Life in our technological age is brilliant. We love our electronic gadgets! Some people are concerned, others are not, because electromagnetic fields (EMF) arise around every electrical appliance in use. What does that actually mean?
"Although electromagnetic exposure in Norwegian homes is generally low, it is not a bad idea to be a conscious consumer when buying electrical appliances with EMF in mind, and that applies to infrared saunas and other infrared heat products too," says Radiant Health founder Siw Hansson Kaulbach.
In recent years, interest in infrared heat therapy has exploded, which has led to a sea of different infrared products on the market. Siw herself has had to confront several manufacturers of copycat products after receiving returns at Radiant Health with various complaints, simply sent to the wrong place because consumers believed the sauna was from Radiant Health.
"Products are not all made equal, whether it comes to choice of materials or technology. With us, quality is at the heart of everything we do. That includes no toxic materials that may release gases during heating, as well as ultra-low EMF and protection against electric fields."
The founder always uses a measuring device during production to check that 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 being exposed to harmful radiation."
Most of the products can also be used by people with extreme electrosensitivity.
We radiate on each other
From the moment we are born until we die, 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 radiate, quite literally, on each other. This is called background radiation, which is, incidentally, completely 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 live wires and electrical devices there are electromagnetic fields consisting of electric and magnetic fields, with frequencies up to 300 GHz, both 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 metre (V/m).
"In all our blankets and mats, for example, we use very high-quality carbon fibre cables that emit fields of only 0.0-0.1 mG. By comparison, an ordinary household appliance such as a blender measures close to 200 mG when in use. An iron comes in at 30-50 mG."
For fun, Siw has measured various electrical appliances at home.
"Many people don't know that you are often within various electric fields when you sit by a reading lamp, in front of the TV or right next to a socket. This is completely harmless. When you switch on electrical appliances, EMF arises, which is worth being a little aware of."
Some people worry about the "cocktail effect" of electromagnetic exposure.
Siw herself follows the precautionary principle. She was surprised that simple household appliances, such as a coffee machine or hairdryer, emit quite a lot of electrosmog.
"A hairdryer can emit as much as 140 mG when in use. By comparison, the standard IR SaunaPod emits fields between 2–4 mG in the seating zone, while the IR SaunaPod Premium is at 0.00 mG. Whichever model you choose from Radiant Health, the values are extremely low."
Measures to limit EMF exposure
Radiation is divided into ionising and non-ionising radiation. EMF, which we write about here, belongs to the latter category and has not been scientifically proven to be harmful to health within the 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 has been set with good safety margins. The population will normally not be exposed to such high values. In addition, the radiation protection regulations (strålevernforskriften) state that all exposure of people to non-ionising radiation must be kept as low as good practice dictates.
Simple measures can limit exposure in everyday life if you wish to avoid unnecessary exposure.
"Find out what you are buying," Siw advises, noting 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 they are not in use. As soon as the power cable is plugged into the socket, an electric field arises, as mentioned. For the founder personally, the place where she sleeps is the most important.
"I make sure to unplug 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 I am using them."
At the same time, she stresses the importance of not becoming obsessed with radiation. The level of exposure we are subjected to decreases quickly as we move away from the source.
"It all depends on the dose. You don't blow-dry your hair 24 hours a day, and it only takes a minute to make a coffee," she smiles.
Text: Trine Dahlman
Disclaimer: The content of this article is intended as general information only. Research on infrared heat and red light therapy is still evolving, and individual results may vary. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Contact a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional if you have questions about your own health, diagnosis or treatment.
