Introduction
The term “infrared light” encompasses a wide range of electromagnetic radiation to which humans are commonly exposed. In general, infrared light is composed of both visible and invisible spectrum light that can be divided into three categories: near-infrared (NIR), mid-infrared (MIR), and far infrared (FIR). While all forms of infrared radiation can deliver energy, only a specific part is considered hazardous to humans.
It is important to understand what constitutes dangerous levels of exposure to understand the potential risks associated with this type of electromagnetic radiation.
This article will provide an overview of the dangers associated with exposure to each type of infrared light and offer advice on protecting oneself from possible harm caused by overexposure. It will also explore the various ways in which individuals can be exposed to dangerous levels of infrared light and discuss the steps that should be taken if an accidental overexposure occurs:
- Near-infrared (NIR)
- Mid-infrared (MIR)
- Far infrared (FIR)
How Infrared Light Works
Infrared light is a form of electromagnetic radiation found on the invisible light spectrum. It’s longer than visible light but shorter than radio waves and microwaves. This type of light is extensively used in our everyday lives, such as in remote controls and security cameras.
So, how does infrared light work? Let’s find out more.
Wavelengths
Infrared light is electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light. It has become increasingly common in many areas of life and is often used to heat objects, such as in infrared saunas. This kind of light is typically divided into three categories: near-infrared (NIR), mid-infrared (MIR), and far infrared (FIR).
- Near Infrared (NIR): The shortest wavelength of the three categories, near-infrared has a wavelength range of 0.75 to 1.4 microns and can sometimes be felt as a gentle warmth on the skin but is invisible to the naked eye. In some high-end electronics, NIR is used for medical imaging processes like thermography and laser-pointing devices.
- Mid-Infrared (MIR): Mid-infrared radiation has a wavelength range of 1.4 to 3 microns and produces greater amounts of heat on the skin than NIR waves. Though it’s not visible to the naked eye, it’s typically used for thermal imaging cameras and sensors in many industries, including automotive engineering and aerospace navigation systems.
- Far Infrared (FIR): Far infrared radiation has a longer wavelength than either NIR or MIR waves at 3 to 1000 microns and produces even greater heat that can penetrate several centimeters into body tissue for therapeutic healing benefits such as pain relief from sore muscles or relief from stiff joints due to arthritis or similar conditions. This kind of radiation, though not hazardous when properly applied, should never be directed directly onto someone’s eyes or any other sensitive area of their body to prevent any potential harm or discomfort caused by overexposure to infrared light energy.
Sources
Infrared light is an invisible form of electromagnetic radiation in the spectrum that ranges from 700 nanometers (nm) to 1 millimeter (mm). It is located between the visible light spectrum, which ranges from 400 nm to 700 nm, and the microwave region, which ranges from 1 mm to 30 cm. Depending on the application, infrared radiation can be generated in various ways.
The heat lamps used by restaurants and other commercial kitchens are typically made with incandescent bulbs emitting visible light and infrared radiation. Halogen lamps also emit infrared radiation, while quartz lamps are specifically designed to produce a high level.
Infrared lasers and chemical heating sources like thermite can emit high energy levels. Conversely, many electronic devices contain semiconductors or photodiodes (such as those found in remote controls) that detect specific frequencies of infrared light emitted from another source — usually a remote control handset — and respond accordingly.
Finally, natural sources such as heated bodies, whether living or not, also emit infrared radiation in their regular operation. Such materials include:
- Fireplaces and tunnels are heated by hot air or steam from below.
- Solar energy hits objects or water surfaces that re-radiate energy in large quantities at longer wavelengths, including infrared.
Potential Health Hazards
Infrared light is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is invisible to the human eye. Although it is not generally considered a health hazard, some infrared radiation is powerful enough to cause skin and eye damage.
In this section, we’ll go through the potential health hazards of exposure to infrared radiation.
Eye Damage
Potential eye damage associated with exposure to infrared light is well documented. The eyes are particularly vulnerable to infrared radiation, which can adversely affect vision or cause blindness. Therefore, people should avoid looking directly into any source emitting infrared light.
At lower intensities and short-term exposure, the effects of infrared radiation on the eyes include discomfort and headache. However, prolonged exposure at higher levels can cause more severe damage, including inflammation of the cornea, lens opacity, and cataract formation. Long-term studies have also linked high-intensity exposure to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a chronic progressive vision impairment caused by damage to cell receptors in the retina that is often accompanied by loss of central vision in both eyes.
It is essential to wear proper eye protection when working with equipment that uses an intense source of infrared wavelengths (such as lasers) to protect from potential eye damage from infrared radiation. In addition, when using infrared devices regularly (even at lower, less damaging levels), you should take breaks to relax your eyes and allow them to rest. Keeping windows covered or closed while operating equipment that generates visible solid or invisible radiation will also help reduce unnecessary risk.
Skin Damage
Ultraviolet radiation is the most common cause of skin damage, but infrared radiation can also be hazardous. Infrared radiation is an invisible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum emitted by natural (i.e., sunlight) and man-made sources such as heat lamps, saunas, and tanning beds often used in beauty salons. It can cause reddening and burning of the skin with prolonged exposure, similar to a sunburn. Despite its dangers, it has become increasingly popular because it can provide a tan without exposure to damaging UV rays.
The energy from infrared radiation heats cells in the top layer of our skin and destroys melanin responsible for giving us color. As we age, this continuous destruction may lead to premature skin aging (wrinkles and lines) and other skin damage, such as cancerous lesions or moles. Depending on the source, intensity, frequency, and duration of exposure to infrared light, potential health risks may include the following:
- Skin irritation/inflammation
- Cellular damage
- Early signs of aging, including wrinkles & lines
- Increased risk for certain types of skin cancer
Heat-Related Hazards
Heat-related hazards from infrared (IR) light are generally the result of prolonged exposure over time. Too much-infrared radiation can cause the skin to become hot, leading to redness and eventually burns. While IR heat sources can be beneficial for therapeutic purposes, they can pose serious health risks when misused or in an uncontrolled environment.
In addition to burns caused by too much heat, eye damage is another risk of prolonged exposure to infrared radiation. Over time, cumulative exposure to too much-infrared radiation can cause irreversible retinal damage that is not visible until it is too late. Furthermore, in addition to visual impairment and short-term retina inflammation due to an acute burn, chronic overexposure may lead to cataracts or other vision impairments.
Finally, more serious hazards arise if thermal energy from infrared light causes a rise in core body temperature, resulting in fever-induced illnesses such as heat exhaustion and other heat-related disorders. In addition, people with compromised immune systems due to age or disease may be especially susceptible and at increased risk for long-term health consequences from excessive IR radiation exposure.
Safety Precautions
Infrared light is electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths not visible to the human eye. While it is not known to be dangerous at normal levels, excessive exposure to infrared light can be hazardous to the human body. Therefore, taking safety precautions when working with infrared light sources is vital to minimize risk.
In this section, we will look at the specific safety measures one should take when using infrared light:
Protective Gear
In specific contexts, infrared light can be hazardous, and taking safety precautions when working with IR light sources is essential. Protective gear to shield your eyes and skin may include safety glasses, face shields, and clothing that protect you from potentially harmful exposure.
Safety glasses or goggles are essential for any work involving infrared radiation of any magnitude. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) suggests wearing spectacles designed to block infrared light up to 10600 nanometers (nm) to protect your eyes from even modestly intense visible and infrared radiation. It is crucial that the materials used in these protective glasses also provide adequate shielding against visible wavelengths up to 780 nm.
In addition to goggle protection for the eyes, face shields should also be worn as a precautionary measure if it is suspected that UV radiation may enter into the mix of illumination. The biological impact of UV radiation on the skin is much more potent than that of either visible or near-infrared wavelengths; thus, it is crucial not only to cover your eyes but also to protect areas of exposed skin at all times during an experiment.
Finally, the clothing you choose when engaging in any experiment with IR should effectively block as much of this type of radiation as possible. To avoid potential hazards associated with direct contact with bright IR sources such as lasers, look for materials such as fur or leather, which provide considerable protection due to their thickness and lack of air vents between layers that could permit harmful rays through them and onto bare skin.
Avoid Prolonged Exposure
Infrared light is generally considered harmless in most normal circumstances, especially for humans and other living creatures. Long-term or repeated exposure to infrared radiation can, however, cause damage to the skin and may increase the risk of certain skin cancers. Therefore, avoiding prolonged exposure to infrared radiation is essential to minimize health risks.
Excessive exposure can also damage the eyes and lead to cataracts or other eye problems. Therefore, people who work with laser beams or infrared heat lamps must wear appropriate eye protection, such as safety goggles or glasses with protective lenses. Proper safety precautions should also be taken when working with systems using powerful infrared transmitters, such as those found in some telecom systems.
It is essential for people who are regularly exposed to products emitting infrared radiation – such as lighting technicians, welders, and photographers – to monitor their exposure levels and take necessary precautions, such as wearing protective eyewear and limiting their time in the affected areas.
Conclusion
In most cases, there is no risk when exposed to infrared light as it is designed to heat the body and not cause damage. There are low levels of ambient infrared light (IR) in both natural and artificial light sources, but they do not generally cause any harm to humans.
In certain professions, however, such as welding, laser cutting, or parting of metals, workers may be exposed to more intense infrared light that could pose a risk. Therefore, employers must assess their workplace IR levels and protect these professionals by providing necessary safety equipment and procedures.
Overall, most infrared radiation frequencies do not pose any significant threat to skin damage to humans.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is infrared light dangerous?
No, infrared light is not dangerous to humans as it is just a form of radiation and is completely harmless.
2. Can infrared light cause cancer?
No, infrared light does not have enough energy to cause cancer. It is not ionizing radiation like ultraviolet light or X-rays.
3. Can infrared light damage eyesight?
No, infrared light does not damage eyesight. However, exposure to bright infrared light sources can cause discomfort or temporary vision loss.
4. Can infrared light cause skin damage?
Sustained exposure to intense sources of infrared light can cause skin damage similar to that caused by exposure to the sun. However, regular exposure to infrared light from everyday sources poses no risk of skin damage.
5. How do I protect myself from infrared light?
There is no need to protect yourself from everyday sources of infrared light. However, if you work in environments with intense sources of infrared light, like welding, you should wear protective gear like special goggles or masks.
6. What are the benefits of infrared light?
Infrared light has several benefits, such as pain relief, improved circulation, and relaxation. It is also widely used in various applications like remote controls, night vision devices, and heating systems.