Far Infrared health benefits in the home
It feels like the warmth of the sun or an open fire – and there are many more health benefits from choosing Far Infrared heating in your home.
The health benefits of Far Infrared have been the focus of much good research and more than a few anecdotal tales but care is needed to avoid labelling the technology as a ‘miracle cure’.
In the home, Far Infrared heating provides long-term benefits without any need to spin extravagant claims of positive effects on health.
Just reviewing at the facts of Far Infrared heating, we know that the heating elements in the panels and other devices work at a relatively low temperature, which means they do not emit any noxious substances.
Asthma friendly
Far Infrared heaters operate by heating objects, people and surfaces in a room, unlike traditional convection-based heating which simply heat the air. This causes movement in the air as it rises, carrying with it dust, emissions and pollutants and that can affect people with allergies and breathing sensitivities.
This is one reason why Far Infrared heaters are seen as an excellent option for those who suffer from asthma and other breathing problems as well as those who have a range of severe allergies or who have “multiple chemical sensitivity” (MCS).
The Warmth of the Sun
The Far Infrared wave band starts at 3 microns, which is also where water absorbs heat most efficiently so, as the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) advises, a more general warming of the body is possible through skin tissue conduction and capillary convection.
Put simply, people feel warmer and better in environments with Far Infrared heating. The Far Infrared waves have an effect like the feeling of a warm sun on the skin and so it feels generally healthier to live in these settings.
Currently, there are no guidelines on Far Infrared from the UK Health and Safety governing body and for infrared in general it simply advises people to take “reasonable precautions” when using some technologies in the Near Infrared range for example. It points to the ICNIRP, which advises that Far Infrared heating is safe.
Healthier Heating
When Multiple Chemical Sensitivity sufferers are exposed to even very low levels of chemicals, their immune and detoxification systems stop working properly. Reducing air movements that carry these chemicals can only benefit those with the debilitating condition.
Also, Far Infrared heating is very efficient and because of the way it works, people find that they can have the same level of comfort with a lower air temperature. As the walls and ceilings and other surfaces are heated, this reduces the spread of damp and risk of mould.
The Far Infrared heaters do not emit odour from paints, formaldehyde and the lower air temperature also reduces the circulation of spores, dirt and dust.
There are also general “feelgood” benefits of Far Infrared heaters, which can be therapeutic. Our skin has an 80% water content and so readily absorbs the Far Infrared waves, which leads to a greater feeling of general comfort.
