Doctors: Dirty gyms are breeding ground for disease

The medical profession has expressed concern about a lack of public health inspections at gyms and health clubs throughout Ireland.

The industry has mushroomed in recent years, but the thousands of gyms that have sprung up in every Irish town and city are operating without any system of regulation.

There is no legal requirement on these facilities to meet basic hygiene standards and doctors believe this makes them a breeding ground for infections and disease.

Dublin GP Dr Ross Ardill said viruses like Hepatitis B are spread via bodily fluids and facilities like saunas or steam rooms would pose a significant risk if they were not properly cleaned.