Are Carbon Fiber Heating Elements Safe for Infrared Heat?

When powered on, carbon fiber heating elements emit a soft orange-yellow light and heat objects through infrared radiation. Some individuals are highly sensitive to the term “radiation” and are concerned about whether it might harm the human body. If one were to delve deeply into the science of infrared, there could be numerous academic papers written on the topic. However, it can be stated with certainty, based on centuries of scientific research, that infrared radiation is harmless to humans. From a practical perspective, life on Earth has thrived under the infrared radiation of the sun for billions of years.

Infrared Cooking: How Infrared Heats a Roast Duck

Let’s begin by explaining infrared and infrared heating.

Infrared radiation is a type of invisible light, as seen in the spectrum chart. Beyond visible light, there is infrared radiation, ultraviolet rays, X-rays, and more.

Spectrum Chart

Some heating tubes on the market, when activated, appear very glaring and give off an intense heat that makes people hesitant to approach. It is important to distinguish between these two sensations: the glare is caused by visible light, while the heat is produced by infrared radiation. Carbon fiber heating elements emit a soft light without causing glare when activated, yet their surface temperature remains impressively high. If you place your skin close to it, you can literally smell the “scent” of protein cooking. Hence, it’s critical to exercise caution when using these elements.

How Infrared Radiation Heats

Infrared radiation heating operates by emitting infrared radiation in a specific direction, achieving heat transfer. The human body, as well as most natural substances, is highly absorbent of infrared radiation. Once absorbed, the infrared rays enhance molecular movement within the material, instantly converting this energy into heat, causing a rapid temperature increase. This phenomenon is referred to as the thermal effect of infrared radiation.