I’m not sure if you’re aware of this or not, but electromagnetic fields (EMF) are all around us all the time. Like… all the time. But your infrared sauna should not be one of them (hint: low EMF = good, high EMF = bad).
Have I piqued your interest? Good.
In this article, we’ll take a look at what EMF is in relation to saunas, why you should care, and what to look for when buying sauna products in 2024.
Let’s put on our lab coats and safety glasses. Time to get a little scientific.
What are electromagnetic fields (EMF)?
EMFs are invisible areas of energy produced by electrically charged objects. They are generated by natural sources like the Earth’s magnetic field, and man-made sources, including electronic devices, power lines & household appliances, including the heating panels in infrared saunas.
Low-level exposure to EMF is generally considered safe. And it should be noted that science is certainly not settled on this topic. Much more research is needed into the long term effects of exposure to high EMF levels.
We are doing our best here to provide the documented impacts but we are not medical experts nor scientists.
Sources of man-made EMF exposure
There are many, many man-made sources of EMF exposure that you likely interact with on a daily basis. Some of the most common sources include:
- Poorly built infrared saunas (more on this in a bit)
- Cell phones
- Wi-Fi routers
- High voltage power lines
- Household appliances
- Computers & laptops
- Smart meters
- Bluetooth devices
Health concerns associated with high EMF exposure
There is some evidence to suggest that prolonged exposure can have negative consequences. A 2011 study from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), found a possible link between radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) and glioma, a type of cancer affecting the brain & spinal cord.
Other evidence suggests a link between high doses EMF radiation and symptoms such as headaches, anxiety, suicide and depression, nausea, fatigue & even loss of libido.
For more in-depth information on EMF radiation and protection, we recommend visiting EMFEmpowerment.com.
What is a low EMF infrared sauna?
A certified “low EMF” infrared sauna is a type of sauna that can be verifiably classified as emitting low electromagnetic field frequencies.
There is no official legal definition or standard for “low EMF”. So it is essential for consumers to be aware of the specific EMF levels of the infrared saunas they are considering. Many manufacturers provide detailed information about the EMF levels their saunas emit, often measured in milligauss (mG) or microtesla (µT).
It’s important to note the US Environmental Protection Authority has put a 3mG (milligauss) safety limit in place for EMF levels for human exposure.
What’s crazy is that infrared saunas can range from anywhere from 2-80 mG rating depending on the manufacturer!
Look for: low EMF certification
To ensure that a low EMF infrared sauna meets safety standards, look for third-party testing and certification, which typically falls under the 3mG threshold. Thankfully there are organizations like Intertek and TÜV Rheinland who do consumer testing and can verify the EMF levels of a sauna to ensure that they meet acceptable safety limit.
If you have the means to do so, it’s always a good practice to verify any claims made by the manufacturer about their product’s EMF levels through these third-party certifications.
Health benefits of low EMF saunas
We’ve discussed at length the health benefits of infrared, traditional dry and steam saunas before, so we won’t cover that here.
But in addition to delivering the same benefits as mentioned above, low EMF saunas deliver some unique benefits:
- Reduced EMF exposure: Minimize potential health risks associated with high EMF emissions.
- Enhanced relaxation: Lower EMF levels can contribute to a more relaxing sauna experience by reducing the potential for headaches and fatigue.
Comparing top low EMF sauna brands in 2024
It should go without saying that not all sauna brands are created equal. As mentioned above, many manufacturers may claim that their products are “low EMF” when in reality they are using it as a marketing ploy to sell more product. I hate misleading marketing. That’s actually the primary reason I started this blog.
The good news is that your friendly neighborhood sauna enthusiasts are here to help. We at Sauna Squad want you to have the best experience possible so we’ll try to guide you on what to look for when buying a low or zero EMF sauna.
Here are a few factors to consider when doing product comparisons:
- EMF levels:
- Ensure the sauna has been tested and verified to have low EMF emissions
- Products sold on resellers such as Amazon or Wayfair are often a crapshoot. Typically anything manufactured in China is not trustworthy, so buyer beware!
- Quality & materials:
Look for saunas made with high-quality, non-toxic materials that provide effective EMF shielding. - Manufacturing:
Where was the sauna manufactured? Does the manufacturer stand behind their product? Has the product been 3rd party tested? - Warranty and customer support:
Opt for a brand that offers a solid warranty and responsive customer service.
Top low EMF infrared sauna brands
In our expert opinons, the top low EMF infrared sauna brands on the market in 2024 include:
- Clearlight Infrared Saunas
- Sunlighten
- Almost Heaven
- JNH Lifestyles
- Therasage
Price range and value for money
Be prepared to shell out some cash for a certified low EMF infrared saunas. Don’t even bother looking at the low-end models because in you certainly get what you pay for in this regard.
If you opt for the $1,500 sauna from Amazon or Wayfair, you’re likely being sold a false bill of goods. If you consider any of the 5 brands mentioned above, you aren’t likely to go wrong. Typically you’re going to look at spending $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the model.
Conclusion
Alright, friends. We’ve reached the conclusion of this article. Let’s take a look at the top 7 takeaways:
- Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are invisible energy areas produced by electrically charged objects, and prolonged exposure to high levels may have negative health effects. Low EMF infrared saunas aim to minimize these potential risks.
- There is no legal threshold to label a product as “low EMF.” Consumers should look for third-party testing and certification to ensure the EMF levels of a sauna meet safety standards.
- Low EMF infrared saunas provide additional benefits such as reduced EMF exposure, enhanced relaxation, safety features, and energy efficiency compared to traditional saunas.
- When choosing a low EMF infrared sauna, consider factors like verified EMF levels, quality and materials, manufacturing, warranty, and customer support.
- Top low EMF infrared sauna brands include Clearlight, Sunlighten, Almost Heaven, JNH Lifestyles, and Therasage.
- Prices for certified low EMF infrared saunas can range from $5,000 to $15,000. Cheaper options may not deliver on their claims, so it’s essential to invest in a reputable brand for a safer and more effective sauna experience.
- Low EMF infrared saunas offer a safe and effective way to enjoy the numerous health benefits associated with sauna use, while minimizing potential risks associated with high EMF exposure. By investing in a high-quality low EMF infrared sauna and following proper usage guidelines, you can enhance your well-being and overall quality of life.
A message from Sauna Squad
We hope we’ve provided some value in your research. But if you have any questions or concerns, hit us up on Instagram @thesaunasquad or feel free to fire us a message on our contact page.