Is infrared-A harmful or health-promoting?
People are often afraid of new things they don't understand. This is especially true when it comes to health and science. We all want to lead a healthy, long, and happy life. Especially concerning health, we therefore don't want to make compromises or take risks.
When it comes to infrared radiation, and especially infrared-A (also called "near-infrared"), many people are unsure about its effects on the human body. Some believe or claim that it is harmful, while others claim that infrared-A is essential for human health. So what is the truth?
With this article, my goal is to explain infrared-A, provide clarification, and present the facts about its effects on the human body. I hope you'll join me on this journey!
What Types of Infrared Radiation Are There?
Infrared radiation is a type of energy emitted by objects in the form of heat. Infrared is often also defined as electromagnetic radiation. This radiation is part of the electromagnetic spectrum, which also includes visible light, X-rays, and microwaves. Unlike visible light, infrared wavelengths are invisible to the human eye. Traditionally, three types of infrared are distinguished:
- Type C Infrared (also called "infrared-C" or "far-infrared")
- Type B Infrared (also called "infrared-B" or "mid-infrared")
- Type A Infrared (also called "infrared-A" or "near-infrared")
The three infrared ranges differ primarily in their mode of action, penetration depth, and wavelength ranges, so let's briefly examine the three ranges:
Infrared-C radiation
- Wavelength range: 3.0 - 100 µm
- Penetration depth: Up to 1mm
- Mode of action: Infrared radiation is absorbed directly by the epidermis and leads to a uniform and gentle warming of the body temperature. However, a true "deep heat" like with Type B or Type A infrared is not achieved. Due to its gentle yet effective warming, Type C infrared is particularly used for warming body temperature.
- Areas of application: Infrared cabins, infrared saunas, infrared heaters for warming rooms, the human body also absorbs and emits infrared-C radiation
Infrared-B radiation:
- Wavelength: 1400 - 3000 nm
- Penetration depth: up to 0.5 mm
- Mode of action: The infrared radiation penetrates to the dermis, but one cannot really speak of a deep effect. It complements the other infrared ranges very well, but there are no "unique" health benefits here. It contributes positively to warming the human body, but on its own, it has few advantages.
- Areas of application: Infrared cabins, infrared saunas, full-spectrum emitters (in infrared cabins), in infrared patio heaters, to a small extent in red light lamps.
Infrared-A radiation:
- Wavelength: 780 - 1400 nm
- Penetration depth: up to 4-5 mm
- Mode of action: This infrared radiation acts deep into the lower skin tissue (i.e. approx. 40 - 50 times as deep as Type C infrared, and 10 times as deep as mid-infrared). This form of infrared penetrates the deepest and greatly supports sweating. Infrared-A penetrates to the first tissue of muscles and tendons, thus greatly aiding faster warming.
- Areas of application: Infrared cabins, infrared saunas, full-spectrum emitters, red light lamps, red lights for PBM (Photobiomodulation) or also called "red light therapy devices"
The above penetration depths come from the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection.
Is infrared healthy? Is infrared-A dangerous?
Even though infrared is present almost everywhere - from sunlight, campfires, candlelight, or our human bodies - in this article, we are primarily interested in its influence on human health, and above all, information regarding possible health benefits or risks.
Unfortunately, there is currently no international regulation regarding infrared to distinguish "misinformation" from correct information. The entire wellness industry is unregulated, which is why statements range from simply wrong to out of context. I've seen the wildest theories online, from possible vitamin production to the danger of infrared-A, or even the cure of certain diseases. As with everything in the world, there is no holy grail; everything has pros and cons, and infrared, especially infrared-A, is no exception.
However, when writing about the topic, studies are often taken out of context, and a connection is made that is simply wrong or makes no sense.
Bad articles or lobbying websites are cited as "sources" or even "studies." This leads to confusion, fear, and possibly wrong decisions, as adequate quality of reporting is not guaranteed. Even citing a doctoral thesis or a single study cannot serve to causally establish a positive or negative correlation. Like everything in the world, it depends on the conditions, quality, and, above all, intensity.
Before we dive deeper, I would like to introduce some of these claims:
- “Infrared-A is harmful, in any form”
- “Infrared-A causes cancer”
- “Infrared-A damages mitochondria”
- “My eyes water from infrared-A”
- “Infrared-A damages eyes in everyday life”
One of the most common arguments is that infrared-A is harmful and should definitely be avoided. We will examine this argument in more detail below. Especially regarding infrared-A, it is important to note that sunlight consists of up to 49% infrared-A. Other light components include UV light, as well as other electromagnetic light spectra. According to the statement above, sunlight is also harmful..
What, sunlight is harmful?
Plants need light to survive and carry out the vital process of photosynthesis. Without light, without light energy, without photons and other components of sunlight, no survival on our planet is possible, neither for plants nor for us humans. These vital components are UV light, infrared-A, infrared-B, and infrared-C, as well as all other natural infrared components of sunlight.
Due to the fact that the sun consists of up to 49% infrared-A, we humans and all life on Earth need this light to survive, and exciting findings regarding the health mitochondrial effects of infrared-A (more on this later!), the statement is generally simply wrong.
This is taken out of context, compares the danger of sunburn with infrared-A, ignores all aspects regarding the necessity of sunlight, and certainly does not consider the very active light research that specifically examines the influence of infrared-A (in the form of red light lamps, red light therapy devices and infrared cabins) on health. We don't even want to consider the topic of vitamin D here, because then it becomes even more obvious that the topic is taken out of context. The sun and infrared-A are essential for our health.
Infrared causes cancer:
This statement is unfortunately far from the truth. Cancer is a highly complex disease and research is still ongoing into what exactly causes cancer. However, the idea that light promotes cancer is fundamentally wrong. Infrared-A has been proven to alleviate oxidative stress in the human body, which in turn has a positive effect on our body and our longevity.
While there is health-promoting stress, e.g., in the form of an infrared sauna or red light (also called hormetic stress), there is, of course, mainly negative stress. This can be mental or lifestyle-related. This stress increases the number of free radicals, which in turn is called "oxidative stress."
Various environmental influences or influences from the surroundings have a direct impact on our cell health. Such negative stressors increase the proportion of free radicals and disturb the balance regarding antioxidants. In short, we virtually reduce the energetic potential of our body, which stresses the body. Causes for this can be the following:
- Alcohol consumption
- Tobacco consumption
- Poor sleep
- Poor or unhealthy diet (e.g., artificial sugar or highly processed foods)
- Chronic inflammation or a chronically weak immune system
- High exposure to electromagnetic and electrical radiation
- Mental or psychological issues, such as stress, worry, etc.
Infrared-A, in combination with red light, has been shown in several studies to alleviate oxidative stress through these light ranges.
Here, infrared-A (in combination with red light) is specifically used to increase mitochondrial energy performance, instead of causing damage.
So where does the "cancer comparison" come from?
Unfortunately, one has to go into a bit more detail here to fully illuminate the topic. The claim that IR-A radiation (generally and especially in infrared cabins) is harmful mainly comes from manufacturers who cannot or do not want to use full-spectrum emitters, as well as from the Düsseldorf Institute for Environmental Medical Research. The Düsseldorf Institute for Environmental Medical Research is primarily involved in spreading this opinion. The people involved in the research also developed and marketed a suitable sunscreen against IR-A rays at the same time as the study. Sunscreen manufacturers are in fierce competition, and innovation is needed. It should be noted that there is no further German-language study on this topic. Ergo, the only study on this topic is unfortunately not financially independent, and economic interests are being pursued.
The study's investigations were also flawed and have been refuted several times, as shown, for example, by this article:
"The publication by Charité Berlin and Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz demonstrates a number of systematic methodological errors in the works claiming dangers of infrared A in solar thermal radiation: for example, cell culture studies sometimes used irradiation intensities that were more than 10 times the maximum possible infrared-A irradiation intensity of the sun in temperate latitudes and even in the tropics.
It was disregarded that cell cultures, which have no covering by overlying skin cells and no connection to a bloodstream, must not be irradiated with the same intensity as well-perfused human skin with a layer of covering cells and a stratum corneum, if meaningful conclusions are to be drawn about the situation of the skin in humans."
Interestingly, there are numerous studies in English that even prove health benefits of infrared-A. Here is a list of English studies, four of which I link and translate the title and summary for you:
Health Studies Infrared
- An English study from 2015, which examines the positive aspects of infrared-A. What is exciting about this study is that it also looks critically at infrared-A (which we will also consider later!). Here, a very nice balanced view is taken, where the aim is to truly understand what infrared-A is, and what health benefits or harms it has. The title of the study is "Infrared and Skin: Friend or Foe" (freely translated by Johannes Kettelhodt). The study begins by explaining that in recent decades there have been some critical voices on the topic of infrared-A and skin health, and that they want to look beyond the obvious to understand what influence infrared-A has on health in particular.
The study mentions the following findings:
- Questioning the status quo regarding the effects of infrared on the skin.
- Refutation of the current assumption that solar IR-A is harmful to the skin.
- Solar IR-A emits lower irradiance than artificial sources used in most studies.
- At realistic irradiances, IR-A has positive effects on collagen and UV radiation damage.
- The intensity of this radiation depends on the benefit, or potentially caution!
It is thus clarified that infrared-A is not harmful, but that it really depends on many different factors. Furthermore, the statement that infrared-A can be helpful in improving UV radiation damage is exciting, meaning that it can actually have a healing effect on skin health.
I firmly believe in the principle "the dose makes the poison," and I will go into this in more detail in the following paragraphs of the article. Now to the next study.
- Study on the health effects of infrared-A regarding eye diseases (English title: “Near Infrared (NIR) Light Therapy of Eye Diseases: A Review” - freely translated by Johannes Kettelhodt) The study examined whether a health improvement of an eye disease could be achieved using infrared-A. It is important here that the near-infrared was generated by LEDs, and not by an emitter. While the wavelength range is very similar, the intensity of LEDs is lower. One can imagine it this way: the light has the same radiation in terms of wavelength range, but the intensity or "energy potential" of the light is significantly lower.
This also makes sense, as the intensity can vary greatly, ranging from infrared emitters for heating patios to red light lamps, where the heat is less noticeable.
So here again, the principle "the dose makes the poison" should apply. We need the sun, but 8 hours of sunlight is not beneficial and leads to sunburn, primarily due to UV light. However, excessive exposure to infrared-A would also damage the skin after 8 hours of use.
The following conclusion was formulated in the study:
"NIR light [...] is a promising and powerful method for mediating biological functions by low-power and red to near-infrared wavelength light. Eyes and neurons rely on cytochrome c oxidase to generate energy for metabolic processes. NIR light can penetrate these tissues and support neuronal recovery in methanol intoxication, optic nerve trauma and neuropathy, retinal injuries and pigmentation, and macular degeneration. NIR light can also support brain recovery after atherothrombotic stroke, brain injury, and neurodegeneration. No side effects have been observed in animals and humans. Therefore, NIR light could be a safe and effective method for a wide range of applications in ophthalmology and neurology in the near future."
- freely translated by Johannes Kettelhodt
Here it is also clarified that infrared-A has no harmful health effects, but even has health-promoting properties. In this specific case, with regard to the treatment of eye diseases.
- As a third reference, it makes sense to refer to the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS for short). The article can be viewed at this link at any time:
The BfS writes about the different types of infrared, the health aspects, and also points out - as is to be expected - the health risks of infrared. Here, the BfS explains that there is a danger of the body overheating, which is independent of the infrared range. Spending several hours in a wet steam sauna is far too intense, as is spending time in a pure infrared-C cabin, or even in a full-spectrum infrared cabin. However, this duration is not aimed for or recommended, which is why the issue of overheating rarely poses a real risk.
Overheating of the body can, in the long run, lead to so-called heatstroke. The body overheats and the cells, proteins, peptides, DNA, etc., denature, and the organism is first sustainably damaged until it completely dies.
Of course, this is not desirable in a sauna, where one goes to relax and for health purposes. While a gentle artificial fever, i.e., an increase in body temperature, is quite desirable to strengthen the immune system and possibly alleviate pain.
The BfS has not warned against the use of infrared, infrared-A, or other wavelength ranges in infrared saunas or other health- or wellness-related light applications. It warns against a
- The fourth study I would like to present is a study that investigated whether infrared radiation has beneficial effects on skin health. I have freely translated the following content:
"Infrared rays can protect cells from UV damage. In experiments with normal fibroblasts (connective tissue cells) grown in cultures, researchers found that 30 minutes of infrared radiation protected cells from damage caused by UV-A and UV-B rays. UV-A radiation alone already reduced the number of viable cells by 45%. Pre-irradiation with infrared light reduced the extent of destruction to 15%."
So, instead of being harmful, IR-A radiation can even have health benefits for the skin, in this case, regarding UV damage.
- As another exciting reference, one only needs to look "across the pond" to Canada. In America and Canada, the health and wellness industry is heavily regulated. In
In these countries, claims, health risks, or prohibitions are regulated by the so-called "Food and Drug Administration" (FDA). The FDA controls, monitors, and, if necessary, orders changes regarding health claims to protect consumers. However, the FDA can also recognize medicines, applications, therapies, etc., and classify them into so-called classes. For example, "Class 1" devices or products (FDA-approved class 1) receive certification to confirm a health or medical effect.
"Class 2" is a slightly lower classification but shows not only health benefits but, above all, harmlessness regarding health effects.
Why do I mention this? Because Clearlight Sanctuary Full Spectrum Infrared Saunas are classified in Canada as "FDA-approved class 2," meaning they are not only harmless but also health-promoting.
If infrared-A in these applications were to have seriously harmful effects or influence, it would have been discovered at the latest before the certification was issued.
Our managing director, Mr. Kettelhodt, was interviewed by QS24 (a Swiss TV channel focusing on health) on this topic.
We have included the video below for you. Enjoy listening.
Infrared Applications & Areas of Use
Infrared is indispensable in public life. From its use in infrared cabins, infrared heat lamps for warming people or animals, to the classic red light lamp (for reducing inflammation, e.g., in the paranasal sinus area), or even in modern red light therapy devices (in English "Red Light Therapy") - infrared, and especially infrared-A, is used in various health-promoting ways. However, one doesn't just have to look "across the pond"; one can also look in the DACH region to see that there are a majority of infrared cabin manufacturers who use full-spectrum, including infrared-A, and have been doing so for several years. For example, Delphin Wellness GmbH, a respected competitor, also writes that there have been no serious studies on infrared-A to date that would apply to the use of full-spectrum infrared cabins or red lights. I completely share this statement, and I observe the scaremongering of some other competitors, especially a Swiss company, with great concern. Large parts of the education regarding the importance of infrared-A for our health are disregarded, and panic is spread through false information. My advice is to take the time to better understand the topic. Light research is an exciting field of research, and I firmly believe that there will be countless other positive findings in the coming years. Infrared, especially infrared-A, but also infrared-B, can cause damage if used or applied incorrectly. I have given the example of sunlight above. We need infrared light, we need infrared-A for the production of vitamin D (together with UV light), and yet it may not be advisable to spend several hours in the sun or in an infrared cabin. Just as you would get sunburned in the sun, you can get burned in a bad infrared cabin, or even by infrared patio heaters, if you are too close to them or if they are too intense. This would result in superficial skin burns. So you don't need to wear safety glasses. The intensity, distance, and technology are not comparable, and therefore, safety glasses are not required. However, if you are still concerned, you can choose an infrared cabin where you cannot look directly into the infrared-A, for example, by sensible placement in the lower area. In this article, we have explored the basics of infrared in detail. I hope that through this article, you have gained a good overview of the physics of light, information on various applications, and an overview of the current research situation. These devices offer a great incentive for more hormesis, i.e., positive stress, but they are not a miracle cure for your health
IR-A radiation is also emitted, for example, by the well-known Philips VITAE emitters, and there are many medical applications of IR-A radiation - for many years.
Another well-known example is the brand "Higher Dose" in New York. Probably the most famous infrared cabin studio in the USA. Located in the heart of New York, this studio only uses our full-spectrum cabins. It's a studio where people go solely to use infrared cabins and also a kind of infrared blanket.Risks of Infrared-A - The Dose Makes the Poison
In most infrared cabins, full-spectrum emitters are therefore positioned somewhat further away from the human body so that burns are excluded with normal and recommended use. We ourselves position these emitters about 40-50cm away, at a lower height, to completely rule out burns, and yet still benefit from the health effects of the full infrared spectrum. However, if you hold your hand to the full-spectrum emitter for too long, you would burn your hand, as the heat is very intense. But this is a superficial burn; it does not promote cancer or accelerate skin aging; it is simply a burn.
A fitting analogy is hot showering. Hot showering for a few seconds or minutes is not a problem. But if you shower for too long or too hot, you will burn yourself. Another example is drinking water. The general advice is to drink about 2-3 liters of water throughout the day. Water is not harmful, but essential. However, if you were to drink 6 liters a day, it could seriously harm your health.
So the dose makes the poison; this is true for everything in life and in nature.
The studies listed regarding skin damage from full-spectrum emitters unfortunately lack a logical context. The studies mentioned are significantly older than the new research. Some of the "studies" date back up to 30 years. Furthermore, these studies refer to glassblowers and welders who stared directly into strong welding sources for several hours five days a week. These welding sources contain a variety of spectra, including IR-A and UV light at very high intensity. The metal is melted at approximately 2000 degrees, and these temperatures must first be reached by wavelengths.
In the course of this activity, over the years, retinal damage occurred a few times, and not in every person. This is not surprising given the temperatures at which they worked and how many hours a day people had to look into the source. Because of this fact, it is now mandatory to wear goggles and protection when welding.
The Seibersdorf Laboratory is also investigating this topic in more detail. Here is an excerpt from the latest report: "Depending on the wavelength, different parts of the eye can be at risk. IR-A radiation penetrates to the retina and can cause permanent damage to the retina if the temperature increases accordingly. However, the irradiance of IR-A emitters is far below the ICNIRP5 limit value, so thermal damage to the retina is not possible even with prolonged staring into the source. Statements such as 'IR-A emitters can cause retinal detachment' are therefore incorrect and, unfortunately, have also been adopted by consumer protection magazines, apparently without sufficient research.
...Regarding the cornea, however, it should be noted that opacification is only possible with extremely high irradiance, which cannot be generated by IR emitters. With longer exposure times, one is protected by the tear film and the pain reaction."
Seibersdorfer Institute
One reads online, especially from one company, that eyes "watered when using a full-spectrum infrared cabin."
Summary
As with everything in the world, there is no holy grail; everything is a matter of quality and intensity.
The fact is that light is essential for life – light, infrared light, and also infrared-A are part of our daily lives. Ignoring these findings is simply wrong.
Recent light research and product developments combine these insights in the form of health-promoting products, such as full-spectrum infrared cabins or red light therapy devices.
Share:
Can a sauna and infrared cabin help with stress?
How an infrared sauna can help you with a cold