Depending on its intensity, proximity and the duration of exposure, infrared radiation can be harmful to the eyes as well as to the skin. The eyes generally react much sooner and are much more sensitive than the skin to the effects of IR radiation, which can be harmful from a certain degree of intensity and exposure.
FIR does not possess the energy to alter atoms or molecules, thus it cannot harm human tissue like UV radiation can. Although FIR from infrared heaters is generally considered safe, prolonged exposure to UV radiation emitted by the sun has been linked to eye damage such as cataracts.
Near IR can be harmful to the eyes because it penetrates as far as the cornea (Voke, 1999). Uncontrolled, frequent, or long-term exposure to Near Infrared can also cause thermal burns and ageing effects such as “Bakers Arms” or “Glassblowers Face” (Cho & others, 2009).
The best way to protect your eyes in an infrared sauna is to wear goggles that will block out the infrared light. You can also close your eyes and turn your head away from the source of the infrared radiation.
That means it has the potential to burn, and exposure to near infrared has been found to burn the retinas of the eyes. Far-infrared, by contrast, is completely safe. It's known as the 'light of life' – we said earlier that 49% of the light from the sun is infrared.
The good news is that modern infrared heaters are very safe to use even when left unattended during the night, even while you are sleeping.
Light penetration from NIR light rely on target tissues, wavelengths, and sources of NIR light. NIR light is safe but effective. Within near-infrared wavelengths, light can penetrate eyes at maximal level, but absorption of light by cornea and lens is at minimal level (approximately 10%) 95.
While night vision provides clear, color-rich images in low-light environments, infrared excels in total darkness by detecting heat signatures.
All electrical devices, including infrared heaters, emit some level of EMFs. However, the levels emitted by infrared heaters are typically low and considered safe. The concern over EMFs is generally associated with high-frequency EMFs. These are different from the low-frequency EMFs emitted by infrared heaters.
Following are the disadvantages of Infrared sensor: ➨Infrared frequencies are affected by hard objects (e.g. walls, doors) , smoke, dust, fog, sunlight etc. Hence it does not work through walls or doors. ➨Infrared waves at high power can damage eyes.
The deep, penetrative effects of Near and Mid-infrared in the short term are beneficial, but over time leads to headaches and dry-skin.
While the red light is unlikely to cause direct damage to the eyes themselves, it can still cause discomfort or irritation if it is too bright or too close to the eyes. In conclusion, while red light therapy is generally considered safe for the eyes, it's important to take precautions to minimize any potential risks.
High up on the wall or ceiling are the best locations for infrared panels. Wall placement allows you more freedom to direct heat exactly where you need it – particularly useful if you're dealing with a larger space. Ceiling placement provides an unhindered spread of warmth and also keeps wall spaces free.
Do not use if pregnant, have serious inflammation, a fever, a communicable disease, acute bleeding, or intoxicated.
Infrared cameras can be used to track suspicious vehicles and recognize license plate information in low-light conditions, a process that cannot be performed accurately using thermal cameras. If installed CCTV cameras are intended to support vehicle monitoring initiatives 24/7, infrared solutions should be prioritized.
Regulation of circadian rhythms: Exposure to red and near-infrared light, whether through PBM or red light therapy, can help regulate the body's internal clock and improve the synchronization of circadian rhythms. This is crucial for maintaining healthy sleep-wake cycles.
Results: Detrimental effects such as thermal burns, photocarcinogenesis, and photoaging have been reported, though evidence suggests that these may be due to the thermal effects produced secondary to IR exposure rather than the isolated effect of IR.
Light emitted by quartz infrared heat lamps may cause damage to the retina through photothermal and photochemical means.
Is Infrared Light Safe for Eyes? Infrared light over 1400nm might pose more risks if eyes are unprotected. Red light and NIR under 1400nms wavelength is considered safe.
We understand why people look at infrared heating—it sounds energy efficient. But in reality, infrared heaters need to stay on longer to maintain warmth, and because they only heat what they directly touch, they often end up using more energy than expected.
In effect, infrared heat dries out walls from the inside. Eliminating mould and condensation can improve or maintain air quality for those with allergies or breathing problems.
Potential health issues
Indeed, if you sit too close to an infrared heater, you can experience blotchy skin, so there is damage occurring at a cellular level. Also, if you overheat, you sweat. While this isn't an issue with convector heaters that gently heat and circulate the air, it is a problem with infrared heat.