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Many sauna companies make claims that only their infrared sauna
has wood that is non-toxic. This is true ONLY in one sense:
All wood from around the world is toxic to varying degrees when
the sawdust of the wood is inhaled. It is Carpenters that
need to be aware of the different toxic levels of wood when they
are cutting and sawing different woods. We don't think you will
be cutting up your Infrared Sauna when you get it unpacked, so there
is little concern with most sauna woods.
IS THE WOOD SAFE AND HYPOALLERGENIC?
Hypoallergenic only means that the wood contains minimal allergens
so it is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Spruce, Birch,
Hemlock, Basswood and Poplar / Aspen are all softwoods that can
be considered hypo-allergenic because they do not give off noxious
gasses or seep an oily residue that can trigger an allergy attack.
If you are concerned about allergies, we highly recommend
that you check with an allergist to be sure you do not purchase
a sauna made from a wood to which you have a confirmed allergy.
It would be terrible if you purchase a poplar sauna only to find
out that you have an allergy to poplar! When in doubt, always check
with your health care professional. No sauna dealer knows for sure
what is safest for you!
BASSWOOD:
The wood is soft, odorless, tasteless, weak, and easy to work with.
The wood varies from creamy white to light brown and has a fine,
and normal texture. Because the wood is soft, light, and weak it
is well suited to make several things like yardsticks, pulpwood,
cheap furniture, and boxes. Read More
SPRUCE / PINE:
Both spruce and pine are good sturdy materials that will last for
years. Spruce knots will not leak sap, so even knotty spruce can
be used in a sauna. Pine, however, should always be clear if being
used in saunas.
CEDAR:
Cedar wood is very common in traditional saunas that use rocks
and moisture to heat the air. Cedar has been the most commonly used
material for saunas in North-America. However, cedar's high price
and reduced quality has become less attractive to most sauna builders.
Some people are sensitive to the odor of cedar, and will find it
hard to breathe in a sauna made from cedar. Cedar does have a natural
resistance to bacteria growth where white woods do not. So if you
are considering a white wood sauna be sure they include an ionizer
or ozone generator to help with the elimination of bacteria. Read
More
POPLAR / ASPEN:
Aspen is found throughout all of North America. It is used for
general interior woodworking, including veneer and woodturning.
Aspen lumber is prone to warping and the wood is susceptible to
insect damage. This wood is also prone to dents and dings.
WHAT'S NEXT?
While much of the discussion about toxicity and allergies regarding
woods is overstated, there are certain concerns about chemicals
that are used in the construction of infrared saunas. Next we take
a look at different chemicals to avoid in an infrared sauna.
PLEASE NOTE: The information in
this infrared sauna guide is free to print and distribute as long
as it is not modified in any way. Any publishing of this information
on the Internet does require a link placed back to this site.
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