Harm of infrared heaters: myths and real danger

How safe are IR heaters

Options for the location of heating devices in rooms of different types and sizes.

The harm of infrared heaters to humans is exaggerated. Proper selection of infrared equipment and ensuring proper operation will level the harm and even reduce it to zero. For example, the same uranium mines, subject to the strictest operating requirements, are practically harmless to the people working there. The same applies to IR radiation.

By the way, the word "radiation" acts on people like a loaded gun - many, having heard this word, perceive it as an element of danger. At the same time, the most ordinary light that a light bulb emits is also radiation. Another radio waves are a form of radiation electromagnetic radiation causes radios to talk and televisions to show us an image.

This is not to say that IR radiation is absolutely harmless. If you wish, you can harm your body with the help of the most harmless things and objects. The same oranges or chicken eggs, if consumed in unimaginable quantities, can cause a lot of suffering and trouble to a person. Therefore, when assessing the harm from infrared heaters, it is necessary to focus on the correct selection of equipment and compliance with the operating rules.

Infrared heaters - the harm and benefits of them can be very different. Let's see how the benefits are achieved and under what conditions they become harmful:

Calculation of the correct location of the ceiling IR device depending on its power.

• the correct selection of heaters for the volume of the room will provide benefits and prevent headaches. If there is a "brute force" in power, it will not be possible to avoid harmful effects;
• the right choice of heaters by wavelength - short-wave models are focused on outdoor use. Indoors, their impact leads to a kind of burns, headaches and other troubles. To heat the premises, long-wave heaters should be used (the best option for a person);
• proper operation in time - prolonged operation of such devices can be harmful, so you need to know when to stop;
• the location of the heaters - in order to neutralize the harm of infrared heaters, it is desirable to arrange them so that they warm up the surrounding objects. You also need to maintain the distance from the heaters to people.

It should be taken into account that IR devices provide protection against many pathogenic bacteria - this is already a benefit, not a harm. And they warm the skin well and are used to treat certain diseases.

Nevertheless, a long stay near infrared heaters is harmful - the skin dries out, the head starts to hurt, and unpleasant sensations appear.

What is the harm from an IR heater

Infrared heater, if used incorrectly, harms the human body. What negative consequences are possible when using the device?

Harmful action:

• If you stay near the device for a long time, the risk of burns on the skin increases.
• Heat stroke may occur if the heater is used incorrectly.
• Short waves in the device with long exposure cause diseases of the visual system.

Improper use of the infrared mechanism leads to headaches, discomfort in the head, dry skin.

It is recommended to note that all the harm of an infrared heater occurs as a result of incorrect operation and non-compliance with safety rules.

What damage can an IR heater cause?

The harm from infrared heaters can be quite significant. For example, a quartz heater often used by people in various devices can act in this way:

1. From its impact, the skin dries up due to the intensive release of moisture from the side where infrared rays come from.
2. Quartz heater can cause burns. This often happens in infrared saunas.
3. Biochemical impact on people heat flow has due to the effect on the protein of the skin. It changes the permeability of the blood cell membrane.
4. With prolonged exposure, the heater can also harm the eyes: the retina and lens suffer. This is often the cause of the occurrence and development of cataracts.

Infrared heating installed in an apartment can have exactly the same effect on people's skin.
Large doses of infrared radiation are harmful to health. Workers of workshops where glass or metal is processed by an infrared apparatus were studied. It has been recognized that the skin of workers in such industries loses its protective qualities due to the high intensity of heat.

Many people ask whether a quartz heater, which is used in physiotherapy procedures, is harmful or not. There is no great danger from such a device, since in medical institutions all radiation parameters are strictly regulated, and such an infrared heater affects patients for a very short time, so it cannot cause any damage to the skin of patients.

There are established sanitary standards for a long stay of a person in a room where an infrared heater is located. In IR saunas, the effect of heat on people is short-term, so it is possible to use intense irradiation with a power of up to 450-490 W / m², but the technology must be strictly maintained, otherwise a burn is possible.Scientists consider such saunas to be useless, since they have no advantages over traditional stoves.

Safety

The installation and connection of the heater must only be carried out in accordance with safety regulations. Subject to technical requirements, the device will be safe for health even with prolonged use - 24 hours a day.

Forbidden:

• operate the heater without grounding;
• use the device in rooms with the presence of flammable liquids, vapor-air mixtures, combustible dust or fibers, in very dusty rooms and during repairs;
• wipe the radiating plates with flammable liquids during the operation of the heater;
• install a heater near furniture and curtains;
• leave the switched on device unattended;
• use a clothes dryer.

You should purchase original devices from trusted manufacturers, made from quality materials.

Protection methods

To reduce the negative impact of the heater on health, you need to follow a few simple rules.

Helpful Hints:

1. Do not place the heater directly above the place where people are constantly located, it is better to install it in the far corner of the room.
2. Do not sleep near the shortwave IR light type - this can lead to dry skin.

When choosing a heater, you do not need to give preference to the cheapest options. The cost of such a device can only be reduced by using low-quality materials that release hazardous elements into the air when heated.

Types of infrared heaters

Despite the fact that skeptics promise about the harm of infrared radiation, such heaters are being sold more and more. This means that many people do not share these fears, since they are groundless. On the modern market, IR heaters are represented by a fairly wide range of models that can operate on different types of energy carriers:

• gas;
• electrical;
• liquid fuel (kerosene or diesel fuel).

In everyday life, gas and electric models are most often used. The latter are produced not only in the form of wall and floor heaters, but also for installation under the floor covering. This is a film IR warm floor.

The advantage of IR heaters is that they are equally successful in heating distant objects indoors and out. In this case, the energy carrier will be used exclusively for its intended purpose, that is, you do not heat the street. The use of such heaters makes it possible to sit on the summer terrace of a cafe in the deep autumn and feel quite comfortable.

Danger of IR film floor

Film infrared heaters can also be dangerous. The harm to the health of such a warm floor is not in the principle of heating it, but in the method of connecting to the mains. For safe use of electrical appliances, they must be grounded. Unfortunately, this is not the case with film IR underfloor heating.

Two wires - phase and zero (no grounding).

The heating element is connected via RCD. This is a device that turns off the voltage when a leak of 30 amperes appears. It would seem that everything is in order, but:

• like any device, the RCD can break down;
• a lethal discharge for an adult is 100 amperes, respectively, 30 amperes is also very sensitive.

These are the only possible dangers. There is no harm from IR radiation. The temperature on the floor is comfortable, the legs do not burn. The researchers conducted a series of experiments before the release of the film underfloor heating to the retail market. According to these studies, people improved blood circulation, resulting in increased brain activity. Also, under the influence of infrared rays, the spread of harmful bacteria stops, blood pressure normalizes, the water-salt balance is leveled, and toxins are removed from the body. In general, the effect of infrared heaters is positive.

The effect of infrared rays on the body

Some people are afraid to use devices based on infrared radiation, because they often confuse it with ultraviolet rays, the dangers of which, when exposed to excessive exposure, have been widely reported in the media.

However, do not confuse these 2 completely different concepts, IR rays have a completely different effect on the human body:

1. Impact on the nerve endings when it comes into contact with the skin, it causes a feeling of warmth.
2. When it hits a person, long waves cause an increase not in body temperature, but only in the upper skin. This is due to the fact that most of the rays are absorbed by the moisture contained in the skin.
3. Rays from the short-wave part of the infrared spectrum are able to penetrate deeper, causing an increase in the temperature of not only the skin, but also the internal organs.
4. Able to cause the process of regeneration and healing of damaged tissues.
5. Short waves can lead to heat stroke if the temperature of a person's brain rises even by 1°C.

How to prevent the harmful effects of IR radiation

To minimize the harmful effects on humans, you should follow a few simple rules when choosing and installing:

• It is better to place the device higher or in the farthest corner of the room. It is undesirable to send it to where there are people. In this case, the room will warm up, and there will be no harmful radiation.
• It is not recommended to install heaters of this type in children's rooms and bedrooms or where there is a constant crowd of people. If the device is essential, do not point it towards people.
• No need to buy a very powerful heater. It is necessary that its power is enough to heat the walls, floor and ceiling, and they will give heat.
• Take a good look at the infrared heater that you liked. Ask a consultant about the advantages and disadvantages, ask about the reliability of the manufacturer. To get an independent opinion, you can look at forums on the Internet.
• When choosing an infrared heater, you do not need to chase very cheap copies. Often cheapness indicates poor quality when the device is made of poor materials. When heated, toxins can be released, which will cause poisoning.

An infrared heater is a great alternative to centralized heating. When used correctly, it does not harm a person, and even improves health. This device will easily warm the whole family in the most severe frosts.

Benefit and harm

Infrared rays affect living organisms in different ways. For example, long waves have a healing effect on human health, so they are often used for medicinal purposes. It is on this principle that the operation of equipment for physiotherapy procedures is based.

Infrared devices can do both good and bad

Long-wave infrared rays have the following positive effects on humans:

• improve cerebral circulation and memory;
• strengthen the immune system;
• normalize the water-salt balance;
• improve hormonal levels;
• normalize blood pressure;
• cleanse the body of toxins and salts of heavy metals;
• prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi and pathogens.

Thus, long-wave infrared radiation is not only useful for humans, but also necessary for them. With a lack of such rays, immunity suffers and the process of accelerated aging starts.

In this video you will learn what infrared heat is:

Heaters based on infrared rays eliminate various harmful and dangerous bacteria, and special IR lamps help with:

• radiculitis;
• disruption of the ovaries;
• bronchial asthma;
• osteochondrosis;
• mucosal disorders.

Also, with the help of such an irradiator, it is possible to cure pneumonia, prostatitis in the acute stage, rhinitis, tonsillitis and otitis media without purulent formations.

Despite the large number of useful and medicinal properties, this device has contraindications. Infrared radiation is harmful for a person if he has acute inflammatory diseases.

Infrared rays may cause side effects

Short waves also have great harm to infrared radiation on the human body. Under their influence, the following symptoms may appear:

• nausea;
• severe dizziness;
• darkening in the eyes;
• fainting;
• impaired coordination of movements;
• cardiopalmus.

Usually, under the influence of such rays, the skin begins to redden, burns, convulsions may appear. Long stay next to short waves leads to a violation of the water-salt balance or heat stroke. Such radiation also poses a great danger to the mucous membrane of the eyes, as it can lead to the development of photophobia, cataracts and other vision problems.

More about infrared heater:

Scientists' opinion

Naturally, many people want to know what official science thinks about this before buying an IR heater.

The following are the opinions of various scientists and authoritative scientific organizations regarding the effects of infrared radiation on humans:

1. Most of the scientific workers of the Research Institute of Occupational Medicine at the Academy of Sciences of the Russian Federation unanimously came to the collective opinion that long-wave infrared radiation has basically only a positive effect on the human body. The effect of resonant absorption is important, that is, in order to achieve the most favorable effect, it is necessary that the wavelength emanating from the IR source be no more, and ideally equal to the wavelength of the person himself.
2. A number of modern studies carried out in the field of biotechnology have shown that it was long-wave infrared radiation that was of the greatest importance in the formation of life on the planet.
3. According to a number of scientists, it is infrared heating organized in a residential area that is the safest and most economical, and is also environmentally friendly.

Cons of infrared heaters

Despite all the advantages of infrared heaters, compared to oil or convection heaters, this type of equipment still has disadvantages.They are insignificant, but they should be taken into account when choosing a heater for an office, house or apartment, as this will affect ease of use and safety.

Rapid drop in temperature when the heater is turned off

If you turn off the oil heater, then the heat from the heated liquid will still spread throughout the room for some time. This allows you to alternate the intervals of activity and passivity of the device so that it consumes less electricity, but does not stop heating.

Infrared heaters give off heat only when switched on. As soon as the voltage stops flowing to the heating element, radiant heat stops. The user immediately becomes cool. If the device has been working in the room for a long time, so that the walls and objects have warmed up, then the comfortable temperature will last a little longer. When turned on for a short time, as soon as the device is turned off, it will immediately become cold.

Uneven heating

Another disadvantage of an infrared heater is uneven heating. All his work, due to the involvement of electromagnetic waves in the infrared, has a directional effect. As a result, in a room of 5x5 m, heat will be felt by those people who are in the zone of influence of the heater. The rest will be cold. For example, if there are two beds in a children's room in different corners, then you will have to put them side by side or use two IR devices at once.

Uneven heating is also manifested in the fact that radiant heat heats the zone like light from a flashlight - where it hits. Therefore, on the one hand, the human body can even be hot, and on the other, it feels cool from the surrounding air.With such an operation of the device in the open air, it will have to be periodically rearranged or turned by itself in order to warm up from all sides.

Negative impact on a person with prolonged intensive exposure

In general, IR heaters are safe for health, but problems can arise when you stay under a constantly turned on high-temperature device for a long time. It's like sitting under the sun for a long time - you won't get a tan from infrared rays, but the concentrated heat will dry out the skin, and the body will not have time to compensate for the loss of moisture by removing sweat in this place. Overdried skin can then bake and peel off. Therefore, sitting on one side with bare parts of the body to a constantly turned on heater is not recommended.

Dangerous for children and pets

High-temperature IR heaters with spiral heating elements can cause burns if a person touches the bulb or reflector. Although the heating element of the IR heater is enclosed in a glass tube, the surface of the latter is still very hot.

The heating element of the apparatus is often covered with a metal grate with large cells, so children, out of curiosity, can easily stick their hand in there. In view of this, you should not leave the included IR heater and children in the same room unattended. A pet with long hair can be hurt if it rubs against the heater and accidentally touches the heated bulb with the coil.

Bright light

Infrared heaters with tubular heating elements have another drawback - a bright glow. In daylight, this is not very noticeable and only helps to see whether the device is working or not. In the setting of a street cafe, it is even attractive in the evening.

But in a room at night, such a “bulb” can interfere with rest, continuing to shine brightly in the eyes. It is impossible to turn the case in the other direction, because then the heat will be directed past.

Fire risk

This shortcoming again concerns only high-temperature models. The tall stand of the heater allows it to be installed at different heights to adjust the direction of radiant heat depending on the user's location. The stand has a four-point stand to ensure a stable position, but a large dog in the house can easily overwhelm the unit by running past. If this is not seen, then touching the carpet or continuing to shine on the wooden flooring in this position, the heater can start a fire.

Having considered from all sides the topic of the pros and cons of IR heaters, it will be easier for you to make your choice. And you can find out already tested and popular models that have positive reviews by looking at the next page of the site, which describes the best infrared heaters of all kinds.

The benefits of infrared radiation and use in medicine

for the treatment of various diseases

When a person is exposed to infrared radiation, his blood vessels dilate and blood flow increases. And this leads to an improvement in metabolic processes in the body. These rays are often used to treat skin burns and various skin diseases.

A lot of people, having heard the name "infrared heater", begin to wonder what the IR waves are that come from such heaters. It is worth saying that by their nature they are similar to the heat emanating from the human body.Infrared waves have the same length, so their effect on the owner of the infrared heater is extremely positive. Their effect allows you to fight bacteria and pathogens.

Harm or benefit?

Is infrared heater harmful to humans? Since this question is increasingly disturbing the minds of people, it means that it cannot be unfounded. The principle of operation of such devices is akin to the operation of a blue lamp for the ears, which were usually forbidden to look at because of the danger of damaging eyesight.

Of course, in large quantities everything will be harmful. But, observing the correct dosage of IR radiation, it is possible to accurately warm up locally illuminated tissues due to the ability of thermal rays to penetrate several centimeters under the skin.

Moreover, such radiation destroys harmful microorganisms. Unlike ultraviolet, which is the killer of all living things, the infrared spectrum is widely used during the restoration of health after severe injuries and various diseases. It helps to speed up tissue regeneration, give a feeling of relaxation, and also help to relax the nervous system.

Opinion of scientists

The results of recent scientific studies have confirmed the positive effect of long-wave infrared rays on human health and immunity. But this applies to short-term impact. Otherwise (with prolonged directed heating), doctors say, the skin is overheated and dried out, which adversely affects its condition. In addition, burns of the retina and lens are possible, so experts strongly do not recommend looking at the heated elements of heaters.

Everything in moderation

It will be useful, having come from a frost, to warm up near a heat source, but sleeping in the immediate vicinity of an IR heater is harmful and dangerous. From a working device hanging under the ceiling, or standing in the corner of a room, there will be exactly as much harm as from a fireplace. Are you afraid to sit by the fire? But an open flame is a powerful source of infrared radiation.

Conclusion

Infrared heaters are a good solution for heating your home. They can be used as the main heat source or used in addition to a central heating system. However, the operation of these installations must be subject to certain conditions.
otherwise harm is inevitable:

• they must be used in accordance with the rules of operation;
• devices from little-known manufacturers or of dubious quality should not be installed for space heating.

In order for the harm during the operation of infrared devices to be minimal, it is necessary to use it with restrictions and choose only as an additional source of heating
apartments. Any device, not just IR devices for heating, has its drawbacks. This should not be forgotten.

Recently, infrared heaters are becoming more and more popular. They are used for heating not only offices and shops, but also houses and cottages. They, unlike other devices for space heating, are quite widespread. But the high price of infrared heaters hinders their distribution among urban and rural residents, because it is cheaper to purchase a convector or an oil cooler. In addition, many are interested in the question of whether infrared heaters are harmful or not harmful to humans.Before answering it, you need to learn more about these devices and how they work.

How does an infrared heater work?

Harmful! At first glance, such a statement simply does not have the right to life. By principle, the heater can be compared with the sun's rays. But there is one difference. When the heater is operating, infrared radiation is emitted and there is no ultraviolet radiation. It passes through the air and only partially heats it. Heat, more precisely, is transferred to objects to which an infrared heater is directed. The angle of incidence of the rays, the shape, the surface material and even the color of the object - all of the above affect the degree of heating. It is safe to say that this type of heater really works on the principle of the sun: it warms the air, gives off heat to objects, and they continue to give off heat even after the heater is turned off.

Benefit or harm

The heater, at first glance, is very tempting. But many people do not trust advertising and the manufacturer and suspect that infrared heaters are harmful to humans.

Experts from different countries have been trying for many years to find the right answer to this question. Numerous studies have been conducted, the results of which indicate that this type of heater is absolutely safe for humans and does not affect health in any way. Moreover, even doctors claim that the use of an infrared heater is not harmful to health.

Naturally, it was previously believed that infrared heaters are harmful, but because of their radiation. The fact is that the first models had a very high power and numerous cases of fire were recorded.Modern models are not so powerful, besides they have a fall sensor. That is, if the heater accidentally falls, it will immediately turn off thanks to the sensor, and there will be no fire. This is very convenient if the family has small children or pets. The most comfortable and economical are considered infrared carbon heaters. When using such a device, heat can be directed directly to a person. And for those who appreciate originality, there is an option when the warmth comes from a favorite picture - basically, these are film infrared heaters. All of these devices work on roughly the same principle.

It is also worth remembering that scammers do not miss the moment to earn extra money dishonestly, and fake infrared heaters periodically appear on the markets, which can be harmful to health. Therefore, it is better to buy such devices in trusted places and require a quality certificate.