EMF Ratings Explained: What Every Sauna Buyer Should Know
Electromagnetic field (EMF) emissions are one of the most discussed and least understood topics in the infrared sauna world. This guide gives you the facts so you can make an informed decision without the fear-based marketing.
What You'll Learn
What EMF Is and Why It Matters in Saunas
Electromagnetic fields are invisible areas of energy produced by any device that uses electricity. Every electrical appliance in your home, from your phone to your microwave, emits some level of EMF. The question for sauna buyers is not whether EMF exists, but whether the levels produced by infrared sauna heaters are significant enough to be a health concern.
Why Saunas Are Different
Infrared sauna heaters produce EMF as a byproduct of generating infrared light. What makes saunas unique compared to other household appliances is the combination of three factors:
- •Proximity: You sit inches away from the heater panels for 20-45 minutes per session
- •Duration: Unlike walking past a microwave, you are exposed for an extended period
- •Frequency: Daily or near-daily use means cumulative exposure over time
Types of EMF
There are two types of EMF relevant to sauna buyers:
Electric Fields (EF)
Created by voltage differences. Present whenever a device is plugged in, even if turned off. Measured in volts per meter (V/m).
Magnetic Fields (MF)
Created when electric current flows. Only present when a device is actively running. Measured in milligauss (mG). This is the measurement most commonly cited in sauna marketing.
Important Context
Traditional saunas (electric or wood-fired) do not have the same EMF concerns because they use resistive heating elements that produce minimal EMF, and users sit farther from the heat source. EMF is primarily a consideration for infrared sauna buyers.
How EMF Is Measured
Understanding how EMF is measured is critical for evaluating manufacturer claims. The same sauna can appear to have very different EMF levels depending on where and how the measurement is taken.
The Milligauss Scale
Magnetic field strength is measured in milligauss (mG). For context, here are typical EMF readings from common household items at normal usage distance:
| Source | Distance | Typical EMF (mG) |
|---|---|---|
| Cell phone (in use) | At ear | 2 - 20 mG |
| Hair dryer | 6 inches | 1 - 70 mG |
| Microwave oven | 1 foot | 4 - 20 mG |
| Laptop computer | On lap | 2 - 10 mG |
| Standard infrared sauna | Body distance | 5 - 100+ mG |
| Ultra-low EMF sauna | Body distance | 0.5 - 3 mG |
Measurement Distance Matters
EMF decreases rapidly with distance. A heater measuring 50 mG at the surface might read 5 mG at 6 inches and under 1 mG at 12 inches. Always look for measurements taken at "body distance" or "user position" (typically 6-12 inches from the heater panel), not at the heater surface. Some manufacturers report surface measurements, which look artificially high, while others report at 6 inches, which provides a more relevant number.
Testing Standards
There is no universally mandated testing standard for sauna EMF in the United States. The Swedish standard TCO (originally developed for computer monitors) is often cited as a reference, with a threshold of 2 mG. Some manufacturers use third-party testing labs, while others self-report. Third-party verified results from accredited labs carry the most credibility.
EMF Rating Tiers Explained
The sauna industry has settled on three informal tiers for EMF classification. These are not regulated labels, so definitions vary somewhat between manufacturers, but here is the general consensus.
Ultra-Low EMF
BestDefinition:
Under 1 milligauss at body distance (6-12 inches from heater panel). Some manufacturers claim readings as low as 0.2-0.5 mG.
What It Means:
The lowest EMF exposure currently achievable in infrared saunas. These models use advanced shielding, wiring techniques, and heater designs that cancel out or redirect electromagnetic fields.
Typical Price Premium: 20-40% more than standard models. Available from brands like Clearlight, Sunlighten, and Health Mate.
Low EMF
GoodDefinition:
Between 1-3 milligauss at body distance. Still well below common household appliance levels at comparable distances.
What It Means:
These models incorporate some EMF reduction technology but may not use the most advanced shielding methods. They represent a good balance of EMF reduction and affordability.
Typical Price Premium: 10-20% more than standard models. Available from brands like JNH Lifestyles, Rocky Mountain, and some Dynamic Saunas models.
Standard EMF
AcceptableDefinition:
Above 3 milligauss at body distance. Can range from 5-100+ mG depending on the manufacturer and heater technology.
What It Means:
No specific EMF reduction technology has been applied. The heaters produce whatever level of EMF results from their standard design. This is common in budget and no-name brand saunas.
Note: Many budget saunas do not publish EMF data at all. If a manufacturer cannot or will not provide EMF test results, assume standard (unshielded) levels.
Brands That Prioritize Low EMF
Several sauna manufacturers have made low EMF a core part of their engineering and marketing. Here are the brands with the strongest track records for EMF reduction.
Clearlight Saunas
Ultra-Low EMFClearlight is widely regarded as the industry leader in EMF reduction. Their True Wave heater technology uses a patented carbon/ceramic blend with advanced shielding that consistently tests below 1 mG at body distance.
- • Claimed EMF levels: under 0.5 mG at body distance
- • Also reduces ELF (extremely low frequency) fields
- • Third-party tested and verified
- • Lifetime warranty on heaters
Sunlighten
Ultra-Low EMFSunlighten offers patented SoloCarbon heaters with EMF levels that test well below 1 mG. Their full-spectrum mPulse series is particularly notable for combining ultra-low EMF with near, mid, and far infrared wavelengths.
- • Claimed EMF levels: under 0.5 mG in most models
- • Patented SoloCarbon heater technology
- • Third-party tested by Intertek
- • Medical-grade construction
Health Mate
Low EMFHealth Mate has been manufacturing saunas since 1979 and offers Tecoloy heaters with low EMF ratings. Their approach uses dual-micron heater technology designed to minimize EMF while maximizing infrared output.
- • EMF levels: typically 1-2 mG at body distance
- • Over 40 years of manufacturing experience
- • Made in the USA
- • Competitive pricing for the EMF quality
JNH Lifestyles
Low EMFJNH Lifestyles offers a strong value proposition in the low-EMF space. Their newer Ensi Collection features dual-layer carbon heaters with EMF reduction technology at a more accessible price point.
- • EMF levels: typically 1-3 mG at body distance
- • Good value for the EMF rating achieved
- • Available through major retailers
- • Solid warranty coverage
How to Verify Manufacturer EMF Claims
Not all EMF claims are created equal. Here is how to evaluate whether a manufacturer's low-EMF marketing is backed by substance.
Green Flags
- •Third-party lab testing: Results from accredited testing labs like Intertek, SGS, or UL carry the most weight
- •Specific numbers: Claims like "0.3 mG at 6 inches from heater" are more credible than vague "low EMF" labels
- •Measurement methodology disclosed: The manufacturer explains where and how measurements were taken
- •Consistent independent reviews: Independent reviewers with their own EMF meters confirm the manufacturer's claims
- •Patented technology: Brands that have patented their EMF reduction methods have invested in genuine R&D
Red Flags
- •No specific numbers: "Low EMF" without any data is a marketing term, not a specification
- •Surface measurements only: EMF at the heater surface is always high; what matters is EMF at body distance
- •Refusal to provide test reports: If a manufacturer will not share test results on request, be skeptical
- •Self-tested only: No independent verification of claims. While not necessarily dishonest, independent testing is more reliable
- •Fear-based marketing: Brands that use scare tactics about competitor EMF levels while promoting their own are often more focused on marketing than engineering
Test It Yourself
If you want to verify EMF levels after purchase, you can buy a gaussmeter for $30-$150. The Trifield TF2 is a popular consumer-grade option. Measure at body distance (where you actually sit) with the sauna running at full temperature. Take readings from multiple heater panels, as EMF can vary between panels in the same unit.
Putting EMF in Perspective
The EMF discussion in the sauna industry can veer into fear-based territory. Here is a balanced look at where the science stands and what it means for your buying decision.
The Science
The World Health Organization classifies extremely low frequency magnetic fields as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2B), the same category as pickled vegetables and coffee. This classification reflects limited evidence and does not establish a causal relationship. Most major health agencies agree that exposure to low-level EMF from household appliances does not pose a known health risk at the levels typically encountered.
That said, the precautionary principle suggests that minimizing unnecessary exposure is reasonable, especially when low-EMF options exist at a manageable price premium. Since you will potentially use your sauna thousands of times over its lifespan, choosing a low-EMF model provides peace of mind with minimal downside.
Our Recommendation
If budget is not a major constraint: Choose an ultra-low EMF model from Clearlight or Sunlighten. The 20-40% price premium buys genuine engineering and peace of mind.
If budget matters: A low EMF model (1-3 mG) from brands like JNH Lifestyles or Health Mate offers a good balance. You are still well below the exposure from many common household devices.
If you are buying a budget sauna: Do not let EMF anxiety prevent you from enjoying the benefits of sauna use. A standard-EMF sauna used regularly is better for your health than a perfect-EMF sauna you never buy.
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