Introduction
Infrared, far-infrared saunas are becoming increasingly popular for their purported health benefits. They have been praised for their ability to relax the body, relieve stress and reduce pain. However, some concerns have been raised about the safety of infrared saunas because of the radiation emitted by the devices.
This article will take a look at whether or not infrared saunas can cause cancer and any other risks associated with their use:
What is an Infrared Sauna?
An infrared sauna is a type of sauna that uses light to create heat. This type of sauna is sometimes called a dry sauna since instead of heating air like a traditional Finnish-style sauna, and it’s heated with infrared light waves that directly heat your body and don’t rely on the surrounding air. Some infrared saunas can reach temperatures up to 140°F (60°C) or higher, and sessions typically last 15-20 minutes.
The main health benefit of using an infrared sauna is that the lower temperatures make it easier for the body to sweat out toxins and increase blood circulation. In addition, infrared rays penetrate deeper into the body than regular heat, which can help reduce joint pain or soreness from exercise. It’s also been said to help fight chronic fatigue syndrome, improve cardiovascular performance, reduce stress levels, and boost overall immunity.
Despite these promising benefits, there is some concern among researchers that infrared exposure may cause cellular damage over long periods. Studies have found evidence of DNA damage and potential oxidative stress in high doses of cells exposed to infrared radiation. While more research needs to be done in this area before conclusions can be drawn on possible health risks of exposure to high doses of infrared radiation over long periods, it’s best to use caution when using an infrared sauna until more data is available on the subject.
Potential Health Benefits of Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas are designed to use infrared waves (invisible, non-ionizing radiation) to heat parts of the body directly. This type of heat is thought to be beneficial in various ways, and there is some evidence that it can be effective in treating skin conditions and chronic pain. Additionally, research suggests that regular use of infrared saunas may have other potential health benefits, including:
- Improved circulation and cardiovascular health
- Reduced stress levels
- Improved sleep quality
- The better overall quality of life
However, while the potential benefits may be significant, it is essential to note that most studies on the effects of infrared saunas used small sample sizes with limited scope. Additionally, little information about their user’s potential long-term risks or adverse effects is available. Therefore, more research is needed before conclusions about their safety or effectiveness can be drawn. While few side effects have been reported in the current research literature, it is important for individuals considering using an infrared sauna to speak with their healthcare provider before doing so.
Potential Risks of Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas use infrared light energy to create intense heat that can penetrate the body’s tissues and muscles. While infrared saunas are generally considered safe, there are some potential risks that users should be aware of.
This section will look at the potential dangers and risks of infrared saunas:
Potential Risk of Cancer
Infrared saunas provide therapeutic health benefits, including skin detoxification, relaxation, improved circulation, and joint pain relief. While sauna use is generally considered safe, there are some potential risks. Research suggests that extended exposure (over four hours a day) to infrared radiation may increase the risk of cancer when it’s direct exposure to the skin. Harmful effects of high-frequency infrared radiation can also include skin reddening and burning. In addition, extreme temperatures of the equipment can cause burns or dehydration with dizziness and blurry vision if the user does not properly monitor themselves during use.
Overall, infrared saunas appear safe for most healthy adults as long as exposure time is limited. However, it is recommended that individuals consult with a healthcare professional before using an infrared sauna to determine any possible health issues that may increase their risk of adverse effects or injuries from its use.
Potential Risk of Burns
The potential risks of infrared saunas are primarily linked to heat exposure. Infrared saunas cause your core body temperature to rise, producing several benefits, such as improved circulation or enhanced immune system functioning. However, if you are exposed too long and at too high a temperature, your body temperature may rise too quickly – resulting in a burn or other serious injury.
In addition to burns and other physical injuries caused by extended periods or excessive temperatures in an infrared sauna, there may be additional risks when using specific infrared heat sources. For example, suppose the heated surface area lacks adequate insulation. In that case, you might be exposed to unhealthy levels of electromagnetic radiation that can increase your risk for cancer and other health concerns.
To best avoid potential risks from an infrared sauna:
- Start with a lower temperature setting – gradually increasing to the maximum temperature recommended for adults (150-160℉).
- Maintain cooler than typical sauna room temperatures; 65℉ is optimal for safety and comfort.
- Refrain from using any electronic device within the hot box that may throw off the EMF levels.
- Monitor the amount of time you spend in the sauna; adults should limit their session times to no more than 20 minutes per day unless otherwise recommended by a physician.
Potential Risk of Overheating
The most important risk to consider when using an infrared sauna is the potential for overheating. Therefore, it is essential to closely follow the manufacturer’s instructions and watch for signs of too much heat. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause fainting, dizziness, difficulty breathing, nausea, or other serious health problems.
Proper sauna etiquette will help ensure the safety of all users, including monitoring the temperature and encouraging frequent breaks when necessary. Also, be aware of any physical implications that could come with an extended sauna session. For example, heat exhaustion can occur faster in elderly adults. In addition, there may be more adverse effects due to medications or preexisting conditions, so drinking lots of water and staying adequately hydrated before and after an infrared sauna session are essential precautions.
Conclusion
To conclude, there is currently no evidence to suggest that infrared saunas are directly linked to cancer. However, it is essential to be mindful of potential risks and ensure that all safety guidelines are followed. People with a history of skin cancer or underlying health conditions should talk to their doctor before using an infrared sauna.
In addition, people should only use credible suppliers who use high-quality materials, especially when dealing with higher doses of radiation. Following these steps will minimize the risk of any potential health issues related to infrared saunas.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can use an infrared sauna increases the risk of cancer?
No, no evidence using an infrared sauna can cause cancer. However, some research suggests that infrared saunas may have health benefits, including reducing stress and improving circulation.
2. Is there any radiation exposure from using an infrared sauna?
Yes, infrared saunas emit low levels of electromagnetic radiation. However, the levels are considered safe and are similar to those emitted by household appliances like televisions and microwaves.
3. Are there any precautions to take when using an infrared sauna?
Yes, staying hydrated and not staying in the sauna for too long is important, as excessive heat can be dangerous. It’s also best to avoid using the sauna if you have any medical conditions or are pregnant.
4. Can using an infrared sauna help prevent cancer?
While there is no evidence using an infrared sauna can prevent cancer, some small studies suggest that regular sauna use may have health benefits that could lower overall cancer risk.
5. Are there any side effects of using an infrared sauna?
In general, using an infrared sauna is safe and well-tolerated. However, some people may experience mild side effects like dizziness, nausea, or dehydration. These can usually be avoided by staying hydrated and not staying in the sauna for too long.
6. Can children use infrared saunas?
Children under the age of 18 should not use an infrared sauna without first consulting a doctor. It is because their bodies may be unable to tolerate high temperatures and electromagnetic radiation.