Infrared saunas are designed to support recovery, relaxation and wellbeing. They are electrical devices, however, and like all electrically powered systems, they generate electromagnetic fields. Understanding what this means for your health, how it relates to sauna design, and how EMF and ELF levels differ between sauna manufacturers is an important part of making an informed purchase.
What is Electromagnetic fields (EMF)?
Electromagnetic fields, commonly referred to as EMF, are areas of energy produced by electrically charged objects. They are measured in hertz, which represents cycles per second. In the context of household electricity and most consumer devices, EMFs fall below 300 hertz and are considered non ionising radiation.
We encounter EMFs every day. Common sources include:
- Power lines
- Household wiring
- Television and computer screens
- Mobile phones
- Microwave ovens
- Fluorescent lighting
- Electric motors and appliances
Over the past century, levels of human made electromagnetic exposure have increased steadily due to widespread electrification and the rapid expansion of wireless technologies. While EMFs are now an unavoidable part of modern life, exposure levels vary depending on proximity to electrical devices and the strength of the source.
What Is Extremely Low Frequency Radiation (ELF)?
Extremely low frequency radiation, or ELF, refers to the lowest energy end of the electromagnetic spectrum. ELF fields are typically generated by the flow of alternating current through wiring and electrical systems. The most common example is the field produced by standard utility power lines operating at 50 hertz in the UK.
ELF exposure occurs whenever you are near electrical appliances, wiring or powered devices. Because infrared saunas rely on electrical current to power their heating elements, they too produce ELF fields unless specifically engineered to minimise them.
What Does This Mean for Infrared Saunas?
Infrared saunas use electrically powered heaters to generate radiant energy in the far infrared and full spectrum ranges. These heaters draw current from the mains supply and therefore produce both electric and magnetic fields.
In most infrared saunas, the primary source of EMF comes from the heating panels themselves, as they are the most electrically active components within the cabin. Additional EMF may be produced by internal wiring, control panels, lighting systems or integrated audio features.
Because sauna users sit in close proximity to these heaters, sometimes for 30 to 45 minutes at a time, EMF and ELF levels are particularly relevant in this setting.
As innovators of infrared technology, Clearlight® Saunas holds four different patents on the technology we use. Our most impressive patented technology is our True Wave® heater technology. True Wave® is the name we give our far infrared and full spectrum heaters. It is the only fusion of these heating element materials, both carbon and ceramic, that is patented in one infrared heater. We also developed the first and only virtually no-EMF and low ELF combination in these infrared heaters that cancels out virtually all electromagnetic fields for the safest infrared sauna experience.
| EMF Measured Directly on Emitter | |
|
Clearlight® Infrared Saunas |
< 1 mG |
| Regular Carbon Heaters | 70 mG – 100mG |
| Ceramic Infrared Heaters | 20 mG – 40mG |
When testing our sauna heaters and not the individual user, our ELF levels are equally impressive. The Threshold Of Concern when testing the sauna itself is 10 Volts/Meter (V/m). Clearlight Infrared Saunas® average 3.4 V/m. Our competitors measure 300+ V/m.
It is important to note that the World Health Organisation states that current evidence does not confirm established health consequences from low level electromagnetic exposure. At the same time, scientific research continues to explore potential long term biological effects, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified certain types of electromagnetic radiation as possibly carcinogenic, based on limited evidence.
For many consumers, this evolving research landscape supports a precautionary principle. If exposure can be reduced through thoughtful engineering without compromising performance, it is a sensible step.
The Difference Between Low EMF and True Shielding
Not all low EMF claims are equivalent. Some manufacturers test individual components rather than the fully assembled sauna. Others may reduce magnetic fields in one area while overlooking electric fields elsewhere in the cabin.
Comprehensive EMF and ELF reduction requires a systems level approach. This includes:
- Careful heater construction
- Field cancelling design
- Shielded wiring pathways
- Independent third party testing of the entire sauna
The goal is not simply to reduce readings at one point, but to minimise measurable electromagnetic output at seating level, where the body is positioned during use.
Clearlight® and Virtually No EMF Technology
Clearlight® True Wave® heaters are engineered as a virtually no EMF, low ELF combination carbon and ceramic system. This design integrates multiple protective measures to reduce electromagnetic output across the entire cabin.
Key features include:
- Patented low EMF heater construction
- Back to back heater placement to help cancel magnetic fields
- Shielded metal conduit wiring
- Twisted wiring configurations to reduce electrical interference
- Independent third party laboratory testing
In our sauna models, EMF levels measured directly on the heater surface are typically below 1 milligauss. At seating position within the sauna, readings are often virtually zero. ELF levels are engineered to measure several times below recognised thresholds of concern.
This allows the sauna to deliver deep, effective infrared heat while maintaining extremely low electromagnetic output.
Creating a Supportive Thermal Environment
Infrared therapy works by delivering radiant heat directly to the body, encouraging a rise in core temperature and stimulating circulatory and metabolic responses. The sauna environment is intended to support nervous system relaxation and physiological recovery.
Minimising unnecessary electrical exposure within that environment aligns with this goal. Rather than introducing additional environmental stressors, the focus remains on clean heat delivery and overall system integrity.
While EMF exposure from everyday life cannot be entirely eliminated, choosing devices designed to operate at extremely low levels allows homeowners to reduce cumulative exposure within their personal spaces.
Making an Informed Decision
When comparing infrared saunas, heater technology, wavelength accuracy and build quality are all critical factors. Equally important is understanding how the unit has been engineered to manage electromagnetic fields.
A well designed infrared sauna should not require you to choose between performance and peace of mind. With advanced shielding, independent testing and patented heater technology, Clearlight® offers an approach that prioritises both.
