What are the hazards of infrared rays to the human body

What we usually call infrared rays are actually infrared radiation, which can be absorbed by the human body, thus producing a feeling of heat. The most intense infrared light we are exposed to comes primarily from sunlight. However, some special occupations also involve exposure to infrared rays. We need to have a correct understanding of infrared rays because they may be harmful to our bodies. So, what are the hazards of infrared rays to the human body? Let’s take a closer look below.

The strongest source of infrared radiation in nature is the sun. In a production environment, the main sources of infrared radiation include furnaces, molten metal and glass, strong infrared light sources, and baking and heating equipment. Occupational injuries often occur among operators who use arc lamps, electric welding, and oxyacetylene welding.

The main effects of infrared radiation on the body are the skin and eyes. When infrared rays shine on the skin, most of them are absorbed and only about 1.4% is reflected. When the skin is exposed to high intensity for a short time, the local temperature of the skin rises, the blood vessels dilate, and an erythema reaction occurs. The erythema disappears after the exposure stops. Repeated irradiation may cause local pigmentation. After excessive exposure, especially near-infrared rays (short-wave infrared rays), in addition to causing acute skin burns, they can also penetrate into the subcutaneous tissue and heat the blood and deep tissues.

Long-term exposure to low-energy infrared rays can cause chronic eye damage, the most common of which is chronic congestive blepharitis. Short-wave infrared rays can be absorbed by the cornea, causing thermal damage to the cornea, and can penetrate the cornea to injure the iris. Cataracts are more common in workers with long service. The wavelengths that induce cataracts are mainly 0.8-1.2 pm and 1.4-1.6 pm. In the early stages, patients have no other complaints except for the gradual deterioration of vision. Clearly-bounded opacities may appear in the outer layer of the posterior cortex of the lens, including vesicular, punctate and linear opacities, which gradually develop into disc-shaped opacities with clear boundaries and irregular shapes, and then extend into the cortex along the axis of the lens, or form plate-shaped opacities, eventually leading to complete opacity of the lens, similar to senile cataracts. The above changes usually occur in both eyes at the same time, but progress slowly. For wavelength protection, reflective aluminum covers and aluminum foil clothing can reduce infrared exposure and reduce the heat load on melters and hot metal handlers. It is strictly forbidden to view strong light sources with naked eyes. Hot workers should wear protective glasses that can effectively filter infrared rays.

I think everyone should be clear about the harm of infrared rays to the human body. Things like infrared rays that are invisible and intangible are the easiest to be overlooked. Now that we understand the harm they may cause to our health, if we are engaged in related work, we must pay special attention and take protective measures to avoid harm to our health.