When the man-made era began, humanity increasingly began to encounter various types of radiation. And, accordingly, more and more people began to learn about different types of radiation: radioactive, ultraviolet, infrared, X-ray, magnetic and electromagnetic radiation. Information about the use of radiation in industry has become publicly available. Unfortunately, the decisive factor in the formation of the reputation of various radiations was their impact on health. Moreover, as a rule, the information boom arose only after another technological disaster (Chernobyl). In this connection, many people have a persistent opinion about the harm of various types of radiation. Of course, in many cases these people are right, radioactive radiation for example is really dangerous to our body and should be avoided. But this statement can be true for all types of radiation. After all, no one has ever heard that a magnet is harmful to a person. But, we will talk about the supposed harm and benefits of infrared radiation.
In the infrared spectrum, there is an area with wavelengths from approximately 7 to 14 microns (the so-called mid-wave part of the infrared range), which has a unique beneficial effect on the human body. This part of infrared radiation corresponds to the radiation of the human body itself with a maximum at a wavelength of about 10 microns. Therefore, our body perceives any external radiation with such wavelengths as "its own", absorbs it and heals. Science does not know any negative effects of infrared radiation on the human body.
Infrared radiation or thermal radiation is a form of heat propagation. This is the same heat that you feel from a hot stove, the sun or from a central heating battery. It has nothing to do with either ultraviolet radiation or X-ray radiation. Absolutely safe for humans. Moreover, infrared radiation is now very widely used in medicine (surgery, dentistry, infrared baths), which indicates not only its harmlessness, but also its beneficial effect on the body.
There is also the concept of far, or long-wave infrared radiation. What effect does it have on the human body? This influence is divided into two components. The first of them is a tonic action that helps the body fight against many known diseases, strengthens immunity, increases the body's natural resistance, and helps fight old age. The second is the direct treatment of common ailments that we encounter on a daily basis.
Dr. Aaron M. Flickstein thus begins his article "Infrared Thermal System" from the introduction SAFETY OF INFRARED RADIANT ENERGY (Safety of infrared energy):
What exactly is infrared radiation? You have nothing to worry about - it has nothing to do with harsh ultraviolet "C" radiation, which burns and damages the skin, or with radioactive radiation.
Infrared radiation is simply a form of energy that heats objects directly without heating the air between the radiation source and the object.
During cooking with the help of IR rays, products are sterilized, harmful microorganisms and yeast are destroyed, while preserving all minerals and vitamins. Infrared ovens have nothing in common with microwave ovens. They do not destroy products, but, on the contrary, preserve all their natural qualities.
Finally, I would like to say the following: infrared radiation is one of the components of ordinary sunlight. Almost all living organisms are under the influence of the sun and, therefore, infrared rays. Moreover, without these rays, our planet would not have warmed up to the temperatures we are used to, the air would not have warmed up, and eternal cold would prevail on Earth. Infrared radiation is a natural form of heat transfer. Nothing more.