Looking at infrared saunas and concerned about EMF levels? Not sure what they are or why they’re important? Learn about EMF and ELF levels, safety guidelines and more.
Most infrared sauna users are looking to improve health – making safety an important consideration when deciding what sauna to buy.
One thing to look out for when purchasing an infrared sauna are the Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) and Electric Fields (ELF).
The best infrared saunas have low EMF and ELF levels. Why is this important? Keep reading to find out.
EMFs are energy waves with frequencies below 300 hertz or cycles per second. Magnetic fields are present whenever an appliance is using an electrical current.
The US Environmental Protection Authority has put a 3mG (milligauss) safety limit in place for EMF levels for human exposure.
Although the current scientific evidence provides no definitive answers regarding EMF, there is enough uncertainty that some people want to reduce their exposure to EMF.
ELF is the electric field with frequencies from 3 to 30 hertz. The most common ELF field is radiated by utility power lines.
You’re exposed to these fields whenever you’re near electrical appliances of any kind. The Threshold of Concern level for ELF is 1,000 mV.
EMFs and ELFs are all around us.
The EMFs and ELFs we encounter in our daily lives come from everyday things such as:
Plus hundreds of other common electrical devices – including infrared sauna heaters.
As mentioned above, EMFs are all around us. Hundreds of common electrical devices emit EMFs including televisions, computer screens, microwave ovens, cell phones and infrared sauna heaters.
The World Health Organisation states that: “While these devices have made our life richer, safer and easier, they have been accompanied by concerns about possible health risks due to their EMF emissions.”
This reputed sensitivity to EMF has been termed “electromagnetic hypersensitivity” or EHS.
The EHS symptoms most commonly experienced include:
Although the current scientific evidence provides no definitive answers regarding EMF, there is enough uncertainty that some people want to reduce their exposure to EMF.
For peace of mind, it's important to consider the Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) and Electric Fields (ELF) when purchasing an infrared sauna. Be sure to ask the retailer if their saunas are both low EMF and low ELF.
The guidelines for safe levels of EMF and ELF in your sauna are:
In summary, to reduce your exposure and minimise potential harm, choose a low EMF infrared sauna. Look for infrared saunas with undetectable or extremely low EMF and low ELF.
Check to make sure your sauna has third-party tested results on its EMF levels. Learn more about infrared sauna safety in this article.
If you’re looking at getting an infrared sauna and thinking about safety, you may also be wondering about infrared heat and if it’s safe.
The short answer is, yes, infrared heat is completely safe. In fact, it is so safe, hospitals use similar heaters to warm newborn babies.
Infrared is a part of nature and essential for life. All objects give off and receive infrared heat. Learn more about infrared sauna safety in this detailed article.
We hope this article has answered your questions about EMF and ELF levels and why it’s important to choose a low EMF infrared sauna.
If you have any more questions about anything to do with infrared saunas please get in touch.
Visit your local Spa World showroom, view the full range of saunas on our website or schedule a virtual consultation with one of our sauna experts. We are here to help you make the best decision for you.
You can also download a copy of our comprehensive Sauna Buyer’s Guide below. It has everything you need to know when shopping for saunas.
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