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).
Unlike ultraviolet light - which has damaging effects upon the tissues and cells of the body - infrared light helps cells regenerate or repair themselves. Infrared light also improves the circulation of oxygen-rich blood in the body, promoting faster healing of deep tissues and relieving pain.
➨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. ➨In monitor & control application, it can control only one device at one time.
The main harmful health effects of high IR exposure are to the eye. The cornea, iris, lens and retina are all highly sensitive to varying degrees of thermal damage.
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.
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.
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).
Consult a physician prior to use. Do not use if pregnant, have serious inflammation, a fever, a communicable disease, acute bleeding, or intoxicated.
A major drawback of the NIR method is the extensive modification needed in the mixing equipment to install the NIR probes. Other disadvantages include the “localized” nature of the measurements.
Lack of Awareness and Understanding: One of the main reasons why infrared heating isn't widely used in housing is simply due to a lack of awareness. Many homeowners are unfamiliar with the concept of infrared heating and how it differs from traditional systems like radiators or central heating.
Unlike visible light, infrared radiation cannot go through water or glass. Infrared radiation is reflected off of glass, with the glass acting like a mirror. This is a major disadvantage for uses like capturing images of individuals in cars, for example. Undesirable individuals are detected but not identified.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Unlike traditional saunas, infrared saunas use infrared light to heat your body directly, making the session feel more comfortable. For first-time users, it's recommended to start with shorter stays, like 10-15 minutes. Gradually, as your body adapts, you can increase this duration to 20-30 minutes per session.
Of more importance to us, ultraviolet photons have enough energy to damage or destroy DNA, visible and infrared photons do not. When we absorb visible or infrared photons the energy carried by the photon goes into heating us up, but will not permanently damage our cells like ultraviolet photons can.
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. It helps ease pain, relieve inflammation, and protect against oxidative stress.
Infrared panels are made for continuous operation over many hours. Once turned on, they'll heat up in a few minutes and can be left running for extended periods of time without issue. With the incorporated safety features, if the panel gets too hot, they will automatically shut off until the temperature has reduced.
Infrared can't replace all heating yet
In older, draughty homes, infrared panels alone may not be enough to keep rooms warm. Rooms will feel nice and comfortable when they are on, but without good insulation, the room temperature will quickly cool down when the panels are switched off.
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.
Acute IR irradiation also increases new, leaky vessel formation and induces inflammatory cellular infiltration. (2) Heat energy, which increases skin temperature, also increases MMP-1, -3, and -12, and modulates elastin and fibrillin synthesis, resulting in the development of solar elastosis.