Weighing the Pros and Cons: Are Infrared Heaters Harmful?

The operating principle of infrared heaters is inspired by the Sun — the brightest celestial body that warms our planet with its rays. The Sun, in turn, is the most powerful natural source of infrared radiation. However, it also emits a vast amount of radioactive particles into the Solar System. Infrared heaters, on the other hand, generate only infrared rays, with a negligible level of negative impact on the human body. Nevertheless, under certain circumstances, they may cause minor harm to health, which will be discussed further below.

While traditional heating devices work by warming the air in a room, infrared heaters transfer heat through rays to objects within their coverage area (such as furniture, walls, ceilings, etc.). These objects then release the absorbed heat, making the heater's effect noticeable within minutes of activation.

By skipping the air-warming stage, infrared heaters are suitable not only for indoor use but also for open spaces (even outdoor installations). Infrared radiation directly penetrates surrounding objects, which accounts for its high efficiency.

Are there any risks?

Infrared radiation is classified as follows:

• Long waves IR-C (over 3 μm) — completely absorbed by the upper layers of the skin;
• Medium waves IR-B (from 1.5 to 3 μm) — capable of penetrating the surface layers of the skin;
• Short waves IR-A (from 0.76 to 1.5 μm) — penetrate the skin up to a depth of 4 cm.

As seen, the short-wave spectrum of infrared radiation poses the greatest risk to the body. However, these waves can cause harm only with prolonged and continuous exposure to open skin. The effects include skin drying, dehydration, and an increased risk of burns.

Prolonged exposure to infrared radiation can cause a "toasting" effect on the skin

There is an inverse relationship between the wavelength and the operating temperature of the heating element. That is, the higher the heater's temperature, the more short-wave radiation it generates. For example, a halogen infrared emitter heats up to temperatures exceeding 1000°C, producing a bright golden glow. Slightly less bright is the carbon heating element, which uses carbon fiber instead of a metal coil. The safest option is heaters based on a mica-thermic element, known for its high efficiency, lack of emitted light, and radiation in the harmless long-wave range.

Special attention is given to the heater's glow for a reason — looking directly at the heater while it operates can lead to thermal damage to the retina and lens of the eye. Over time, regular exposure to the rays increases the risk of cataracts.

To protect sensitive eye tissues from damage, avoid staring directly at the heated element of an infrared heater

In moderate doses, infrared rays have no negative impact on the body. On the contrary, such radiation has found widespread use in medicine for the treatment and prevention of various diseases. For example, it is used for targeted warming of body parts during recovery after injuries, in dentistry, surgery, and other medical fields.

Are there benefits?

The use of infrared radiation in medicine is strictly regulated, so self-treatment and overusing infrared baths at home is definitely not recommended. However, even without this, heaters bring many benefits. The advantages of infrared heaters consist of five main points:

• Infrared rays do not dry out the air or burn oxygen;
• The directional spread of rays allows for local heating;
• Infrared heaters operate silently;
• In small doses, infrared radiation promotes improved blood circulation and stimulates metabolism;
• Infrared rays have a disinfecting effect and help rid the room of mold, fungi, and pathogenic microbes.

The advantages of infrared heaters tip the scales in their favor and completely destroy the stereotype that infrared heaters are harmful to human health. Harm can only be caused by improper selection of the heater's power, incorrect placement of the heater, or excessively prolonged exposure of the rays to the body.

Tips for installing infrared heaters

The heating device is installed on a surface according to its intended purpose: floor-standing, wall-mounted, or ceiling-mounted infrared heater. In this case, it is advisable to hang the ceiling heater at the maximum possible height to avoid constant heating of household members' heads (which leads to headaches).

With the correct choice and proper installation, infrared heaters do not harm the human body

It is advisable to position the heater in such a way as to minimize direct exposure of radiation on people. And if there is a child in the house, the heater should be installed out of the reach of the little one.

It is not advisable to use infrared heaters on a permanent basis in bedrooms, children's rooms, and other similar places, since sleeping people and children simply cannot monitor their condition during the operation of the heating device.

More details about the nuances of operating infrared heaters, as well as the principles of their selection depending on the device's power and the area of the room, are described in the article "Choosing an Infrared Heater".

Warmth to your home!