Infrared cabins and the risk of cancer: what the science says
Infrared cabins are becoming increasingly popular, but questions about possible health risks, particularly the link to cancer, are constantly being raised. Fortunately, current scientific findings and studies show that there is no link between the use of infrared cabins and an increased risk of cancer.
The biological window
Within the electromagnetic spectrum there is the so-called biological window. This window defines which electromagnetic waves the body needs, which have a neutral effect on it and which are even harmful to it. Microwaves, atomic radiation, X-rays and UVC radiation are harmful to the human body. These energy fields should be avoided. Television, radio and radio waves are "relatively" neutral. UVA and UVB radiation (vital in certain doses due to vitamin D production), light radiation and, of course, heat, i.e. infrared radiation, are good for humans.
What is infrared?
The prefix "infra" comes from Latin and means "below". The word "infrared" makes it clear that it refers to a range of electromagnetic radiation that lies below the red end of the visible light spectrum. The infrared spectrum, which is invisible to us, covers the wavelength range from 780nm to 1,000nm (nanometers). The shorter the wavelength, the deeper the radiation can penetrate the skin.
What is special about infrared radiation
Infrared radiation transfers heat to the skin without contact. Basically, however, it is merely a medium that transports the heat and has no effect itself. The skin's heat defense mechanisms are least affected by this form of heat transfer.infrared radiation transfers heat to the skin without contact. Basically, however, it is merely a medium that transports the heat and has no effect itself. The skin's heat defense mechanisms are least affected by this form of heat transfer.
The advantages:
- Infrared radiation impairs the skin's heat regulation the least.
- It works without contact (no pressure and no covering).
- It can be easily regulated and adapted to the skin's heat absorption capacity.
What you should bear in mind:
- The irradiation limits must be observed.
- The skin's own temperature must not rise too high - the maximum skin temperature of 43°C must not be exceeded, as this could lead to local skin damage. This limit must be observed for all types of heat applications.
The infrared spectrum is divided into the ranges A (short-wave), B (medium-wave) and C (long-wave) according to wavelength. This classification is historically based and has nothing to do with the effect of the radiation on humans themselves. Heat radiation sources always emit a broad spectrum of electromagnetic radiation of different wavelengths. The range of this spectrum and the maximum wavelength depends solely on the surface temperature of the radiation source. With the exception of special lasers and diodes, there are therefore no pure infrared A or infrared B emitters. On clear days, our sun reaches an irradiance of 1000 W/sqm. This corresponds to 100 mW/sqcm. Accordingly, the "International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection" (ICNIRP) has set the limit value for prolonged infrared irradiation of the skin at less than 100 mW/sqcm. The Commission does not differentiate between A, B or C radiation with regard to the limit values, as the effect is the same - the skin is heated.
Good infrared cabins keep skin exposure low
As the heat absorption capacity of the skin - even in healthy people - only increases with increasing blood circulation, low irradiance levels (approx. 40 mW/qcm) should be selected at the beginning of the treatment. Starting from this value, the intensity can then be increased step by step. Even if the current limit value for the skin is considered to be 100 mW/qcm, 80 mW/qcm is generally sufficient as the maximum intensity.
Facts and studies on the safety of infrared cabins:
- Infrared radiation is a form of non-ionizing radiation. Unlike X-rays or UV radiation, it cannot change or damage the DNA in our cells, which is a key factor in the development of cancer.
- There are numerous studies that prove the safety and health benefits of infrared cabins. For example, a study by Beever (2009) showed that regular use of infrared cabins has positive effects on skin health and the cardiovascular system, without documenting any negative side effects.
- Modern, high-quality infrared cabins are often equipped with automatic temperature measurements that monitor and regulate the skin temperature. These technologies prevent overheating and ensure that the temperature remains within a safe range.
- Regular use of infrared cabins can help to relieve muscle pain, improve circulation and promote detoxification. A study by Laukkanen et al. (2015) showed that the use of infrared and traditional saunas can even reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Despite intensive research, there is no evidence that the use of infrared cabins increases the risk of cancer. In fact, none of the studies examined found any evidence of such a risk.
Conclusion:
Infrared cabins offer numerous health benefits and are safe to use. Scientific research clearly shows that there is no link between the use of infrared cabins and an increased risk of cancer. Thanks to modern technology and automatic temperature controls (such as Physiotherm SENSOcare® technology), infrared cabins are a safe and effective way to promote well-being and health.
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