EMF health concerns are mentioned by some first-time users of infrared saunas and it’s understandable as to why. The recommendation has always been to avoid invisible rays from microwaves, smartphones, and any other sources of radiation. To knowingly expose one’s self to EMF might seem like a bad idea but EMF is used for a reason in an infrared spa and sauna environment.
Traditional saunas use things like coals, heated rocks, or steam to create an environment of extremely intense heat. Today, traditional saunas employ the same approach except use wood stoves, electric heaters, or carbon or ceramic heating elements. These sort of saunas and steam rooms do not use any electromagnetic frequencies (EMF). They deliver several benefits as well, including detoxification, deep tissue relaxation, increased blood flow, and cardiovascular benefits.
Now, infrared saunas do use electromagnetic frequencies to provide targeted heat rays which heats the body rather than the air around it. This increased efficiency allows infrared saunas to operate at a lower temperature, are much easier to install in residential homes and commercial businesses as no water supply is needed for them to function, and come with potentially more benefits than non-infrared. That said, some might still have concerns about being close to a magnetic field in addition to the exposure being more continuous than would be the case with traditional saunas.
Regarding EMF, there are typically three things that infrared sauna users become concerned about – electric fields, magnetic fields, and radiofrequency radiation.
Electric fields happen whenever an electric voltage is present. Through proper grounding and assembly, electric fields are controlled. Assuming a sauna’s been wired and installed correctly, there’s no reason to fear an electric field.
Magnetic fields are present when an appliance is using an electrical current. These fields are proportional to the amp strength and how a device is wired. Heating elements and far-infrared elements use a high amperage, and thereby have the potential to create large magnetic fields.
Then, there is radiofrequency radiation which is present in things like WiFi, Bluetooth, wireless speakers, and similar devices. Saunas do not use high-tech devices like these, usually. If you do not have any of these accessories or customization in your sauna, you won’t have any RF radiation. To this point, any heaters or infrared heating elements operate at very low frequencies which typically will not reach the frequency levels required to produce RF radiation.
Thereby, the primary concern regarding EMF will be your magnetic field. MF levels drop off with distance from the source. Those close to the heating elements will experience the highest levels. As long as you use your infrared sauna as recommended, you shouldn’t have to worry about magnetic field exposure. That is, use it for no longer than 30 minutes at a time, 2-3 times a week, and taking a shower afterwards. It is not always recommended to use longer than 30 minutes, unless directed by a doctor. If you have concerns, it is best to ask your family physician for guidance.
If you are interested in buying an infrared sauna, traditional sauna, steam room, or steam bath, contact a representative at Steam Sauna. As the experts in infrared saunas and one of North America’s top brands in saunas, we are confident we can help find the right sauna for your needs.