What Is EMF In Saunas? Everything You Need To Know

If you’re someone who loves spending time in saunas, you’ve probably heard a lot about electromagnetic fields or EMF in saunas. You might also have come across health experts suggesting you shouldn’t overlook EMF levels in sauna.

But what exactly is EMF and why does it matter when it comes to saunas?

This is one question sauna goers often ask. And with all the buzz about EMF exposure and health concerns, it can be hard to differentiate fact from fiction. 

In this blog, I will walk you through everything you need to know about electromagnetic fields in saunas. You’ll know:

• What is EMF in sauna
• How it affects you
• EMF levels in different types of sauna  
• How to keep EMF exposure minimum while in sauna

So, let’s get started.
​​

Key takeaways

• EMF in saunas comes from the electrical components used to generate heat.
  
• Low-frequency EMFs are generally considered safe, while high-frequency ones pose health risks.
  
• Infrared saunas tend to produce more EMF than traditional saunas.
  
• Zero-EMF saunas use shielding materials like Faraday cages to block EMF.
  
• Short sauna sessions and distance from heaters can help reduce EMF exposure.
  
• Low-EMF or EMF-shielded saunas are great for peace of mind.

​

What is an EMF or electromagnetic field?

You’ve probably heard the term EMF tossed around, but what does it actually mean? 

For starters, EMF stands for electromagnetic field, and it’s the energy that’s created by the movement of electric charges. 

We encounter EMFs all around us, whether it’s from power lines, electrical appliances, or even the devices we use every day like phones, microwaves, and Wi-Fi routers.

So, where do EMFs come from?

Any device that uses electricity produces an electromagnetic field. This includes everything from your blender to the power lines running near your home. 

In fact, we’re constantly surrounded by EMFs, even though we can’t see or feel them.
​

What are the different types of EMFs?

Now, EMFs can be divided into two main categories, namely low-frequency and high-frequency EMFs. 
Here's how these electromagnetic fields are different:
​

1. Low-frequency EMF
These are the EMFs that are considered harmless at low levels. EMFs from things like your microwave, radio waves, and most household appliances (saunas included) are some examples. 

Low-frequency EMFs don’t have enough energy to remove electrons from atoms, and thus, they’re not harmful.

2. High-frequency EMF
These EMFs include X-rays and gamma rays, and they have enough energy to damage cells and DNA by removing electrons. This is why high-frequency EMFs are linked to serious health concerns. 

Luckily, these are only found in specialized environments (like at a hospital for X-rays) and not in everyday products.

In short, here are the different types of EMFs: ​

Type of EMF	Examples	Health Risk
Low-Frequency	Microwaves, household appliances, saunas	Considered harmless at low levels
High-Frequency	X-rays, gamma rays	Can damage cells/DNA, linked to health risks

What is EMF in Saunas?

When it comes to saunas, especially infrared saunas, you might not immediately think of EMF.

But the truth is, saunas, just like many other electrical devices, produce EMFs due to the electrical components used in the heating process.

So, how does it work?

The electrical wiring and components inside the sauna, like the control panel and heaters, all generate some level of EMF. 

This is similar to how the electrical devices in your home, like your microwave or phone, produce EMFs.
​

Do traditional saunas also have EMF?

Yes, traditional saunas do have EMF. However, the picture is a bit different here. 

​These saunas use traditional heating elements like wood stoves or electric heaters, which means there are fewer electrical components that directly contribute to EMF. And this helps keep EMF levels much lower than infrared saunas.

Should you be concerned about EMF levels in saunas?

The short answer is yes, you should be. 
In fact, there are a few solid reasons why people are concerned about EMF levels. This is especially true when it comes to infrared saunas.

​Here’s are two main concerns that sauna goers raise:
​

1. Health risks
While low-frequency EMFs are generally considered safe, research suggests that continuous exposure to high levels of EMFs could have health risks. 

Now, as I explained in my blog on infrared sauna dangers, people worry that using infrared saunas regularly could leave them dangerously exposed to EMF. 

What adds to this fear is people sharing their experiences where they faced issues like fatigue, headaches, and sleep disturbances after extensive sauna use. 

You see, even though these effects aren’t directly linked to sauna use (not as yet), people are cautious about the possible long-term effects of EMF exposure.

2. Electrosensitivity
There’s also a growing group of people who experience electrosensitivity, or EMF sensitivity. Here, exposure to EMFs causes symptoms like dizziness, skin irritation, and fatigue. 

For these people, even low levels of EMF in saunas could potentially trigger these uncomfortable symptoms.
​

Zero-EMF saunas: Are they a solid substitute to regular saunas?

Now, if you’re really serious about minimizing EMF exposure, Zero-EMF saunas might be exactly what you’re looking for. These saunas are designed with the sole purpose of reducing or eliminating EMF exposure as much as possible.

Zero-EMF saunas are typically built using advanced techniques like Faraday cages and EMF shielding materials to block electromagnetic radiation. 

Here's how they work: 

1. Faraday cage
A Faraday cage is essentially a shield that surrounds the sauna and reflects electromagnetic waves. 

It’s typically made of conductive materials like copper or aluminum mesh that’s carefully blended into the sauna materials. This prevents EMF from escaping or entering the sauna, creating a safe low-EMF environment.

2. EMF Shielding Materials
Some high-end zero-EMF saunas also use specialized EMF shielding materials in the walls, ceiling, and flooring. 

These materials act as barriers, reducing the amount of electromagnetic radiation in the
sauna.

The idea is to create an environment where you’re exposed to minimal to no EMF while you enjoy the sauna.

Is it worth the extra cost? 
A zero EMF sauna provides a completely EMF-free experience, making it attractive to people with electrosensitivity.

These saunas offer a peace of mind for those who are particularly sensitive to EMFs or simply want to minimize their exposure to EMF as much as possible.

So, if EMF exposure is a major concern for you, investing in a zero-EMF sauna could make sense.

But that said, low-EMF or medium-EMF saunas (like infrared saunas with carbon heaters) are also perfectly safe. 

Simply put, whether these saunas are worth it really depends on your personal health situation and how much you're willing to invest in EMF-free relaxation.
​

TL;DR, Here are the EMF levels in different types of saunas:

Sauna Type	EMF Levels	Notes
Traditional Saunas	Low	Fewer electrical components = lower EMF
Infrared Saunas	Moderate to High (depends on sauna type)	Infrared heaters emit more EMF, especially Far-Infrared
Zero-EMF Saunas	None or Minimal	Uses Faraday cages or EMF shielding materials

How to reduce EMF in sauna?

We’ve seen enough about EMF in saunas and why people are concerned about them. 
But what if you could still do your sauna sessions safely?

Yes, that’s possible; all you’ve got to do is take a few steps to reduce your exposure. 

Here are some simple tips that can help you protect yourself from EMF in sauna:
​​

1. Keep your sauna sessions short

One of the easiest ways to minimize EMF exposure is by limiting the amount of time you spend in the sauna. 

If you're using an infrared sauna, spend about 15-20 minutes instead of the 30-45 minute sessions. After all, the longer you're in the sauna, the more your body is exposed to the EMFs.
​

2. Maintain distance from sauna heaters

Stay a few feet away from the heaters. 

​While it’s tempting to sit as close as possible to the heat source to get maximum benefits, the closer you are, the more EMF exposure you’re likely to experience. 

So, try to sit in a position where you’re not directly in front of the heaters.

3. Use shielding materials like towels or blankets

For those of you who are particularly sensitive to EMFs, or just want extra protection, you can use shielding materials inside the sauna. 

A simple towel or blanket placed over your body or around your back can act as a barrier to reduce EMF exposure. Also, apart from EMF protection, towels are an essential part of public sauna etiquette and help you blend in well for a social sauna experience. 

People even use specialized EMF-blocking fabrics made from silver or copper designed to absorb and reflect EMF radiation. If you’re using one, just make sure it’s breathable, so you can still enjoy the heat without feeling suffocated.
​

4. Take breaks between sessions

If you're doing multiple sauna sessions or using a sauna regularly, it’s a good idea to take breaks in between. This gives your body time to cool down and reset before heading back into the heat.

These breaks are especially useful if you want to enjoy contrast therapy benefits by alternating between saunas and cold shower/dip. 
​

5. Choose low-EMF or EMF shielded saunas

You can also look for saunas with low-EMF heaters (such as carbon heaters) or even zero-EMF saunas if you want the ultimate peace of mind. 

​Many saunas today offer shielded options that significantly reduce EMF exposure. These might cost a little more, but if reducing EMF is a top priority for you, it’s worth the investment.

In short, here’s how to reduce EMF in sauna:

Method	How It Helps
Keep Sessions Short	Reduces the total exposure time
Maintain Distance from Heaters	Limits proximity to the source of EMF
Use Towels or EMF-Blocking Fabrics	Acts as a physical barrier to EMF
Take Breaks	Reduces cumulative exposure over multiple sessions
Choose Low-EMF or Shielded Saunas	Offers extra protection with minimal EMF emission

Final thoughts

By now, I am sure you know all about EMF in saunas, its potential risks, and how you can keep yourself safe. 

If you’re someone who’s concerned about EMFs, there still are ways to minimize your exposure and still get the full experience. 

At Steam and Sauna Experts, we offer a variety of low-EMF sauna options tailored to your health and comfort. 

Our e-commerce store features an extensive low-EMF sauna inventory from industry-leading manufacturers like Amerec, Finnmark, Delta, Mr Steam, Harvia, and more. 

Whether you want a new sauna for your home or you’re looking to upgrade your existing sauna, we’ve got you covered. 

You might also want to read - Barrel Sauna Vs Square Sauna: What’s The Difference? ​
​

FAQs about EMF in saunas

What is the difference between low-EMF and high-EMF saunas?
Low-EMF saunas produce minimum electromagnetic fields, which means they generate less radiation compared to standard saunas. These saunas are designed with special materials and technologies to keep EMF levels at a safe level for users.

High-EMF saunas, on the other hand, can emit higher levels of radiation, which might be a concern for people who are sensitive to EMF exposure. 


Can EMF from saunas harm your health?
There’s ongoing debate in the scientific community about the long-term effects of EMF exposure. 

While most research indicates that the levels of EMF in saunas are far below harmful thresholds, some people may experience sensitivity. This can cause symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or fatigue when exposed to higher levels of EMF.


How do infrared saunas emit EMF?
Infrared saunas emit EMF because they use electrical components to heat up and produce infrared light. 

The heaters in infrared saunas are often powered by electrical currents, and as these currents flow through the components, they can generate EMF.

However, the intensity of EMF varies based on the type of infrared sauna too. For instance, near infrared saunas produce lower EMF compared to far infrared. 

Are traditional saunas better for minimizing EMF?
Yes, traditional saunas generally emit lower EMF levels compared to infrared saunas.

That’s because traditional saunas rely on simple electrical heaters (or wood-burning stoves), and there’s less use of electrical wiring to generate heat.


Can EMF exposure from saunas cause cancer or other serious health issues?
As of now, there is no definitive scientific evidence linking low-level EMF exposure from saunas to serious health problems like cancer. 

The amount of EMF emitted by most saunas, especially low-EMF and zero-EMF models, is far below the levels that have been associated with health risks. 


Should I use EMF protection devices in a sauna?
While EMF protection devices like EMF shields, grounding mats, or special clothing can help reduce your exposure, they aren’t always necessary if you’re using a low-EMF sauna.
​