Frequently Asked Questions   (1)    What is Infrared Heating? Infrared heat is an invisible radiated form of energy within the electromagnetic spectrum (of which visible light forms part) that directly transfers heat to people or objects in its path through a process called conversion, without heating up the surrounding air.  Not unlike visible light, infrared energy travels in a straight line and at the speed of light.  Convectional methods of heat transfer warm up the air surrounding the people or objects and rely on the circulation of warmed air to transfer heat.  Infrared radiation basically has nothing to do with either ultraviolet radiation (which is actually near the other end of the spectrum of visible light and gives you a sunburn and may harm your skin).     (2)   Is Infrared Radiant Heating safe? Our solar Sun is the principal source of radiant energy that we receive on a daily basis since our birth. The Sun produces most of its energy in the infrared segment of the electromagnetic spectrum. In an article entitled ˇ§Infrared Thermal System for Whole-Body Regenerative Radiant Therapyˇ¨ by Dr. Aaron M. Flickstein, reported in the Wellness Letter, October 1990, from the University of California Berkelyin, Dr. Aaron M. Flickstein pointed out that ˇ§Over the last 25 years, Japanese and Chinese researchers and clinicians have done extensive research on infrared treatments and report many provocative findings. In Japan there is an ˇ§Infrared Societyˇ¨, composed of medical doctors and physical therapists, to further research and support the health benefits of infrared as a method of healing. There have been over 700,000 Infrared Thermal Systems sold in the Orient for whole-body treatments, and an additional 30 million people have received localized infrared treatment in the Orient, Europe and Australia with lamps tuned to the same 2-25 micron wave band as employed in these whole-body Thermal Systems. Whole-body infrared therapy has been used for over 80 years by German physicians in an independently developed form.     (3)   Is Infrared Radiant Heating beneficial to us?   Our 360o Electric Infrared Radiant Heaters are available in range of 1400W, 1900W and 2400W models. People sitting under our Infrared Radiant Heaters will feel comfortably approx. 10-15o Celsius warmer (depending upon ambient conditions) Far infrared rays have been shown to promote human blood circulation and metabolism, removal of toxins and heavy metals from our bodies, alleviation of tension, stress and pain, and efficacy in extremity wound healing.   (4)    How can Infrared Radiant Heating save energy?  In open areas, entrances and exits, and especially in areas where draughts disperse warm air, directionally focused infrared radiant heating can be very effective. Warm air is lighter than cold air. Convectional methods of heating firstly warms the entire volume of air near the ceiling of a room and continues until the temperature gradient reaches the floor of the room where people work, irrespective of which portions of the room are occupied, and results in significant waste of energy. No other effective method of heating provides more efficient localized heating than Infrared Radiant Heating.  Generally speaking, localized heating, as compared to central heating, saves energy and money.  With the recent rise in natural gas/oil prices, Electric Infrared Radiant Heater may prove to be a timely and cost saving alternative to consumer needs for comfort heating in homes, at play or in commercial settings.      (5)    Are your 360o Electric Infrared Radiant Heaters durable and safe? Our 360o Electric Infrared Radiant Heaters, which have been evaluated, tested, approved for safety and certified with CE/GS/SAA/CB/CCC/ETL/cETL IPX4 Splash-proofed, are constructed with Aluminium/Zinc/Stainless Steel Alloys fitted with Stainless Steel or Incoloy heating elements, and are shock/vibration resistant and durable.  Heating elements are warranted at 3,000 hours of normal use.   (6)    What is the comparison between an Electric Infrared Radiant Heater and a Natural Gas/Propane Radiant Heater?   Electric Infrared Radiant Heater Gas Infrared Heater     Electric powered Gas-fired mostly by natural gas or propane No storage of energy source required Problem with storage of dangerous fuel Focus of infrared irradiation with reflector Normal infrared irradiator Clean and efficient use of electricity with no gaseous discharge Possibly harmful gaseous or other discharges from burning fuel Light weight with wheeled-base for easy mobility Heavy weight with gas storage tank No replenishment required for energy source Intermittent replenishment of gaseous fuel required Easy 15 min. Do-it-yourself assembly Gas piping installation by technician may be required No replacement electric wiring normally required Periodic replacement of gas hose for safety Both indoors and outdoors uses Mostly outdoors use; indoors use only with open air Quick warming Slower warming

 

(7)   What is Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)?

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are chemical compounds consisting of fused aromatic rings, and are lipophilic in that PAHs are relatively insoluble in water, but dissolve readily in fats and oil.  PAHs have rather low vapour pressure and are found in air, at ambient temperature, both in the form of vapour and in associated with particulate matter.

 

(8)   How are PAHs produced?

PAHs are formed by incomplete combustion of organic matter or carbon-containing fuels.  Different types or manners of combustion yield different distributions or compositions of PAHs, both in regards to the relative amounts of individual PAHs and in the types of isomers produced.  Benzo(a)pyrene is one of the many carcinogens (cancer-causing substances or agents) found in cigarette smoke. The United States Environmental Protection Agency has classified seven PAHs as having probable human carcinogenic characteristics, namely, benz[a]anthracene, benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, chrysene, dibenz[a,h]anthracene (C₂₀H₁₄), and indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene (C₂₂H₁₂) 

 

(9)   How do PAHs enter the human body?

PAHs will enter our bodies if we breathe in contaminated air, or consume food or water that has been contaminated.  Skin contact with heavy oils or other products (creosote, roofing tar, other tars, oils) containing PAHs will also result in uptake.  PAHs toxicity is high dependent on its chemical structure, with isomers of PAHs varying from being nontoxic to being extremely toxic.

 

(10)  Effect of Natural Gas on People with Environmental and Chemical Sensitivities

Clinical studies have shown that the use of natural gas in the vicinity of individuals with environmental and chemical sensitivities can exacerbate illness and prolong recovery.  Certain PAHs and fine particulates produced from improper and/or incomplete combustion of natural gas are known carcinogens and can have an adverse effect on human respiratory system.  The medical-environmental report prepared as part of an undertaking by the Allergy and Environmental Health Association, Nova Scotia, Canada in 1997 concluded that “a review of the potential health effects from the use of natural gas suggests that this should not be used a source of indoor fuel; especially not in homes, offices, in public buildings such as schools, libraries, or hospitals, or in any building or neighourhood where people live, work or play.  This recommendation is backed by the report of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC 1994), which recommends the replacement of indoor gas appliances and combustion sources with electric appliances in order to reduce indoor air pollution.  The potential severity of indoor pollution from natural gas on health, particularly its potential in contributing to the development of and exacerbating chemical sensitivity, environmentally-induced illness, asthma and allergy suggests that a precautionary approach is warranted.?span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> 

It was further suggested that although natural gas should not be used as a fuel source within buildings, its use for producing electricity in generators away from homes and populated areas, to be transported into homes via the electrical power grid would be less potentially damaging from the perspective of inducing environmental sensitivities. The use of natural gas for generating electricity outside of the home is likely to be a healthier and cleaner source of power than the existing coal-fired or oil-fired generators.