Steam from a sauna can be five and a half times more injurious than boiling water, a pathologist explained at an inquest into the death of a 71-year-old former missionary nun from Co Mayo.
Dr Iqdam Tobbia, consultant pathologist at Mayo General Hospital, was giving evidence at an inquest in Castlebar into the death of Sister Mary Heffernan of the Mercy Order, Ballina, who had retired to her native town after more than 17 years' service in Africa.
Sister Mary was found dead by a lifeguard in a sauna at Ballina Swimming Pool on July 3Ist last after having gone for her daily swim.
Medical evidence that the retired nun died from a heart attack was given by Dr Tobbia. Questioned about first- and second-degree burns to 10 per cent of the victim's body, Dr Tobbia said steam from a sauna was much more injurious than boiling water.
One of the lifeguards at the pool, Mr Michael Lyons, gave evidence that the heat of the sauna was 70° to 75°F. The coroner returned a verdict of death in accordance with the medical evidence.
