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The usage of infrared heaters is increasing day by day. The heaters help to provide warmth in cold weather and reduce heating costs.
These heaters come with a variety of options that can be adjusted according to the need or requirements of the people who are residing at home.
However, there has been a recent study about cancer and its link with these types of heaters which should not be ignored as it could lead to serious implications for those who use them on a regular basis.
If you’re worried that an infrared heater might put your health at risk by causing or contributing to cancer, then it’s time to read on!
What Is an Infrared Heater?
An infrared heater’s radiant heat is invisible and feels dry, which makes it an ideal choice for people with sensitive skin.
Unlike gas furnaces that operate at very high temperatures and emit fumes, electric convection or infrared heater radiates warmth in both the air, so you won’t feel a hot blast of air on your face when you’re sitting nearby.
How Does an Infrared Heater Work?
An infrared heater works by emitting radiant heat through a unit that emits invisible, dry warmth. Unlike convection units or furnaces, there is no hot air blast when you’re sitting nearby, and it produces less noise than other types of heating systems.
It can be purchased with a variety of options to adjust the temperature and is safe for those with respiratory issues such as asthma because there’s no hazardous air circulation.
Why Are Some People Worried About the Use of Infrared Heaters in Homes?
Some people are worried about the use of infrared heaters in homes because a recent study found that it may lead to cancer. The research was done by Dr. Jennifer Cohen, an associate professor of environmental science at New York University and author on the subject who says: “These findings suggest caution should be used when installing or operating these devices close to a person’s body.”
Should I Be Worried About Cancer If I Use an Infrared Heater?
There are many misconceptions about the usage of infrared heaters. The most prevalent one is that they cause cancer. This couldn’t be farther from the truth, and there has been no evidence to show such a link between the two factors.
The only thing that can cause cancer is exposure to ultraviolet radiation, which an infrared heater does not have the capabilities of emitting.
What Does an Infrared Heater Emit That Could Lead to Cancer?
An infrared heater emits radiation in the form of heatwaves. These waves can be emitted from a long distance, which is one reason why some people are worried about their safety and ability to cause or contribute to cancer.
However, Cohen says: “The research on the links between cancer and infrared radiation is inconclusive.”
Who’s At Risk of Getting Cancer from An Infrared Heater?
There’s no guarantee that an infrared heater will cause or contribute to cancer, but if you’re already at risk of the condition then it may be a good idea to forego using one.
If you have been diagnosed with melanoma or basal cell carcinoma on your skin and are receiving radiation treatments (or soon will), you should not be sitting or lying near an infrared heater.
Are There Any Other Concerns with These Types of Heaters?
The only other concern people might have been that the heaters are too hot to touch. However, these types of heaters do not emit infrared rays until they reach a certain temperature threshold.
This means that it would be quite difficult for someone to meet an invisible beam of radiation while using one of these products and then get burned.
There are safety measures in place for this and you can adjust the temperature so that it does not get dangerously high without having contact with an infrared beam.
Who Should Be Concerned About Using an Infrared Heater?
An individual who is concerned about the safety of these types of heaters should be someone with respiratory issues.
Individuals with asthma or other lung conditions such as COPD may not want to use an infrared heater in their home because it can trap air particles and contaminants, which might cause them to get worse over time.
How To Use an Infrared Heater Safely?
- It is important to use the heaters without any obstructions to get the maximum benefits. Otherwise, it will not be able to do its job efficiently and may become a potential fire hazard.
- When using these products with children or pets, make sure that they are constantly supervised so that nothing goes wrong.
- A good way for people to use this type of heating is to start out with the lowest temperature setting before gradually increasing it. This will allow you to avoid getting too hot and reduce overheating due to these products.
- If someone has a preexisting condition, such as lung or heart disease, they should also make sure that they are not close enough for it to cause any problems.
Conclusion
While we cannot definitively say that Ceramic Vs infrared heaters cause cancer, there is a chance it could be an issue.
If you are going to use one of these types of heaters in your home, make sure you take the necessary precautions and follow all guidelines provided by manufacturers.
Remember that they emit radiation which can lead to potential health risks if not used properly or with caution.
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