinics

In late January 2025, tragedy struck at the Oxford Center in Brighton, Michigan, when a 5-year-old boy named Thomas Cooper lost his life in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. Thomas had been receiving therapy for conditions like sleep apnea and ADHD, none of which are FDA-approved for such treatment. The therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, which, while effective for certain conditions, also creates a dangerously combustible atmosphere. A single spark inside the chamber ignited a fire that took Thomas’ life almost immediately. The Michigan Attorney General has charged the clinic's founder and three employees with crimes related to his death, but the precise cause of the fire remains under investigation. The incident has raised serious questions about the safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy outside regulated medical facilities.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is FDA-approved for a limited range of medical conditions such as carbon monoxide poisoning, severe wounds, and decompression sickness. However, in recent years, its use has expanded far beyond its approved medical applications. Many wellness centers, like the Oxford Center, promote the therapy for unproven claims, such as treating cancer, autism, and even simple fatigue. While there is no law preventing clinics from offering these treatments, the lack of scientific backing raises serious concerns about their efficacy and safety. As the demand for alternative therapies grows, fueled by celebrity endorsements and wellness influencers, the number of clinics offering hyperbaric chambers has soared. But, with minimal oversight and a lack of regulation, many of these facilities operate without ensuring the necessary safety measures are in place.

Despite the growing popularity of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, Michigan law provides no oversight of the practice in non-medical settings. The Oxford Center, for example, was inspected by the Troy Fire Department in March 2023, but the inspection was limited to fire and life-safety issues, not the operation or maintenance of the hyperbaric chambers themselves. This glaring oversight highlights a significant regulatory gap, as there are no clear safety standards governing how these chambers should be operated or how staff should be trained. While hospitals are subject to federal regulations and codes related to hyperbaric chambers, wellness clinics fall into a legal gray area. In fact, there are no state or federal mandates requiring hyperbaric chamber facilities to be licensed or accredited, making it difficult to ensure consistent safety standards across the industry. This lack of regulation allows businesses to operate with little accountability, potentially putting the public at risk.

In the wake of Thomas Cooper’s tragic death, Michigan lawmakers are calling for stronger oversight of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, particularly in non-medical settings. State Senator Stephanie Chang and Representative Sharon MacDonell are already drafting legislation to address the safety gaps highlighted by the incident. Their goal is to establish a framework that would require mandatory accreditation for clinics offering hyperbaric therapy, ensuring that safety standards are met, staff are properly trained, and the therapy is used only for FDA-approved conditions. Experts in the field, such as John Peters of the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society, argue that mandatory accreditation could prevent future tragedies by ensuring proper maintenance of equipment and adherence to stringent safety protocols. The hope is that this legislative push will lead to systemic changes that protect patients from the dangers of unregulated wellness practices.

In conclusion, while the death of Thomas Cooper is a heartbreaking reminder of the risks associated with unregulated hyperbaric oxygen therapy, it may also be the catalyst needed for industry-wide change. With lawmakers, industry experts, and concerned citizens calling for better oversight, the wellness industry may soon see the kind of regulation that ensures safety and protects public health.