The infrared sauna is one of the most popular new technologies in the health and wellness market. Consumers often encounter the term “EMF sauna,” referring to concerns about Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) generated by the unit’s electrical components. The question of what EMF levels are present and whether that exposure poses any risk is a significant factor in purchasing decisions. This discussion focuses on the electromagnetic output of infrared saunas, which rely on electricity, and the efforts to manage those fields.
Defining Electromagnetic Fields
Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) are invisible areas of energy, often described as radiation, that are naturally present but also created by electrical power and man-made lighting. These fields are categorized by frequency; those relevant to saunas and household appliances fall into the non-ionizing category. Non-ionizing radiation has enough energy to cause atoms to vibrate and heat up, but not enough to remove electrons from atoms or cause direct cellular and DNA damage like ionizing radiation such as X-rays.
An EMF is composed of two distinct components: an electric field and a magnetic field. The electric field is created by voltage and exists even when a device is plugged in but turned off. Conversely, the magnetic field is created only by the flow of electrical current through a device. Magnetic fields are the primary focus of concern in extremely low-frequency (ELF) exposure because, unlike electric fields, they are not easily blocked by common grounded materials or human tissue.
EMF Generation in Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas inherently generate electromagnetic fields because they convert electrical power into heat and infrared light. The internal heating elements, such as ceramic rods or carbon panels, require substantial electrical current for infrared emission. This constant flow of current through the wiring and heaters is the direct source of the magnetic field component.
The intensity of the magnetic field is directly proportional to the strength of the electrical current. Because infrared saunas draw significant power to generate intense heat, they produce measurable magnetic fields. Infrared models feature heating panels positioned close to the user, creating prolonged, close-range exposure to the source of the fields, unlike traditional saunas.
Evaluating EMF Exposure and Health
Evaluating the safety of EMF exposure requires understanding that the levels involved are in the extremely low frequency (ELF) range, measured in milligauss (mG). International health organizations have studied the effects of chronic exposure to these low-level fields for decades. The World Health Organization (WHO) and its International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have classified ELF magnetic fields as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.”
This classification is based on limited epidemiological evidence suggesting a weak statistical association between long-term exposure above 3 or 4 mG and a small increase in the risk of childhood leukemia. This finding is not supported by laboratory or animal studies, and no established biological mechanism has been identified. The scientific consensus is that current evidence does not confirm adverse health consequences from typical environmental or household low-level EMF exposure.
Many manufacturers adopt a threshold of 3 mG as a target for safe exposure, a level sometimes proposed by regulatory bodies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Since a sauna involves sitting close to the heating source for an extended period, the concern is valid for units that may exceed this level. The principle of “prudent avoidance” suggests that reducing exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields is a reasonable precaution, even without conclusive proof of harm.
Technology Used to Reduce EMF
Manufacturers address consumer concerns by engineering “low-EMF” or “zero-EMF” infrared saunas through specific design choices and technical solutions.
Wiring and Shielding
One effective method for reducing the magnetic field component is the use of twisted wiring. By twisting the hot and neutral wires together, the magnetic fields generated by the current flowing in opposite directions are effectively canceled out.
To minimize the electric field component, proper grounding and shielding are utilized. The electrical components and wiring are often enclosed in metal conduits or conductive materials connected to a ground wire. This grounding process draws the electric field energy away from the sauna cabin and the user.
Heating Element Design
Beyond wiring and shielding, the design of the heating element itself is a factor in reducing EMF output. Some advanced saunas employ a counter-current technology within the heater panels that actively generates a magnetic field opposite to the primary field. Manufacturers also relocate the power supply and control electronics away from the seating area to maximize the distance between the user and the highest source of the fields.