Life in our technological age is brilliant. We love our electronic gadgets! Some are concerned, however – others are not – because electromagnetic fields (EMF) are generated around every electrical appliance in use. What does that actually mean?
– Although the electromagnetic exposure in Norwegian homes is generally low, it's not a bad idea to be a conscious consumer when purchasing electrical appliances, considering EMF, and this also applies to infrared saunas or other infrared heating products, says Siw Hansson Kaulbach, founder of Radiant Health.
In recent years, interest in infrared heat therapy has exploded, leading to a myriad of different infrared products on the market. Siw herself has had to confront several manufacturers of counterfeit products after receiving them back at Radiant Health with various complaints, simply misdelivered because the consumer believed the sauna was from Radiant Health.
– The products are not manufactured the same way, whether it concerns material choices or technology. At Radiant Health, quality is central to everything we do, which includes no toxic materials that can emit gases during heating, as well as ultra-low EMF and protection against electric fields.
The founder always uses a measuring device during production to ensure all values are as low as possible.
– With our products, you can enjoy the warmth and all the positive health benefits of infrared heat, without worrying about exposure to harmful radiation.
Most products can also be used by those with extreme electro-hypersensitivity.
We radiate on each other
From birth to death, we are surrounded by radiation – from space, the sun, the air we breathe, the ground we stand on, the food we eat, and even our own bodies. We literally radiate on each other. This is called background radiation, which is essential for all life on Earth.
In addition, we have man-made radiation from, among other things, mobile phones, Wi-Fi routers, 5G networks, household appliances, LED beauty masks, TVs, lamps, tablets, computers, electric toothbrushes – and the list goes on – and there will be more in the future.
Around all current-carrying wires and electrical devices, there are electromagnetic fields consisting of electric and magnetic fields, with frequencies up to 300 GHz – including static, low-frequency (approx. 0 Hz to 300 Hz) and high-frequency fields (10 MHz to 300 GHz).
Magnetic fields are measured in milligauss (mG) or microtesla (µT). Electric fields are measured in volts per meter (V/m).
– In all our mats and carpets, for example, we use very high-quality carbon fiber cables that only emit fields of 0.0-0.1 mG. In comparison, a common household appliance, like a blender, measures closer to 200 mG when in use. An iron is around 30-50 mG.
Just for fun, Siw has measured various electrical appliances at home.
– Many people don't realize that they are largely in various electric fields when sitting next to, for example, a reading lamp, in front of the TV, or right next to an electrical outlet. This is completely harmless. When electrical appliances are switched on, EMF is generated, which is good to be aware of.
Some are concerned about the "cocktail effect" of electromagnetic exposure.
Siw herself adheres to the "precautionary principle." She was surprised that simple household appliances, such as a coffee machine or hairdryer, emit a great deal of electrosmog.
– A hairdryer can emit as much as 140 mG when in use. In comparison, the standard IR SaunaPod emits fields between 2–4 mG in the seating area, while the IR SaunaPod Premium is at 0.00 mG. Regardless of which model you choose from Radiant Health, the values are extremely low.
Measures to limit EMF exposure
Radiation is divided into ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. EMF, which we are discussing here, belongs to the latter category and has not been scientifically proven to be harmful to health within given limit values.
Norway, like most other countries in the world, follows the recommendations of ICNIRP (the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection).
For magnetic fields from the power grid, the limit value is 200 µT (2000 mG), which is set with good safety margins. The population will normally not be exposed to such high values. Beyond that, the Radiation Protection Regulations state that: All human exposure to non-ionizing radiation shall be kept as low as good practice dictates.
Simple measures can limit exposure in everyday life if it is desired to avoid unnecessary exposure.
– Check what you are buying, advises Siw, and mentions that EMF levels in infrared saunas and other light and heat products can vary depending on the manufacturer and production. If you choose Radiant Health, you get quality.
Another everyday measure is to unplug electrical devices when not in use. As soon as the power cable is plugged into the outlet, an electric field is generated, as mentioned. For the founder personally, the sleeping area is the most important.
– I make sure to disconnect electronic devices in the immediate vicinity. I put my phone away from the bed or in another room. During the day, I make sure to use a headset. I also never charge my phone or MAC while using them.
At the same time, she emphasizes the importance of not becoming morbidly preoccupied with radiation. The level of exposure we are subjected to rapidly decreases when we move away from the source.
– Everything depends on the dose. You don't blow-dry your hair 24 hours a day, and it only takes a minute to make coffee, she smiles.
Text: Trine Dahlman
