Harm⚡ or benefit of an infrared heater for human health?

With the onset of cold weather, people are thinking about heating their houses and apartments. Many people use different devices for this purpose. Are infrared heaters harmful to health? The device is becoming increasingly popular, so interest in its beneficial and harmful qualities is increasing.

General characteristics

Any heater is a source of infrared radiation. In nature, such waves are generated by the sun.

Infrared radiation has a thermal effect and penetrates into the deep layers of tissue. The operating principle of household heaters is quite simple. Infrared rays leave the device, reach objects and heat them. When objects heat up, they release heat into the atmosphere.

The energy from the devices reaches objects and people, and the air around them warms up. The effect of infrared radiation is local. Objects outside the reach of waves do not heat up and remain cold.

Unlike convective heating, warm air does not collect in the ceiling area. Therefore, infrared heaters are economical and heat the required area of ​​the room. The main heating can be reduced; thanks to the device, a person will feel warm in the required areas of the room.

The devices are used in different areas of life and have a compact size, which allows them to be installed in the right places. They are quite powerful, but due to the conversion of most of the energy into heat, they are economical to use.

Types of infrared heaters

There are several types of infrared heaters. Each of them has certain features and differences.

Classification and features:

1. Electrical. They are the most popular type of mechanisms. Simple models are provided with a tungsten spiral, which is located in a quartz glass tube. The advantages of such models include their low power and energy consumption. The disadvantages of the models are fragility and visible radiation, which negatively affects human vision. Heaters with carbon filaments last a long time, but the disadvantage is their high cost and the presence of small but visible radiation. Ceramic models are considered safe. The spiral is covered with a ceramic shell, which eliminates the presence of any radiation. The service life of the device is three years.
2. Diesel and gas devices. The devices are not suitable for heating residential premises. The operation of the devices requires open air and removal of combustion products. They are economical mechanisms. Often used for heating open areas, gazebos, garages, hangars.
3. Devices with hot water supply. Heaters of this type operate on the basis of hot water. Safety is considered a plus compared to other models.

Infrared heaters are divided according to installation method.

Separation:

• Floor-standing,
• Wall-mounted,
• Ceiling.

The last group is more popular due to the lack of convection effect during operation.

What is the use of an IR heater

Infrared heaters have advantages over other heating devices. What are the benefits of using the device for adults and children?

Beneficial features:

1. When the device operates, heat is quickly distributed throughout the room,
2. The level of required oxygen is constantly maintained at normal levels, the gas does not burn as with some other devices,
3. Air humidity does not change
4. A certain area is heated, dry air does not occur,
5. The devices are efficient and economical to use,
6. They do not make noise during operation.

Infrared radiation is often used for medical purposes to treat various diseases. Doctors use waves of a certain length, under the influence of which the patient’s recovery is accelerated and relief from unpleasant symptoms.

What is the harm from an IR heater?

If used incorrectly, an infrared heater can cause harm to the human body. What negative consequences are possible when using the device?

Harmful effect:

• Staying near the device for a long time increases the risk of getting burns to the skin.
• It is possible that heat stroke may occur if the heater is used incorrectly.
• Short waves in the device with prolonged exposure cause diseases of the visual system.

Improper use of the infrared mechanism leads to headaches, unpleasant sensations in the head, and dry skin.

It is recommended to note that all harm to an infrared heater occurs as a result of incorrect operation and failure to comply with safety rules.

How to choose a good infrared heater

If the device is selected correctly, the harm to health is minimal. What do you need to pay attention to in order not to make a mistake with the device?

Selection:

1. It is recommended to select the location of the heater. Ceiling devices are more convenient, do not take up much space, and there are no barriers to the propagation of waves, as there are for floor-mounted mechanisms. Wall-mounted appliances require careful installation. Small children and animals should not reach them. Floor-standing appliances are chosen with a carbon or tubular heating element.
2. Before purchasing, it is recommended to find out the technical specifications of the device. For homes and apartments, it is better to choose infrared heaters with long waves. The maximum radiation temperature reaches six hundred degrees. For a home, 120 degrees is sufficient. Medium and short waves are used in devices used for industrial purposes.
3. Mechanisms are distinguished by the type of heating element. Halogen elements are the simplest and most harmful. Carbon heaters last longer and emit less radiation. Ceramic and tubular heating elements are considered effective - they are reliable, last a long time, and are safe.

Before choosing an infrared heater, you need to carefully study the device, read reviews about it, and talk with specialists.

Film infrared heaters

Film infrared heaters are available on sale. The device is a flexible sheet or strip of a certain type. It can be decorative (in the form of a picture), or simply in the form of a sheet.

There are heating elements inside the plate, powered by an electrical network. When turned on, the heat from the heaters is distributed over all surfaces of the sheet and is evenly transferred into the room.

When the air reaches the required temperature, the heater automatically turns off. When the readings drop by one degree, the device automatically turns on.

Infrared film heaters are available for floor, wall and ceiling. Depending on your wishes, you can choose any size and location.

How to reduce harm from heaters

You can't do without a heater during the off-season. It is possible to reduce the harmful effects of the device by using it correctly and following safety precautions.

Rules:

• You don’t need a powerful device for your home; it’s better to choose several low-power models,
• Before purchasing the device, you need to study it, talk to sellers, look for reviews,
• It is not recommended to buy cheap devices; they are less secure.
• When choosing an infrared heater, take into account the parameters of the room, its area, and volume.
• It is better not to place devices in children's rooms and bedrooms. If necessary, you can install the device, but do not point it at the bed.

When used correctly, an infrared heater brings benefits, not harm. When choosing a device, many characteristics and features are taken into account so as not to harm your health.

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