Is infrared harmful?
The warm, pleasant touch of the sun's rays on the skin makes us want to expose our face to it as often as possible. We can ensure this by using heating based on infrared rays. Is infrared used in heating harmful or vice versa? We will help you dispel your doubts. We invite you to read.
Infrared heating: good or bad?
Before we get to the question in the title, the term infrared waves should be briefly introduced.
Infrared waves, or infrared, is a range of electromagnetic waves with a length of 780 nm to 1 mm, located between visible light and microwave radiation.
infrared radiation division
Infrared radiation is divided into bands:
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near infrared (NIR near infrared)
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medium infrared (MIR medium infrared)
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far infrared (FIR far infrared)
In fact, infrared radiation close to NIR can in some cases negatively affect the human body. The cornea and skin are particularly vulnerable as near infrared waves can cause burns, but it should be noted that these types of waves are not used in radiant heating technology.
Infrared heating devices are based on far infrared, which is safe for humans. Studies conducted on this type of heating indicate that there is no evidence that it has any negative impact on human health.
The power of infrared heaters is not high. The appropriate value is matched to the individual needs of the customer. Infrared radiators used to heat rooms where people are constantly staying, , generate a temperature of 5 to 100 degrees Celsius. Slightly higher values are needed in large rooms, such as warehouses or production halls.
Tests carried out by independent laboratories indicate that far infrared waves, used for heating, are not only not harmful, but can even be successfully used for therapeutic purposes. Physiotherapists use devices based on infrared emission in their work.
Another noteworthy advantage of heating with infrared rays is the higher comfort of life for people suffering from allergies to dust and mites.
As a result of the operation of conventional heating devices, the air in the room moves, creating a constant cloud of heated dust, which causes discomfort for allergy sufferers. In the case of infrared heating panels, such a risk does not exist.
The heat source heats in the same way as in the case of sunlight.
How does an infrared device work?
The human body consists of 60-70% water. Infrared waves easily penetrate the water molecules that we are made of and heat it in a safe and quick way. The sun, which is the source of life on Earth, has the same effect on our skin.
Is it possible to overheat the water in the human body by using infrared heating?
No, because the values used by the manufacturers of radiators are not high, and in addition, each time the heating device is individually selected for the cubic capacity of the room it is to heat.
The power emitted by the heating panels is not much different from the natural background in which each of us stays.
Nevertheless, in order not to be too close to a device that uses electricity (similar to a TV, radio or fridge), it is recommended not to mount the heating panels close to the bed or sofa.
What are the other benefits of using infrared heating?
In addition to the aforementioned relief for allergy sufferers, who will no longer be exposed to increased air circulation with dust in heated rooms, it is worth mentioning the ecological and economic advantages of such a solution.
Infrared radiation is called clean, natural energy obtained in a way similar to sunlight. Using the small amount of electricity that each of us has at home, you can heat the room in an environmentally safe way. No harmful smoke, smelly chimney fumes and smog.
The economic advantages of using infrared heating devices can be felt after the first month of operation. Utility bills during the cold months will decrease significantly.
An additional advantage is the failure-free operation of the devices and the ease of installation. It is enough to master the skill of operating a drill and you can become the owner of infrared heating panels in your home.