Saunas have been a common method of treating disease for centuries, and the infrared sauna is a modern way to continue this tradition. The infrared sauna uses infrared rays to directly heat the human body; these saunas are available both at resorts and in homes. Their low installation and operating costs, along with many perceived health benefits, make infrared saunas popular, but you also need to be aware of potential safety risks.
Benefits of Infrared Saunas
Promoters and users of infrared saunas claim a myriad of positive effects resulting from the use of this type of sauna. They assert that the sauna can allow for rapid weight and cellulite loss, immune system improvement, increased strength, greater cardiovascular health, detoxification, stress reduction, pain relief and respiratory treatment. Users also tout the infrared sauna, which heats the air with electromagnetic waves, over traditional saunas heated by steam and fire. The infrared sauna allows for greater oxygen flow, a swifter warming time, greater heat and lower cost than the traditional sauna.
Health Risks of Infrared Saunas
Although casual use of infrared saunas is safe for most people, there are some risks that you need to keep in mind. Many doctors do not accept claims of detoxification through sauna use, and do not advise sweating as an effective way to detoxify the body's organs. According to Dr. Rachel Vreeman of Indiana University School of Medicine, trace amounts of material leave the body along with sweat, but those materials are non-toxic. The major loss is instead the body's essential water. Too extensive usage of saunas can lead to negative effects, including burns, dehydration, heat stroke, nausea, respiratory distress and kidney failure. You can avoid these negative effects by limiting your time in an infrared sauna and by consulting with a doctor about potential health problems.
Electrical Safety
In order for infrared saunas to pass certification for their electronics, certain guidelines must be met. All of the electronics in a sauna must meet high heat requirements so as not to short out in the standard temperatures reached in the infrared sauna environment. You should insulate your wires in two layers, first with ultra-high temperature insulation and then with a polymer layer. Control panels and other electronics need insulation or construction from heat-resistant materials as well.
Safety Certification
Before you use an infrared sauna, you should be absolutely sure that the manufacturer has a valid safety certification. Saunas that do not have such a certification can be harmful to your health. North American governments have authorized a few companies to provide safety certification for saunas, and a certification by any of the companies should ensure your safety. Look for a certification mark from ETL-Intertek Testing Services, the Canadian Standards Association, Underwriters Laboratories and Conformance European.
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