Is an oil heater harmful to health? The benefits and harms of infrared heaters for human health

The debate about whether there is harm from the microwave has been going on for years. The media write that the microwave oven has harmful effect on the body, the radiation is hazardous to health. You can say a lot, but give scientific evidence and evidence can not every magazine. Surely you have heard dozens of different opinions, but have not come to a conclusion.

We offer you to find out if it is possible to use a microwave oven, is it dangerous for humans, does it contain radiation, etc. The review presents the opinion of experts: we will find out the truth and destroy the myths.

Why is it easy to believe the big headlines that microwaves or mobile phones cause cancer? The point is the frightening word "radiation". We immediately imagine nuclear power plants and radiation, although in reality radiation is different.

There are two types of radiation: ionizing and non-ionizing. An example of the first is gamma rays, they are used in industry, at nuclear power plants. These beams are powerful enough to damage DNA - remove an electron from a molecule - and cause cancer.

Non-ionizing study - microwaves and radio waves, they are emitted during the operation of microwaves and telephones. This radiation is not capable of damaging DNA and leading to cancer.

The American Cancer Society (American Cancer Society) in May 2016 released a summary of research on different types of radiation. It says that microwaves do not make food radioactive, as they do not change its structure. They make the water molecules vibrate, heating them up.

Don't want consequences? Be careful when choosing dishes. Take a look at the pages "" and ""to make sure what the danger of negligence is and how to avoid it.

security check

Do you want to check for yourself how harmful the technique is? You can check for radiation in simple ways:

• At night, start the device in operation, and place a fluorescent lamp nearby. If the lamp flashes or changes in it, then waves are leaking from the housing.
• The second option requires two mobile phone. Put one in the camera, turning it on, and from the second, call the first. Did you get through? This means that the isolation of the device is weak, it does not protect well from radiation.

Do this experiment quickly. Don't use an expensive smart phone. Otherwise something bad might happen:

• Boil water in a glass beaker. Didn't the water boil in 3 minutes? This is leak proof.
• A microwave detector will help to fully confirm the leak. Load a glass of water into the chamber and turn on the appliance. Using the detector, walk along the cracks, inspect the corners, ventilation holes. If there is no danger, the light bulb will not change color. Waves flow out - the detector will work with a red glare.

Be careful when experimenting. Do not do this unless absolutely necessary. If you are concerned about the issue of harm, and you don’t know if microwaves kill vitamins, harm food and you, it’s better not to buy a device, take care of your nerves.

You have a lot of information in front of you, draw your own conclusions: believe the arguments of scientists or play it safe. The harmfulness of heating or cooking in a microwave oven has not been proven, but they do not bring additional benefits either.

With the onset of cold days, we begin to wrap ourselves in warm clothes and think about buying an infrared heater. However, there are so many rumors around this modern device about the dangers of its effect on health that it becomes scary for the safety of your loved ones. Today we will reveal to you the whole truth about how dangerous this device is to health.

Infrared heaters are a heating device that causes a huge amount of controversy. Some believe that its rays are akin to radiation waves, others assure about it almost healing properties. Today we will try to dispel all the myths and bring the truth to light.

Do not confuse IR and UV radiation. The latter does indeed Negative influence on human health, and we still have to figure out the impact of the former.

Manufacturers assure that the rays of an infrared heater are indistinguishable from the effects of the sun. However, many people know that not all solar radiation is harmless to health.

First of all, it is worth considering that there are three types of IF heating. Their harmfulness is different levels And not all of them are dangerous to health.

What are IF batteries:

• Shortwave;
• medium wave;
• Longwave.

The first and second options can be heated up to 800 degrees Celsius. Such devices, UFOs, are used only for short-term heating of outdoor premises. At the time of operation of such devices, you should not be near them.

It is short and medium waves that penetrate the skin as quickly as possible. They are harmful to health and are used only for special purposes. The shorter the wave, the more harm from it, and the higher the heating temperature, the shorter the waves.

Harm of infrared heater

Infrared heaters can be harmful if used incorrectly. Also negative impact such devices happen with poor assembly.

Unfortunately, infrared heaters are really not very healthy. However, all the harm that we will describe, such devices can cause only with prolonged exposure to the skin.

Harm of infrared emitters:

1. Such heating can dry out the skin. The fact is that with prolonged exposure to IF waves on the skin, it begins to dry out at such a speed that sweat does not have time to be produced. Thus, you risk getting dry and lifeless skin.
2. With prolonged exposure to IF, the cells begin to deform. The membrane loses its permeability. The protein is denatured. However, such an influence is possible only if you are affected by a powerful short-wave device.
3. With direct exposure to IF on the eyes, there is a risk of burns to the retina and lens. Such a burn can lead to the development of cataracts.
4. If you installed ceiling infrared heaters incorrectly, then there is a risk of developing a headache. This is possible if the rays directly affect the human head.

As you can see infrared heating actually poses some danger. However, such Negative consequences most often happen due to improper installation or the choice of a low-quality device.

However, do not rush to conclusions. This lamp has positive influence on health, and negative consequences can be eliminated with the help of simple manipulations.

The benefits and harms of infrared radiation for humans

At infrared heaters There are also bright sides. However, this applies only to long-wavelength models. Since it is long-wave radiation that is as close as possible to natural radiation.

Infrared long-wave radiation is used for warming procedures. As you can see, it is also used for medical purposes.

Such waves penetrate only the upper layers of the human skin, and are completely absorbed by them. At correct use they will only have a beneficial effect on your body.

The benefits of IF radiation for humans:

1. infrared radiation, correct installation and choice of instrument. It can be used in residential premises for quite a long time.
2. Short-term exposure to long-wave IF is beneficial for the elderly. It also has a positive effect on the immune system.
3. Such waves are used in medicine, for example, in surgery and dentistry. They are also taken in the form of IF baths.
4. With the help of small doses of infrared radiation, blood circulation can be improved, which will positively affect skin color.
5. Such devices nullify the radiation of microwaves and computers. Such heating also cleanses your home of negative waves.
6. Unlike other heaters, quartz and laser heating does not drive dust around the house, does not make noise and does not emit bad smell. It also does not burn out oxygen.
7. Short-term exposure to IF has a positive effect on nervous system. Thanks to him, you will sleep better.
8. Increase the release of melatonin. This fact will help you get rid of winter depression.
9. Increase insulin production. This is especially important for diabetics.
10. Improve the functioning of joints in arthritis and sciatica.
11. Japanese doctors have proven that long-wavelength IF rays inhibit growth cancer cells. Such a conclusion is not actively used in medicine, but provides a platform for further advancement. Perhaps soon the harmful radiation used in cancer treatment will be replaced by IF waves.
12. Using the IF heater, you can disinfect the air in the house. The fact is that such radiation kills some pathogenic microbes.

Despite the wide range of beneficial effects, you should not think that this is a panacea for all diseases. Without the permission of a doctor, such treatment cannot be used.

Ceiling infrared heaters: the whole truth and myths

So, after reviewing the lists of advantages and disadvantages of infrared heaters. And after analyzing the new knowledge, we can confidently debunk all the myths regarding the use of IF heaters.

The whole truth and myths about IF heaters:

1. IF radiation is akin to radiation - you've heard this myth quite often. However, unlike radioactive waves, infrared radiation with a short exposure does not lead to irreversible consequences.
2. Because of the IF heaters, you can get cancer - this fact has not been proven at all. Of course, long-term exposure to IF has a negative effect on the skin, but some doctors even note the suppression of the development of malignant cells with long-wave IF irradiation.
3. With the help of IF heaters, you can be cured of many diseases - this conclusion cannot be called true either. Yes, when used correctly, IF rays have some positive effect on the human body, but as a cure for serious illnesses it cannot be used.
4. The safety of IF heaters is 100%. Unfortunately, this statement cannot be called true. The red "ember" inside the lamp, which emits infrared waves, can cause a lot of harm if used improperly.

Thus, dispelling all myths, you can understand whether you need an infrared heater. When used correctly, it will significantly increase the comfort in your home.

Infrared heaters: how to make them harmless

Infrared heaters can be used to heat your apartment. However, in order to minimize the negative impact of such devices, several conditions must be met.

How to reduce the negative impact of IF heaters:

1. Try to stay at the maximum distance from the device during operation. The closer you are to the source of IF radiation, the greater its effect on you.
2. Do not abuse IF heating. You should not turn it on all night, in a room where people sleep.
3. Choose models with a rotation function. Such devices have a minimum impact on the same area.
4. Do not install infrared heaters in children's rooms. The skin of babies is more delicate than that of adults, and therefore more susceptible to IR rays.

In addition to these rules, there is one more thing: install the device so that the emitter is directed to the ceiling or wall. In this case, you will minimize its impact on the body of your loved ones.

Expert answer: infrared heaters, are they harmful to health (video)

Infrared heaters have their pros and cons. If you decide to install such a device at home, then choose only a quality product, because your health depends on it!

Why warm and superheated indoor air is harmful - tells Oleg Borisov, head of the OKB Health Center, general practitioner.

Dry air is not good

Natalya Korba, AiF-Yugra: Oleg Vasilievich, why are overheated rooms dangerous?

Therapist Oleg Borisov: The human body is open system, which interacts with environment. The higher the room temperature, the lower the humidity, and this the most important factor. Excessively dry air dehydrates the body, dries out the skin, mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and throat. This problem is especially relevant for the North.

REFERENCE:

Hygienic standards for air temperature in the premises of social infrastructure facilities: - 21-23 degrees Celsius in the playrooms of the junior, middle, senior group cells of preschool organizations; - 19-20 degrees Celsius in the bedrooms of all group cells of preschool organizations; - 18-24 degrees Celsius in classrooms and offices of educational organizations; - 20-26 degrees Celsius in the wards of medical institutions; - not lower than 20 degrees Celsius in rooms for recreation and games in organizations for orphans and children left without parental care; - 20-22 degrees Celsius in the living rooms of organizations social service for the elderly, people with handicapped health and disabled people. Data provided by Rospotrebnadzor for Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug-Yugra.

In our region, they are building very warm houses with a good heating system. The batteries are hot, but the ventilation systems often do not work so well, and the quality building materials leaves much to be desired, they are not breathable and absorb moisture from the air. Add to this more household appliances: electric stoves, radiators. All this reduces the humidity in the house. Its optimal indicator in summer is 60-75%, in winter - 55-70%. In fact, in modern concrete houses such humidity is not kept, in winter it drops to 25-30%.

- How does it affect our health?

At a humidity of 25-30%, the respiratory epithelium, the protector of the mucous membranes, is destroyed. This leads to easier penetration of infections. Therefore, in the cold season, chronic rhinitis is more often exacerbated, especially in children, which can lead to more serious complications, such as adenoids. Dry air makes breathing difficult, a weakened throat is attacked by tonsillitis and tonsillitis. Young children are more likely to develop conjunctivitis - they begin to scratch their eyes and bring dust and dirt into them.

Low indoor humidity can lead to illness, especially in children. Photo: pixabay.com

If the relative humidity in the premises drops to 10% or less, this can lead to serious lung dysfunction, exacerbation of bronchial asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Aquarium - not for fish

- What if the batteries at home cannot be turned off?

Use improvised means: hang wet rags on batteries, place containers with water, including open aquariums, carry out daily wet cleaning. Houseplants are good humidifiers. Compulsory household appliance must have a humidifier. If it is impossible to ensure the optimal level of humidity in the entire apartment, then at least in the area where the child is located.

A special topic is the temperature in kindergartens. Studies were conducted that revealed: the incidence of acute respiratory viral infections in kindergartens, where the air is dry, is twice as high as where the ideal humidity. Therefore, parents need to pay attention to the microclimate in kindergarten, and in case of violation temperature regime contact the administration.

What are the preventive measures for respiratory diseases? autumn period would you advise?

First, it is regular long walks. The child must be dressed according to the weather, it is impossible for children to be constantly wrapped up, the body must breathe. Secondly, a constant fortified diet, you won’t be able to eat enough vitamins for the future in the summer. It is important to remember a simple rule: we must receive those vitamins that grow in us. For example, cranberries and lingonberries are the best ascorbic acid for northerners. Garlic should also be a regular guest on the table.

You should not wrap the child too warmly for a walk. Photo: pixabay.com

- What about hardening?

There are a lot of hardening systems. The technique should be selected for the child, his current condition, the presence chronic diseases. If a child is asthmatic, not every hardening technique is suitable for him, which can provoke a disease. Therefore, it is better for parents to seek advice on hardening from the local pediatrician.

If you do not have a special device at home that measures air humidity - a hygrometer, you can find out this indicator using a simple glass beaker and water. To do this, you need to type in a glass cold water and put in the refrigerator until the temperature of the liquid in the container cools down to 3-5 degrees.

Photo: pixabay.com / klimkin

The cooled glass should be placed in a room away from the heating source and observe:

If the condensate is completely dry after 5-10 minutes, the air in the room is very dry;

If after 5-10 minutes the condensate has collected in large drops on the walls of the glass and flows from them in streams - the air in the room is excessively humid;

Normal humidity in the room in the event that after 5-10 minutes the condensate has not dried up, but it has not dripped either.

Thus, a glass and water turn into a handmade hygrometer.

During the off-season, when it is still not quite cold, but not warm anymore, almost everyone uses heaters different type. fan heaters, oil coolers, electric spiral devices are familiar to the consumer for a long time. Today, equipment manufacturers are celebrating high efficiency infrared heaters and recommend using only such devices. The performance characteristics are attractive, but we would like to know whether or not an infrared heater is harmful before purchasing one for our family.

1. Harm can be avoided

A little about infrared radiation

Any type of heating device used by a person emits infrared rays (IR) of different wavelengths and intensities. Who doesn't love to bask in the warm rays of the sun? At the same time, prolonged exposure to the sun can damage the skin. The positive and negative impact of infrared rays on a person is determined by the depth of penetration of radiation into the skin.

Let's look at how an infrared heater works and what makes it different from other heating devices. The uniqueness lies in the fact that the energy is transferred to the surface of the object with virtually no loss. The higher the temperature of the device, the stronger the heating object heats up. The maximum heating of the plane occurs when in large numbers short waves, which is observed when the heater itself is heated. If during the operation of the device mainly short waves go to the heated object, the benefit parameter drops to zero, and the harm from the infrared heater increases.

On sale today there are 3 types of heaters:

1. Devices that heat up to 300 degrees with a wavelength of 50-200 microns.
2. Devices that heat up to 600 degrees with a wavelength of 2.5–50 microns.
3. Devices heated by more than 800 degrees with a wavelength of 0.7-2.5 microns.

Infrared rays with a wavelength of less than 3 microns penetrate through upper layer skin and can be harmful to human health.

Is infrared heater harmful?

If you install the device in a room and position yourself directly in front of it on long time, the skin facing the heater may burn. This happens from the rapid heating and evaporation of moisture from the upper layer of the skin under the influence of IR.

The impact of infrared radiation on the human body has been studied for a long time. In medicine, infrared rays are used during physiotherapy procedures. Sessions of medical procedures are strictly limited in time. The production of heaters with constant infrared radiation is considered harmful by physicians. Under the strong influence of rays, changes can begin in the inner layers of the skin.

Do not allow prolonged exposure to infrared rays on the eyes to avoid burns to the lens and retina. After such a burn, there is a risk of cataracts.

Attached low on the ceiling, the device will constantly have a strong effect on the head. Ceiling models must be hung as high as possible and directed at an angle, which will significantly reduce the harm from an infrared heater.

Are infrared rays helpful?

Human body also emits radiation waves of 3–50 µm. Natural infrared radiation has a length of 7–14 microns. In these parameters, the body perceives radiation as much as possible. Using in medical procedures warming up infrared waves of a certain length, doctors keep the patient's body in good shape and help him recover. The number and duration of sessions is strictly limited so as not to harm.

Long infrared waves do not cause any harm to the body. With their help, a person can increase the immunity of the body.

Are infrared heaters harmful to health? We can say that at right choice and the installation of the device, the harmfulness is reduced to almost zero.

When choosing an IR heater model, you should pay attention to its specifications and find out the range of radiation waves. So that it does not harm you, this parameter should be in the range of 3-10 microns.

Harm can be avoided

Positive reviews experts on the use of infrared heaters in everyday life are based on the following rules:

1. The power of the device you bought must match the parameters of the room or be adjustable.
2. The radiation from the heater should be directed towards the wall or floor, and not towards the person.
3. Try to keep infrared rays away from your head.
4. Do not install IR heaters in the children's room.
5. Usage infrared devices on the street does no harm.

Numerous user reviews of household electric infrared heaters note the effectiveness of their use in the country, when a short time it is necessary to warm the house in wet weather or create a comfortable seating area in an open gazebo.

Video about infrared heaters