- Burns. One of the most common problems associated with infrared heat is simple burning. ...
- Blood Pressure. Because infrared heat affects the skin, it causes increased blood flow to skin areas, which can in turn lower blood pressure in other areas throughout the body.
- Eye Damage. The eyes are especially vulnerable to infrared heat, and prolonged exposure can damage the eyes and lead to decreased vision.
- Skin Problems. While people may not stay in infrared heat waves long enough to burn themselves, repeated use of the infrared system can cause some less extensive skin problems.
- Water Loss. When the skin heats up, it begins to sweat to relieve the heat. ...
- Overheating. Overheating is a broad term used to describe problems associated with exposure to too much heat at one time.
What are the risks of infrared?
What are the risks of infrared radiation? Prolonged exposure to IR radiation causes a gradual but irreversible opacity of the lens. Other forms of damage to the eye from IR exposure include scotoma, which is a loss of vision due to the damage to the retina.
Is infrared harmful to human body?
Infrared radiation is useful as it causes the heating of the body, and is primarily used in saunas where people indulge in sessions to relax. However, these radiations can be harmful to the body, especially with long durations of exposure. Some of the health issues associated with prolonged exposure to IR include eye damage due to irritation, water loss, skin problems, and burns.
How is infrared harmful to people?
When to avoid infrared saunas
- Pregnancy considerations. If you’re pregnant, avoid using the sauna unless you’ve received clearance from your doctor.
- Age considerations. If you have an age-related limitation, avoid using a sauna. ...
- Unhealed wounds. If you have open wounds or you’re recovering from surgery, wait until these areas are healed. ...
- Heart conditions. ...
What are the possible dangers of infrared in humans?
What are the Dangers of Infrared?
- Electromagnetic Radiation. Electromagnetic radiation is a form of energy which can be thought of as a wave which moves through space.
- Infrared Radiation. Infrared radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation which is found just outside the visible portion of the spectrum, before the color red 1.
- Safety Hazards of Infrared. ...
- Laser Hazards. ...
Is infrared harmful to humans?
Prolonged exposure to IR radiation causes a gradual but irreversible opacity of the lens. Other forms of damage to the eye from IR exposure include scotoma, which is a loss of vision due to the damage to the retina. Even low-level IR absorption can cause symptoms such as redness of the eye, swelling, or hemorrhaging.
What are the harmful effects of infrared?
Medical studies indicate that prolonged IR exposure can lead to lens, cornea and retina damage, including cataracts, corneal ulcers and retinal burns, respectively. To help protect against long-term IR exposure, workers can wear products with IR filters or reflective coatings.
Can infrared heat be harmful?
Are Infrared rays safe for people? Far infrared heating is 100% safe and natural for our bodies, and our well-being, as the human body is designed to accept and emit infrared. The feeling of warmth from infrared is particularly comfortable. It is UV that is harmful, not infrared, and so there is no need to worry.
Is infrared harmful or helpful?
However, new scientific evidence shows that although helpful in some cases, infrared is also harmful for skin, especially as new research shows that the skin is potentially exposed up to six times more IR energy than UV from sunlight.
Does infrared cause aging?
Recent work demonstrates that IR and heat exposure each induces cutaneous angiogenesis and inflammatory cellular infiltration, disrupts the dermal extracellular matrix by inducing matrix metalloproteinases, and alters dermal structural proteins, thereby adding to premature skin aging.
Does infrared have radiation?
Infrared (IR) is a type of electromagnetic radiation, including wavelengths between the 780 nm to 1000 μm.
Is infrared a carcinogen?
Assessing skin protection Visible and infrared light do not cause sunburn and they are not known to directly be a skin cancer risk.
Do infrared heaters give off radiation?
IR heaters emit a type of radiation that is much different from the radiation associated with x-ray machines or germicidal lightbulbs. Some of the properties of IR radiation (IRR) are similar to the properties of visible light; however, your eyes cannot see IRR.
What are the disadvantages of infrared heating?
The disadvantages of infrared heatersMost infrared heaters run on electricity, which is expensive. ... With infrared, the air can stay relatively cold. ... Focused heating can leave others cold. ... Infrared heaters must not be obstructed by objects. ... Gas-fired infrared heaters are not entirely safe.More items...•
How safe is infrared light?
Infrared light is delivered to the site of injury or inflammation at certain wavelengths, promoting cell repair. The key characteristic of infrared light is its ability to penetrate even the deep layers of the skin, providing better pain relief. Also, infrared light is safe, natural, non-invasive, and painless.
Can infrared go through clothes?
Red Light therapy does not penetrate through clothing or bandages as it visible to the eye. However near infrared light, which is invisible to the eye, will penetrate through clothes and many bandages and dressings.
Does infrared penetrate skin?
This explains the relatively large penetration depth of IR -A radiation (780–1,400 nanometres), which can penetrate up to some 5 millimetres into the skin, allowing it to reach the hypodermis and act on it directly. In general, the shorter the wavelength of infrared radiation, the greater the penetration depth.
Why are infrared waves dangerous?
What Are the Dangers of Infrared Waves? Infrared waves are dangerous because they can cause burns, skin irritation, dehydration, low blood pressure and eye damage. A form of heat radiation, infrared waves are most dangerous at high levels. Infrared waves have a wavelength lower than the threshold of visibility on the electromagnetic spectrum, ...
What is the shortest wavelength of infrared?
The shortest wavelength of infrared waves is used in short-range communication such as remote controls and mobile phones, and it produces so little heat that we cannot feel it . The next subdivision is "short wavelength infrared," used in longer-range communications. "Mid-wavelength infrared" is used in missile guidance, ...
Why is thermal imaging important?
Thermal imaging is important in the medical field for diagnostic purposes, detecting levels of infrared radiation of the body. "Far infrared" has the longest wavelength and is used to detect galaxies and stars emitting infrared radiation. ADVERTISEMENT.
Is infrared radiation dangerous?
A form of heat radiation, infrared waves are most dangerous at high levels. Infrared waves have a wavelength lower than the threshold of visibility on the electromagnetic spectrum, so we cannot see them. However, we can feel them as heat.
Can infrared radiation cause dehydration?
Lastly, excessive infrared radiation exposure can cause dehydration as the body loses water because of the heat. Rather than being regarded as dangerous, though, infrared waves are more often than not considered useful. There are five subdivisions of infrared waves.
What are infrared rays?
In the electromagnetic spectrum, infrared rays are just below visible red light. Many objects, including lamps, flames, stars and other warm items, emit these rays. They are most commonly used in mobile phones, in remote controls for TV sets and in other short-range communication devices.
Why do physiotherapists use infrared light?
In addition, physiotherapists use infrared technology to help the healing of athletes' injuries. Modern weapons have infrared detectors that are designed to spot targets, particularly at night. Although occasional exposure to these rays is not enough to cause danger, everyday contact can cause long-term health problems.
Can lasers cause cancer?
Employees working for companies involved in the mass production of lasers and heat lamps have a higher risk of experiencing adverse effects due to exposure. These rays can disrupt body cells, penetrate DNA and cause cancer. Those who are vulnerable are advised to wear protective gear. ADVERTISEMENT.
Can infrared radiation cause eye problems?
Prolonged exposure to high levels of infrared radiation could lead to burns and cause eye problems, including cornea and retina damage, cataracts and injuries to the eye lens. In addition, infrared radiation can cause pain to the skin of a person in close contact with it. Most infrared radiation is not visible and may affect a person without his ...
Why do people use infrared saunas?
Known for easing sore muscles, improving sleep, and general relaxation, infrared saunas are a top choice for people looking for a cooler way to heat their bodies.
How hot does an infrared sauna get?
“Infrared saunas heat your core body temperature and only heat to about 150°F (66°C), ” says Dr. Fran Cook-Bolden, MD, FAAD, with Advanced Dermatology P.C.
What are the negative effects of sauna?
According to a 2018 systematic review, the negative signs and symptoms of sauna use include: mild to moderate heat discomfort. low blood pressure (hypotension) light-headedness.
Can infrared saunas cause heat stroke?
Dr. Sharma says the dry heat generated in an infrared sauna can cause you to become overheated, and if used for a prolonged session, it can also cause dehydration and even heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Can saunas cause heart problems?
The use of a sauna can increase heart rate and cause arrhythmia.
Does heat penetrate deeper into the body?
Cook-Bolden says this type of heat penetrates deeper into the body and is thought to impact and heal deep tissue and also detox via sweating through your pores.
Can you get infrared sauna treatment?
Unhealed wounds. If you have open wounds or you’re recovering from surgery, wait until these areas are healed. Then talk with your healthcare provider first to get permission before getting infrared sauna treatments.
Why does infrared heat burn?
Burning is caused when the top layers of the skin are heated too much by the infrared radiation.
Can infrared light cause eye irritation?
The eyes are especially vulnerable to infrared heat, and prolonged exposure can damage the eyes and lead to decreased vision. Far-infrared rays cause cor neal burns, and even normal exposure times can cause some types of irritation.
Is infrared heat dangerous?
Infrared Heater Dangers. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Infrared heaters can cause burns, eye damage and dehydration. Infrared heaters are used most often in saunas, where ceramic tubes or panels produce primarily infrared heat radiation to heat the skin. Since no ultraviolet radiation is produced, this is safer ...
Is it safe to use infrared light in a sauna?
Since no ultraviolet radiation is produced, this is safer than other options such as sunbathing, but infrared radiation still produces dangers of its own, especially in a sauna environment where the heat is intense.
Does infrared heat affect blood pressure?
Because infrared heat affects the skin, it causes increased blood flow to skin areas, which can in turn lower blood pressure in other areas throughout the body. This can cause faintness and headaches, but may be more dangerous in those with preexisting blood conditions or the elderly. Advertisement.
What is the benefit of far infrared light therapy?
Far infrared light ray energy is easily absorbed deep into the tissues of your skin, muscle and tendons. It stimulates micro-circulation by dilating blood vessels and capillaries. It enhances the delivery of fresh oxygen and nutrients to speed cellular repair and rejuvenation.
Does FIR help with pain?
FIR stimulates the healing process. It's not a drug that stops your pain by interfering with the pain signals to your brain. If you give it a chance, it can do wonders. And it doesn't mean you stop doing everything else to improve your condition.
Is FIR energy harmful?
There is no danger or harmful effects from coming in contact with FIR energy itself. In fact, it's the exact opposite.
Is FIR a negative or positive effect?
All were heavy smokers. What they thought was a negative side effect was actually a positive. Through what is known as " resonance absorption " FIR can release harmful toxins stored within the cells of the body. Some of which can be flushed from the cells through the skin.
Why do we use far IR?
We use Far IR for heating people because it is readily absorbed by water molecule s (of which you’re a mostly made of!) – this results in the heat quickly transferring to you rather than penetrating deep into the tissue because there is plenty of water around in your skin cells.
How does EMF affect the cell?
Apart from the epidemiological research, some researchers have proposed a direct mechanism for potential impacts of EMF – this mechanism is voltage gated calcium channels. Briefly, these are protein complexes that transverse the cell membrane and regulate the flow of calcium into and out of the cell. Electric voltage is used to moderate these channels. This viewpoint has been promoted in particular by Dr. Martin Pall through various channels. However, when one takes a close look at the research and his published papers, it is obvious that while EMF certainly can be used to modulate these channels, the intensities required are far beyond what are typically found in our environment.
How does EMF affect calcium uptake?
The effects of EMF on calcium uptake seem nicely dose dependent in Table 1 in his paper (see above). A dose of 22 mT (milliTeslas) produces a 170% increase , while 0.1 mT produced a 28% increase. Oddly, a dose of 6 mT produced a DECREASE in uptake of 70%. These three figures all came from different cell types and analyses however, so it is difficult to draw an accurate comparison.
What is the EM spectrum?
The EM spectrum includes a wide variety of “radiation” that you are probably familiar with. X-rays are a part of the EM spectrum. So are radio waves and microwaves. For that matter, so is the visible light our eyes use to see. We can break the EM spectrum up into two big chunks – ionizing and non-ionizing.
What is medium IR?
Medium IR is what you’ll find being produced in industrial drying ovens.
How much power does a rat's eye need to be to damage its eyes?
In one study covered, the researchers were able to damage the eyes of rats at “low power” IR levels of 70,000 J/cm^2 over an exposure period of 1000 seconds. They also did higher dosages, but that was the lowest dosage they were able to achieve detectable damage. That corresponds to a power output level of 70 W/cm^2 for 1000 seconds.
What is near IR?
Near IR – High intensity IR is often referred to as Near IR, which refers to the spectral peak. Extremely high temperatures are required to produce Near IR – such as those found in blast furnaces, glass blowing, arc welding, and other heavy duty industrial heat sources.
Why does infrared sauna make you feel bad?
An infrared sauna can make you feel bad because it lowers blood pressure and artificially increases your body temperature. If you have certain conditions, your body cannot withstand these changes.
Why Am I Not Sweating in Infrared Sauna?
When you walk into a cold room, your body will send out heat that will warm your body up. It will send out heat to its own fluids. When you step into the infrared sauna, you use this heated air to circulate between your body and the room. So, there are no hot or cold sensations, and you won’t have to wait long to feel it. Why Aren’t I as Hot as I Used to Be?
Do Infrared Saunas Give Off Radiation?
When you’re lying in a hot sauna for a good stretch, you’re probably hoping the hot, moist air will give off some heat. But if your sauna doesn’t, you may be in for a disappointment, because the infrared rays in a sauna don’t interact with your skin. Hot Sauna Says No — But Lots of Air Does. There’s absolutely no scientifically proven benefit from the infrared rays,” says Barbara Pearl, PhD, a research professor at the University of Pittsburgh, who has conducted research on saunas. Infrared rays, infrared light, are visible in the sky — so it doesn’t matter if you’re in an enclosed sauna or in a non-heated room.
What does it mean when you have a fever in the sauna?
Palpitations and fever tell your body you’re under attack, which means your stress levels increase. These effects are not detrimental to your health in the long-term unless you stay in the sauna for too long. The health benefits of infrared saunas exceed the possible discomforts.
Why are toxic particles mobilized in the bloodstream?
Toxins – toxic particles mobilized in the bloodstream because of detoxification.
Does infrared sauna help blood circulation?
Your blood circulation is improved because infrared saunas can decrease high blood pressure. However, you have to take this research with a grain of salt because: Many of the benefits above are inferred from traditional saunas. There haven’t been a lot of large studies to prove the benefits.
Can Infrared Lights Cause Cancer?
Infrared sauna cancers are not a real thing. Many people are afraid that blanket infrared saunas or pods can cause cancer. You may have already googled “infrared sauna burnt skin.”
What are the Health Benefits of Infrared Therapy?
One of the key health benefits of infrared therapy is improvement in cardiovascular health. Infrared light increases the production of nitric oxide, a vital signaling molecule that is important for the health of blood vessels. This molecule helps relax the arteries and prevents blood from clotting and clumping in the vessels. Aside from these, it also combats free radicals to prevent oxidative stress and regulate blood pressure.
How does infrared therapy help with pain?
Since infrared therapy enhances and improves circulation in the skin and other parts of the body, it can bring oxygen and nutrients to injured tissues, promoting healing.
Why is Infrared Therapy Widely Used Today?
Infrared therapy is widely used in the fields of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and in autoimmune diseases, to name a few. The therapy is safe and natural, which enables it to be offered as an alternative treatment for various health conditions like muscle pain, joint stiffness, and arthritis, to name a few.
What is infrared therapy?
Infrared therapy is a new and innovative light-based method to treat pain and inflammation in various parts of the body. Unlike ultraviolet light, which can damage the skin, infrared light enhances cell regeneration.
How does infrared light help with muscle injury?
In other words, infrared light can hasten the repair process after a muscle injury.
Is infrared therapy harmful?
In fact, infrared saunas are in-demand today, but experts warn of possible health risks. Thermal or heat injuries can happen, depending on the wavelength of the infrared light.
Is infrared light safe?
Also, infrared light is safe, natural, non-invasive, and painless. Thus it may be able to provide a broad range of health benefits. Infrared treatment for rehabilitation orthopedic medical care.