Infrared Sauna Dangers: Points You Must Know to Be Safe

Despite the widespread belief that saunas benefit health, infrared sauna dangers are pretty prevalent. The fact is that saunas, like most other things, can be harmful to your body and mind. This is if you expose yourself to them for a substantial period.

Your degree of comfort and overall health will determine the ideal temperature for an infrared sauna. However, the typical operating temperature of an infrared sauna is significantly lower than that of a conventional sauna. This is because traditional saunas create heat differently, causing them to operate at a considerably lower temperature.
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This blog will comprehensively discuss the infrared sauna dangers. And, keeping these points in mind will help you prevent any major mishap. So, if you want to ensure your safety when using a sauna, it's best that you carefully understand the information we discuss in the coming sections.

Infrared Saunas: How Do They Work?

The majority of sauna goers are prone to traditional saunas, which function very differently from infrared saunas. Convection heating is a preference over using heated elements and pebbles for saunas because it is more efficient. An infrared sauna generates radiant heat through the use of infrared light.

This infrared light is able to travel deeply into your skin. You may work out at temperatures between 120 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit and yet produce copious amounts of sweat. Despite knowing this isn't as hot as a regular sauna, the deep penetration makes up for the lack of heat. It enables you to reap most of the same benefits traditional saunas encourage.
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Further stating, they operate at a significantly lower temperature. They are an excellent choice for first-time sauna bathers as well as younger children. Additionally, because of this lower temperature, infrared saunas can be constructed with many more features than traditional saunas. Otherwise, it will be harmed by the extreme heat promoted by regular saunas.
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You might also want to read: Infrared Sauna vs. Traditional Sauna: What's the Difference​

Infrared Sauna Dangers: Points You Must Know About

​Strain from the heat
The majority of people who use saunas end up getting heat stroke, which may seem like an obvious statement to some people. Even the healthiest human bodies are susceptible to this, and it can cause them to overheat to levels that cannot be recovered from. You may prevent this from happening by being aware of your body and being able to recognize the indicators of heat exhaustion.

People who spend excessive time in saunas are the most likely to suffer heat stroke. In most cases, this takes place either because people enjoy pushing themselves past their limitations or because they just nod off while in the sauna. Therefore, you should make it a point to stay awake for the full duration of your time in the sauna and bath, which should not exceed thirty minutes.

This period is sufficient to obtain the greatest benefits that may be derived from the sauna without exceeding the limits that your body can withstand. For instance, if you start to feel queasy, light-headed, dizzy, or just plain strange at any point while in the sauna, you need to get out of there as soon as possible. Do not go beyond your capabilities; instead, pay attention to the cues your body is giving you at all times.

Dehydration
The second frequent and visible risk that comes with using an infrared sauna is the risk of being dehydrated. Many folks doze off in the sauna or stay there for an excessive amount of time without taking breaks to drink water. Because the symptoms of dehydration aren't always easy to spot, these are some of the biggest no-nos you may make.

Dehydration could cause symptoms such as dry mouth, headaches, dizziness, tiredness, and dry skin if you're doing anything strenuous, like the sauna. If this is the case, you need to get out of the sauna as soon as possible, hydrate yourself thoroughly, and give your body at least ten to fifteen minutes to recover from the heat.

Drinking a lot of water before entering the building is an excellent preventative measure that can help you avoid having an issue like this in the first place. By doing so, you will guarantee that your body is adequately hydrated and prepared to endure the high heat of the sauna. You should carry a big bottle of water inside the sauna with you so that you have something to drink while you are there.

Be sure to keep yourself hydrated by drinking this water at regular intervals. Before entering a sauna, you should never consume beer, soda, or any other beverage that contains added sugar because doing so will cause you to lose even more water.

This will cause your body to immediately dehydrate, making it easier for you to injure yourself in the sauna. In addition, when alcohol is involved, there is a greater chance that you will trip or do something incredibly stupid.

You might also want to read: Far Infrared Sauna: Top Do's and Don'ts to Understand (2022)

EMF Radiation
EMF radiation is amongst potential infrared sauna dangers that the vast majority of people are unaware of. Infrared heating panels, which these saunas rely on to generate heat, are responsible for the emission of EMF radiation.

This radiation can also be present in common household appliances and electronics, including microwaves, cell phones, and Wi-Fi networks. Although electromagnetic fields (EMF) are present in everyday life, high exposure to EMF can cause health problems such as cancer.

While it is unlikely that EMF would negatively impact your health. You should nonetheless be aware of the potential risks and do what you can to mitigate them. On a more upbeat note, the majority of companies that develop infrared saunas are aware of electromagnetic fields (EMF). And, they make concerted efforts to reduce the amount of EMF that their saunas emit.

Additionally, before making a purchase, it is easy to determine the EMF rating of most infrared saunas on the market today. Taking a sauna bath is beneficial to one's health. Certain infrared saunas emit very little to no electromagnetic fields (EMF).

Silicone Implants
Before entering a sauna, you should check with your surgeon if you have silicone implants to ensure they won't melt in high temperatures. In rare instances, low-cost implants made of silicone might melt and become misshapen. However, because you spent a lot of money on making sure that they were flawless, this is obviously a problem.

In the most severe of situations, the shell surrounding these implants may crack or burst, which is extremely hazardous to a person's health. In spite of this, the majority of high-quality silicone implants have a melting point higher than 392 degrees, which suggests that you should be alright in an infrared sauna despite the highest temperature that most infrared saunas can reach is just 150 degrees Fahrenheit.

However, in the interest of safety, we still advise you to see your primary care physician and inquire whether or not sauna bathing is appropriate.

Health Conditions
Before using the sauna, it is a good idea to check in with a medical practitioner. This is if you are currently dealing with any kind of health condition. As a result of the harsh circumstances that saunas impose on the body, they might exacerbate pre existing conditions. These are already problematic and cause more injury. Chances are you might have struggled with any of the following conditions. So, you should steer clear of the saunas. These conditions are: Brain tumor, heart attack, lupus erythematosus, aortic stenosis, multiple sclerosis, and more.

In addition, if you have diabetes, implants, or a pacemaker, you should make an appointment with your doctor immediately. While those with these conditions can usually use the sauna without any problems. You should consult your physician just in case. If at any point during your time in the sauna you have symptoms such as lightheadedness, pain, or intense discomfort, you should get out of the sauna as soon as possible. To prevent heat exhaustion, it's essential to drink plenty of water and give your body time to cool down.
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You might also want to read: Infrared Saunas: What’s So Good About Them and Should You Get One?

Final Words

If you are careful and follow the instructions, infrared sauna dangers won't exist at all. This entails adhering to the recommended safety precautions and using basic good sense inside the sauna. Be careful not to overstep any of the boundaries you've set for yourself. Keep a bottle of water nearby so you can rehydrate your body.

When used correctly, infrared saunas can significantly improve their users' physical and mental well-being. It's done through contributing to significant improvements in health. Because of this, we strongly advise you to purchase one of these saunas. With these, you may get the most out of your efforts to improve your health.

Steam and Sauna experts can help you in this matter. With over a decade of experience providing steam sauna bath services, we aspire to become your go-to sauna installers. Get in touch with one of our customer service specialists today to learn more about us and our services.