EMF Levels in Infrared Saunas: What You Need to Know
EMF stands for electromagnetic field. Every electrical device produces some level of EMF, from your phone to your microwave to the wiring in your walls. Infrared saunas produce EMF because they use electrical heating elements. The question isn't whether your sauna produces EMF - it does. The question is whether those levels are anything to worry about.
Shop infrared saunas at SweatDecks
- FD-1 Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna - $4,695
- FD-3 Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna - $6,495
Affirm financing available. Free curbside shipping on orders over $5,000. See all infrared saunas.
What is EMF?
Electromagnetic fields are invisible areas of energy associated with the use of electrical power. They're measured in milligauss (mG) for magnetic fields or volts per meter (V/m) for electric fields. In the sauna world, people mostly talk about magnetic field readings in milligauss.
How Much EMF Do Infrared Saunas Produce?
This varies dramatically by manufacturer and heater design. Cheap carbon panel saunas can produce readings of 20 to 100+ mG at the surface of the heating panels. Higher-quality saunas with shielded wiring and purpose-designed heaters typically keep levels under 3 mG at sitting distance.
For reference, here are some common EMF exposures in everyday life:
- Hair dryer: 60-200 mG (at 6 inches)
- Microwave oven: 100-300 mG (at 1 inch)
- Laptop computer: 2-20 mG
- Cell phone (in use): 2-10 mG
- Background in most homes: 0.5-4 mG
What Levels Are Considered Safe?
There's no universally agreed-upon standard, which is part of why this topic generates so much debate. The Swedish safety standard (often referenced in the sauna industry) considers anything under 2 mG at the body's surface to be low-EMF. The World Health Organization considers everyday EMF exposure from household appliances to be safe, but they also acknowledge that research is ongoing.
Most reputable infrared sauna manufacturers now design for readings under 3 mG at sitting distance. Some premium brands achieve under 1 mG.
How to Evaluate a Sauna's EMF
Ask the manufacturer for third-party EMF testing data, not just their own measurements. Look for readings taken at the body's seating position, not just at the panel surface. A low reading at the panel surface is meaningless if that's where you'll be sitting with your back pressed against it.
If you already own a sauna, you can buy a milligauss meter (also called a gaussmeter) for $30-50 online and test it yourself.
The Bottom Line
Low-EMF saunas are widely available and the technology has improved significantly over the past few years. If EMF is a concern for you, simply choose a sauna from a manufacturer that publishes verified low-EMF data. This is a solvable problem, not a reason to avoid infrared saunas entirely.
Related Terms
Shop Low-EMF Infrared Saunas
All of the infrared saunas we carry at SweatDecks are vetted for low EMF output. Browse our indoor saunas to find a model that fits your space, or reach out to our team if you'd like to see specific EMF testing data for any product.
How to Use This Guide
Use this guide as a practical starting point, then confirm product specifications, installation requirements, electrical needs, water care steps, and medical considerations with the appropriate professional before making a final decision.
Where SweatDecks Can Help
SweatDecks helps shoppers compare saunas, cold plunges, heaters, accessories, delivery requirements, and setup considerations so the finished wellness space is easier to buy, install, and maintain.
Practical Buying Context
When comparing sauna, cold plunge, heater, steam, or accessory options, review the product specifications, installation manual, warranty terms, delivery requirements, maintenance routine, and compatibility details before choosing a model. The right answer often depends on available space, power, plumbing, climate, budget, and who will use the setup.
When to Get Professional Help
Use qualified professionals for electrical work, plumbing, structural support, ventilation, medical questions, and local code requirements. SweatDecks can help with product research and planning questions, but final installation and safety decisions should match the manufacturer instructions and applicable local requirements.
Decision Checklist
Before acting on this topic, compare the relevant product specifications, space requirements, care routine, warranty terms, replacement parts, and installation constraints. For health, electrical, plumbing, structural, or code questions, confirm details with the appropriate qualified professional.
Related SweatDecks Research Paths
Most sauna and cold plunge decisions connect to a few core questions: how much space you have, how often the setup will be used, what maintenance feels realistic, and whether the product fits your budget, climate, delivery path, and long-term wellness routine.
Browse our expert-tested cold plunge collection.
