Effect of infrared radiation on the human body

To determine the effect of infrared (IR) radiation on the human body, you need to find out what infrared radiation is.

WHAT IS INFRARED RADIATION?

Referring to Wikipedia, infrared radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation that occupies the spectral region between the red end of visible light and microwave radio radiation. In simple words: it is a type of electromagnetic radiation with a certain wavelength:

· short λ = 0.74–2.5 microns;

· average λ = 2.5–50 microns;

· far (long) λ = 50-2000 microns

The wavelength depends on the temperature of the heated body: the higher the temperature, the shorter the wave, and Vice versa. A body heated to 300 degrees emits LONG waves, up to 600 degrees – MEDIUM, from 600 and above – SHORT.

THE EFFECT OF INFRARED WAVES ON THE HUMAN BODY

Short-wave IR radiation

Short infrared waves penetrate several centimeters into the skin and can cause internal organs to heat up. Short-wave radiation is not only uncomfortable, but also harmful to health. With prolonged exposure, a person feels a burning heat, a headache, signs of dizziness and even nausea appear. Short infrared rays are very dangerous for the visual organs. Their long-term effects on the eyes lead to the development of cataracts. Heat stroke also occurs due to short infrared radiation.

Long-wave IR radiation

Long infrared rays, hitting the skin, cause a feeling of warmth. They are not only safe, but also, as medicine shows, useful for health. Infrared long-wave radiation increases immunity and accelerates the regeneration of body cells. The village stove, known for a long time for its medicinal properties, is a classic example of a source of long-wave infrared radiation.

SOURCES OF INFRARED RADIATION

Sources of IR radiation include the sun, infrared lamps, infrared saunas, and infrared heaters. We rarely encounter infrared saunas and lamps. But with the growth of heating tariffs, infrared heaters, known for their economy, are gaining popularity. In this regard, the Internet has increased the number of requests about the harm and benefits of infrared heaters, their impact on human health.

When choosing infrared heating, consider the characteristics of the room that needs to be heated. Short-wave heaters have the right to life if they are used in open areas, in cold industrial premises with a large cubic capacity. Long-wave infrared heaters are used for heating apartments, private homes, offices, cafes, kindergartens and schools. But this option is not suitable for heating SAFs and stalls, not insulated balconies, where thin walls that do not keep the heat. By 2017, the Ukrainian market for the sale of infrared heaters has grown by 2 times. Dozens of companies offering infrared heating have appeared. Pay attention to the 6 main criteria for choosing a safe infrared heater.