Introduction
The use of infrared radiation has become increasingly commonplace in modern life. Applications for infrared include heating, communications, and medical imaging. While scientific research has suggested that long-term exposure to high levels of infrared radiation can cause skin cancer, the level of risk from normal use is typically low.
Infrared radiation is part of the electromagnetic spectrum, a continuous range including visible light, ultraviolet, and X-ray radiation. Infrared radiation typically falls between visible light and microwaves on the spectrum and has a longer wavelength than visible light. Depending on its frequency, high levels of infrared can cause damage to living tissue by causing rapid heated expansion or by causing chemical changes that irreversibly alter body functions.
Infrared used in an everyday application typically produces far lower radiation levels than other parts of the spectrum, which rarely poses a significant health risk unless exposed for drawn-out periods. This guide will explore what is known about infrared and its effects on health, from medical imaging to heating appliances used around the house.
What is Infrared?
An infrared is a form of electromagnetic radiation with a longer wavelength than that visible light. This energy is found naturally in our environment and artificially generated by products like heat lamps or electric stoves. It is often used for heaters, sauna systems, or even photography.
But does infrared cause cancer? Let’s take a look.
Types of Infrared Radiation
Infrared (IR) radiation is a type of energy that is part of the electromagnetic spectrum, which includes radio waves, visible light, ultraviolet light, and X-rays. Infrared radiation is associated with heat and can be divided into three categories: near infrared, middle infrared, and far infrared.
- Near-infrared, known as short-wavelength radiation, has a wavelength range of 0.75 to 1.4 microns.
- Middle infrared, or mid-wavelength radiation, has a wavelength range of 1.4 to 3 microns.
- Far infrared, or long-wavelength radiation, has a wavelength range of 3 to 1 millimeter.
The sun emits all three types of IR radiation on Earth’s surface and in the atmosphere above it. Human beings also emit this type of energy in the form of body heat—the thermal emission from our skin — which is why you can feel warm when standing next to another person or a warm object that emits thermal emission in the far infrared region (3-1000 µm).
Most sources of natural IR are nonionizing forms of electromagnetic radiation, meaning they don’t have enough energy to cause adverse health effects such as cancer through direct DNA damage from oxidative processes like the UV rays emitted by the sun. Since near and mid-infrared radiation can cause slight warming and do not contain enough energy to be damaging to cells or tissue directly (unlike UV rays), they are generally regarded as safe for human contact over short periods by safety regulatory agencies such as OSHA in the US and HSE in the UK.
Potential Health Risks
Infrared radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation, and like all forms of radiation, it can have potential health risks. This article will look at the potential health risks associated with this form of radiation, including the potential to cause cancer. We’ll explore the research that has been conducted on this topic, so you can make an informed decision about your exposure to infrared radiation.
Skin Damage
Infrared radiation is part of the electromagnetic spectrum that is invisible to the naked eye yet still able to penetrate human skin and potentially cause harm. Infrared radiation has been linked to several types of skin damage and health risks.
One of the most common problems associated with exposure to infrared radiation is an uncomfortable warming sensation in areas exposed to frequent heat. This thermal (heat-related) damage can result in redness, blisters, and other skin irritation or burning, depending on the exposure time. While some studies have found no evidence that long-term exposure to infrared radiation can cause cancer, further research is needed before definitive conclusions can be made.
In addition, some experts believe tumors are more likely to develop after repetitive and frequent infrared thermal insults due to a cumulative tissue overheating effect. It may even lead to sunburns on unprotected surfaces such as the eyes or facial area. Therefore it’s crucial to take necessary safety precautions when subjected repeatedly over extended periods in areas exposed directly to high levels of infrared radiation from heat lamps or similar sources.
Eye Damage
Infrared radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation that can penetrate deeper into the human body than UV rays. It is well known that too much exposure to UV radiation can cause severe damage to the eyes and other organs. Still, research is ongoing regarding the effects of infrared radiation on the eyes.
The cornea and lens absorb most IR energy if it directly touches your skin. As a result, the parts of your eyes which are more vulnerable to damage include your conjunctiva – the tissue membrane covering most aspects of your eye – and the macula – tiny nerves at the back of the eye which mediate good central vision. Prolonged exposure to IR radiation has been linked to macular degeneration, cataracts, inflammation of or around one’s eyelids, and other vision-related issues.
Apart from potential damage directly caused by heat penetration through eye tissue, IR emissions or waves may also harm peripheral tissues like your eyelid muscles, sympathetic nerves, and surrounding networks that regulate pupil function. Therefore, there may be an increased risk for certain health risks, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, in individuals who work with infrared sources for extended periods each day.
Cancer Risk
The potential health risks of infrared radiation exposure are not yet fully understood. Despite this, it is essential to note that there have been no direct links to the development of skin cancer or other forms of cancer due to infrared exposure. However, due to the unknown potential health risks and its known effects on the skin, it is recommended that individuals use protective equipment when exposed to high levels of infrared radiation over extended periods.
Although research has shown that specific wavelengths within the infrared spectrum may cause cellular damage and increase a person’s risk for skin cancer and sunburns when not wearing proper protection, this effect has only been seen with high doses for extended periods of exposure. It is important to note that typical everyday devices used in homes and businesses, such as electric stoves and ovens, do not emit near-infrared radiation at levels capable of causing these potential health risks. However, some medical imaging or industrial processes should always be done with proper protective equipment to avoid potential risks of near-infrared radiation exposure.
Conclusion
While the evidence that infrared radiation can cause cancer is still inconclusive, there are enough studies to suggest that further research is necessary. In addition, infrared radiation can damage your health in a few ways, so it is vital to be aware of the potential risks.
In this section, we will look at the research and evidence that researchers have studied and discuss the potential consequences of exposure to infrared radiation:
Safety Precautions
It is essential to use safety precautions around infrared radiation to minimize the potential health risks of exposure. Therefore, all personnel performing operations with enhanced infrared radiation should be given appropriate training and protective gear.
Individuals should avoid looking directly at infrared sources, which can cause significant corneal burns. Additionally, personnel should be trained to instruct others and take necessary actions when occupying areas exposed to infrared radiation. Finally, all exposed workers should wear protective clothing and safety glasses with UV filters to prevent overexposure and skin damage.
Infrared devices with laser technology, such as thermal imaging cameras, need special safety precautions due to their intense emissions. Without proper cautionary measures taken, eye injuries and permanent blindness may occur. Laser detection systems must be used when these devices are operational to protect eyesight from this highly reflective light. Personnel operating near these devices must also use proper eye protection to minimize the risk of harm from the emitted intensities of light given off by these machines.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does infrared radiation cause cancer?
No, infrared radiation does not cause cancer. Infrared radiation is a natural form of energy in sunlight and is completely safe for use in everyday life.
2. Can exposure to infrared radiation be harmful?
Exposure to infrared radiation can be harmful at high levels or with prolonged exposure. However, this is true of any radiation, including visible light and radio waves.
3. How can I protect myself from the potentially harmful effects of infrared radiation?
One way to protect yourself from the harmful effects of infrared radiation is to limit your exposure to high radiation levels. When working with radiation sources, it can be done by wearing protective gear, such as goggles or gloves.
4. Is infrared radiation used in medical treatments safe?
Infrared radiation is used in many medical treatments, such as infrared heating pads and sauna therapy. These treatments are safe and effective for a variety of conditions.
5. Can infrared radiation be used to treat cancer?
Infrared radiation is not typically used to treat cancer but can help manage cancer symptoms, such as pain and inflammation.
6. Is there a safe limit for exposure to infrared radiation?
Yes, there are safe limits for exposure to infrared radiation established by various regulatory bodies. However, these limits vary depending on the radiation type and exposure duration.