Is infrared heat safe for the body?

Author: Monica Sanford Sr.  |  Last update: Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Is Infrared Heating Safe? Far infrared heating is 100% safe and this has been backed up by numerous studies. Including those done by the Swedish National Institute of Radiation Protection. Although our infrared heaters generate the same sort of heat as the sun, no harmful UV rays are projected from our panels.

What are the negative effects of infrared heating?

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).

Is infrared heat good for your body?

Many studies have looked at using infrared saunas in the treatment of long-lasting health problems and found some proof that saunas may help. Conditions studied include high blood pressure, heart failure, dementia and Alzheimer's disease, headache, type 2 diabetes, and arthritis.

Why is infrared heating not popular in the USA?

  • The reason is fairly simple...and then also quite complex.
  • The primary reason is that while infrared (radiant) heat is quite effective at warming the human body surface, it doesn't heat everything else at the same rate...
  • In addition, IR radiant heating does a poor job at heating air.

Is it safe to run an infrared heater on all the time?

Most residential infrared panels are designed to be safe for extended periods. These heating units often come with built-in safety mechanisms, such as: Overheating protection: This feature automatically switches off the heater when it reaches a certain temperature to prevent any fire risk.

Do the risks of infrared sauna overheat the benefits?

How long should you use infrared heat?

If you're new to using a sauna, it's best to start with shorter sessions of 15 to 20 minutes. You can gradually increase the duration as your body gets used to the infrared heat. Typically, experienced infrared sauna users enjoy sessions between 30 to 45 minutes, aiming to maximise the potential benefits and comfort.

Can infrared heaters cause headaches?

The deep, penetrative effects of Near and Mid-infrared in the short term are beneficial, but over time leads to headaches and dry-skin.

What are the problems with infrared?

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.

Do infrared heaters use a lot of electricity?

But don't worry, infrared heaters are incredibly efficient. They're designed to keep a space warm while using as little electricity as possible.

Is infrared heat safe for eyes?

The protein of eye lens is very sensitive to IR radiation which is hazardous and may lead to cataract.

Does infrared have side effects?

In general, any side effects of infrared radiation treatment were minimal and transient. Of the 20 patients treated, 80% developed mild transient erythema, which lasted only a few hours after the treatment and was not a significant problem for the patients.

Does infrared heat help inflammation?

By improving circulation and promoting cellular repair, infrared therapy can help manage inflammation and speed up the healing process. Infrared therapy has also been shown to stimulate collagen production – a protein found in our bones, skin, tendons, and ligaments that provides structure and support.

Does infrared heat burn fat?

Infrared absorption increases blood flow to tissues and raises the body's core temperature. As the body works to cool itself down, the metabolism gets a boost. A higher metabolism means more calories are burned throughout the day, which may aid in fat loss immediately and over time.

What is the main disadvantage to infrared?

IR-A radiation with its excessive heat can cause irreversible damage (such as burns) to the retina and cloud the lens, which can lead to a cataract (also known as glassblower's cataract or infrared cataract). IR-B radiation can damage the blood vessels down to the fatty tissue.

Do infrared heaters give off eMF?

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.

What is the harmful effect of infrared radiation on the human body?

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.

Why is infrared heating not popular?

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.

Can I leave infrared heater on all the time?

Infrared panels are suitable for all-day heating.

The gradual build-up of heat ensures a comfortable environment, allowing them to be left on for extended periods without making a room feel stuffy.

Who should not use infrared?

Consult a physician prior to use. Do not use if pregnant, have serious inflammation, a fever, a communicable disease, acute bleeding, or intoxicated.

What is the main risk infrared?

Excessive exposure can result in damage or even burns. In general, thermal burden can lead to disturbances in the heat balance of the entire organism. The eyes are particularly sensitive to thermal effects. Suitable protective goggles can protect the eyes against excessive exposure to infrared radiation.

What does infrared do to the body?

It can penetrate deep through the layers of the skin, to the muscles and bones. 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.

Are infrared heaters unhealthy?

The infrared heating method used in modern heating devices is 100% safe. This has been confirmed by numerous researchers and sales of such models worldwide.

Which room heater is best for health?

Oil Room Heaters

Oil room heaters, including the premium varieties by Orpat, are one of the safest options that can be chosen for good health. Oil serves as a medium to hold and distribute heat evenly across the room.

What is the difference between a far infrared heater and an infrared heater?

Because infrared is an electromagnetic wave (similar to light), it can be directed or “focused” over specific distances. Infrared heating can be broadly categorized into two types: near-infrared and far-infrared. Far-infrared is gentler, as it heats objects and surfaces rather than the air directly.

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