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).
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.
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.
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. Thus it may be able to provide a broad range of health benefits.
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.
But don't worry, infrared heaters are incredibly efficient. They're designed to keep a space warm while using as little electricity as possible.
Consult a physician prior to use. Do not use if pregnant, have serious inflammation, a fever, a communicable disease, acute bleeding, or intoxicated.
Studies have been conducted to quantitatively measure IR-induced skin damage. Indicators of cell damage such as MMP-1, an enzyme involved in the normal turnover of skin collagen, are used. Increased MMP-1 synthesis is suggested to contribute to premature skin aging.
Understanding Infrared Heating
These waves are a type of radiation emitted by the sun and are safe for human exposure when used correctly. They provide even warmth throughout rooms while being safer than conventional heaters due to their targeted approach.
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.
What is the safest heater to leave on overnight? While it's not recommended to leave any space heater on if you're not monitoring it, oil-filled, radiant space heaters are considered safer than ceramic convection (hot air) types, according to Roberson. Both of these options are safer than open-coil heaters.
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 disadvantages of infrared light? People who work in industries which expose them to infrared radiation for long periods of time may experience eye damage. The human eye is sensitive to all of the radiation in the electromagnetic spectrum, especially if that radiation is at very high levels of intensity.
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.
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.
Infrared heat dilates capillaries in the body, which greatly improves blood circulation. This means blood supply to muscles is increased when exposed to infrared heat. The improved circulation helps to improve wounds and muscle pain.
Now you might think this sounds a bit scary, but actually it's very safe. While it's true that some forms of EM Radiation like ultraviolet and x-rays can be harmful, infrared is the same type of wave that our own Sun employs to heat the Earth.
Infrared heat does not tan the skin but instead stimulates circulation and eases muscle pain and is widely used as a source of heating in yoga studios and health facilities.
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.
The red and near-infrared light photons penetrate through the skull and into brain cells and spur the mitochondria to produce more ATP. That can mean clearer, sharper thinking, says Naeser.
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.
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.