I, the author of this article, have heard many different opinions, fears, and prejudices about infrared radiation. And mostly from people who, when discussing some problem, do not bother to study expert sources.

If we start with the global, then all the variety of radiations that come from the Sun have one nature. All of these are electromagnetic waves. And they differ mainly in their length. Depending on their size, a wave has different properties and effects on the environment. In the visible spectrum, the shortest are violet waves with a length of 0.38 micrometers, and the longest are red - 0.76 micrometers.

In 1800, German scientist William Herschel made a discovery, finding new rays invisible to the eye behind the red part of the spectrum. This radiation caused an increase in temperature in the thermometer used for research. This radiation was later called infrared.

Infra – in Latin means “below”. That is, these are rays that extend beyond the visible part of the red spectrum.

As already mentioned, the natural source of infrared radiation is the Sun. The range of rays is divided into 3 parts:

• short - more than 700 °C.
• medium - from 300 to 700 °C;
• long ones, which are emitted by heaters – from 35 to 300 °C;

In addition to the Sun, infrared radiation can be emitted by heating elements. When heated, they release excited atoms. These are atoms that have excess energy, as well as ions of matter. That is, all bodies whose temperature is above 273 °C can be sources of infrared heat.

Depending on the temperature of the emitting body, the wave can vary in length, intensity, and transmittance.

So how harmful or beneficial is infrared radiation from modern heaters?

So, we found out that the shorter the waves, the hotter and more dangerous they are.

Long waves in the range of 7-14 microns, as medical studies have shown, have a positive effect on the body. And here's why. Our body perceives this long-wave region of the infrared spectrum (and ideally 9.4 micrometers) as its natural heat. After all, we all know about the benefits of sunlight when dosed correctly. And with proper "warming up", the body's functioning at the level of cellular structures improves.

To sum it up and not overload you with terms - such long-wave heat awakens our cells at a natural level, increasing their activity (immunoglobulin, estrogen, enzymes, etc.). Our body constantly needs to be nourished by such waves. Especially for residents of those regions where there is very little sun during the year.

It's great that we live in a period when electric infrared heaters made of heat-insulating materials have been developed. And their surface temperature does not heat up above 100 °C. Moreover, with GPO heaters, you can remotely set the required surface temperature yourself from your smartphone and not worry about overheating or burns.

In any case, when choosing a heater, pay attention to the technical data sheet indicating the radiation characteristics of the device. The surface of the device should not heat more than 100 °C. Otherwise, it is short-wave radiation. It is harsher and more intense. If you still buy a short-wave heater, then its exposure time should be shorter. And you should not be very close to such a heater.

Warm up with benefits for your body and your wallet!