Infrared radiation: a friend or an enemy?

IR radiation: how our biggest fears are created

In the off-season we are increasingly frequently thinking about purchasing an additional heating device. It is not so easy to make a choice: for example, we almost do not consider a fan heater as a matter of choice (there are too many disadvantages of a “blower”), but what should we do further? Increasingly frequently we answer this question as follows: a ceramic heater. It is efficient, modern, cost effective.

However, the words “infrared radiation” (namely, this constitutes the operation principle of a ceramic panel) may cause our slight concern. Infrared rays, radiation, irradiation, ultraviolet, microwave waves (in a microwave cooker), radiation - just agree, this is a “cocktail” of terms that is difficult even to explain to an ordinary person, can put on guard even the calmest person of us.

So, it turns out that very often our worries and concerns are due to a lack of information. If we don't know how something looks like or works, the most reliable action from the point of view of evolution is simply… to get worried and give a wide berth to it. No way! Let's look into the eyes of this fear and try to honestly and conclusively answer the question: is infrared radiation completely safe for humans?

Let's refer to the sun: how infrared radiation works

Smart inventors “copied” the operation principle of a heater with IR radiation from nature itself. After all, there are at least two natural sources around us that make us feel warm owing to these rays:

1. The sun;
2. Open fire.

Often in everyday usage, the long and disturbing words like “infrared radiation” are replaced by the words “thermal radiation”, and this is quite correct. As you know, the human eye is not capable to see these rays. That's why we only perceive them – we feel the warmth by our skin.

A ceramic heater converts electrical power into infrared rays. Coming out of the ceramic panel, they act the same way as the sun does: they heat our body and all indoor material items (from furniture to walls and ceiling). And after that the heated items give their heat to the air, which also becomes warm. So, “extremely” rapid heating:

• ives us a feeling of comfort;
• allows to save money.

As you can see, infrared rays do not interact immediately with air. This means that oxygen is not burned during a ceramic heater operation, and its usage is not only completely safe, but also is as comfortable as possible.

Getting back to the sun, it is worth to emphasize the following. If you, like all of us, have heard anything regarding the sun rays harm, reserve a judgement. The matter is that the sun emits not only infrared, but ultraviolet rays as well. And it is the latter that we protect ourselves against – using SPF cosmetics, head wear, sun glasses, etc. And infrared radiation is quite secure and useful type of radiation, which is just unfortunate to exist in our minds along with the ultraviolet one.

Or, nonetheless, is it harmful? The major myth about infrared radiation

Opponents to technology and progress often frighten us with the mythical harm to the body from everything invisible. Yes, you may come across the thesis that IR radiation causes problems with visceral organs.

And how is it in deed and not in name?

Without brief retelling the physics course, we note that the IR wave length can vary:

• short;
• middle;
• long. 

All the unpleasant effects, that critics are talking about, are related specifically to the short and partially medium wavelength, since the radiation intensity in this case will be very high. Short waves can heat not only the skin, but the visceral organs as well, which can not be treated as safe. A person feels not a pleasant warmth, but even the baking on, a headache and nausea onset. There is nothing useful in this obviously.

And that is why only long-wave rays are used at the heaters manufacture. Since the body of each of us also emits infrared rays, scientists have thought regarding designing a device in which long-wave radiation approximates to human indicators.

Only use: how IR radiation affects the body

Currently experts are absolutely sure that long-wave IR radiation does not have any adverse impact on the human body. However, its benefits are obvious, and various areas of medical science, in particular, surgery, physiotherapy and dentistry, actively apply it.

The primary confirmed impact of long-wave radiation on the health is as follows:

• immunity level increase;
• acceleration of body cells regeneration;
• inflammation elimination;
• amelioration of signs in case of skin diseases;
• fluid-and-electrolyte balance recovery;
• relief of allergy symptoms.

Some scientists consider that it is easiest to notice these processes in the bodies of the elder people, children and people with compromised health. However, this statement does not have a broad evidentiary foundation.

How to choose a ceramic heater that will be completely secure for you

The experts' main advice is to buy a ceramic heater instead of other heating devices. After all, this modern device complies with all our requirements for safety, performance, cost-efficiency, attractiveness, comfort, etc. Therefore, just choose a high-quality ceramic panel - that will actually be enough.

But if it's easier for you to deal with a step-by-step instruction, pay attention to three simple steps here below.

• Step 1. Calculate the heater power thoroughly.

A heater that is potentially too powerful can overheat your body. Therefore, calculate thoroughly what minimum power you need taking into account the premises area. You can do this on your own or consult with a consultant manager. In principle, experts make emphasis that heating only ceilings, floors and walls will be enough. Then the heat will gradually distribute throughout the premises, and you will not worry about potential overheating.

• Step 2. Take a closer look at a ceramic plate quality.

Responsible manufacturer produces the heater front panel out of a high-quality ceramic plate. Ceramics itself is a very good choice: it is secure from the environmental point of view, both in a cold state and when being heated. It does not emit any toxic substances.

Never chase the cheapest option. Obviously, extreme cost saving is possible only “owing” to the use of low-quality materials. It means, that you can definitely forget about security in this case.

• Step 3. Think about the location.

For the most distressing people, any “negative” impact of the device, even a potential one, should be minimized. Therefore, we often hear the advice to locate a ceramic panel so that a user would not spend most of the time sitting closely to a heater or in front of it.

Well, it's like shooting fish in a barrel - to eliminate the risks (even the imaginary ones). A user should find the appropriate place for a ceramic panel, for example:

• near a window;
• under a window;
• in the far corner.

That way you can be sure that you'll receive only benefit and no harm from a ceramic panel.

The specialists of AFRICA company offer you to choose and purchase high-quality ceramic heaters. All products are thoroughly tested for safety, which is confirmed by the appropriate certificates. We know well how to produce a high-quality and secure heater. We will be glad to share our warmth with you!