Purpose: To control an eletrical device, or to transit data (among computers).
Infrared radiation is used in industrial, scientific, and medical applications. Night-vision devices using active near-infrared illumination allow people or animals to be observed without the observer being detected. Infrared astronomy uses sensor-equipped telescopes to penetrate dusty regions of space, such as molecular clouds; detect objects such as planets, and to view highly red-shifted objects from the early days of the universe. Infrared thermal-imaging cameras are used to detect heat loss in insulated systems, to observe changing blood flow in the skin, and to detect overheating of electrical apparatus.
Thermal-infrared imaging is used extensively for military and civilian purposes. Military applications include target acquisition, surveillance, night vision, homing and tracking. Humans at normal body temperature radiate chiefly at wavelengths around 10 μm (micrometers). Non-military uses include thermal efficiency analysis, environmental monitoring, industrial facility inspections, remote temperature sensing, short-ranged wireless communication, spectroscopy, and weather forecasting.
Issues: The non-ionizing UV spectrum has a wavelength shorter than that of visible light but longer than an X-ray (100 nanometers [nm] to 400nm) and is categorized based on intensity: UV-A (315nm to 400nm), UV-B (280nm to 315nm) and UV-C (100 nm to 280nm).
UV-C generally dissipates in the atmosphere and seems to have little damaging effect. However, UV-A and UV-B have damaging effects on exposed soft tissues, such as skin and eyes. Exposure to UV accounts for 90 percent of the symptoms of premature skin aging. Similarly, radiation damage to the cornea can be caused by something as simple as the reflection of sunlight off of water or snow, or something occupationally specific such as a photographer’s flood lamp, a welding torch or an UV curing lamp. Cataracts, macular degeneration and photokeratitis (a feeling of sand in the eyes) can all be attributed to overexposure to UV light.
Skin exposed to IR provides a warning mechanism against thermal effect in the form of pain. Eyes, on the other hand, may not. Since the eye cannot detect IR, blinking or closing the eyes to help prevent or reduce damage may not happen. IR, particularly IR-A or near IR [700nm-1400nm], raises the internal temperature of the eye, essentially “baking” it. Medical studies indicate that prolonged IR exposure can lead to lens, cornea and retina damage, including cataracts, corneal ulcers and retinal burns, respectively. To help protect against long-term IR exposure, workers can wear products with IR filters or reflective coatings.
Frequency Range:
Frequencies: .003 - 4 x 1014 Hz
Wavelengths: 1 mm - 750 nm
The term "infrared" refers to a broad range of frequencies, beginning at the top end of those frequencies used for communication and extending up the the low frequency (red) end of the visible spectrum. The wavelength range is from about 1 millimeter down to 750 nm. The range adjacent to the visible spectrum is called the "near infrared" and the longer wavelength part is called "far infrared".
Better Option:
Whenever possible, go “old school” - get up and change the channel insted of using the remote…transfer data with a cable instead of wirelessly….and protect yourself by wearing clothing that will protect your body from infrared radiation on the job or outside.
Source:
http://www.ishn.com/articles/94815-dangers-of-overexposure-to-ultraviolet-infrared-and-high-energy-visible-light
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrared