Is infrared heat dangerous?

All objects – including us – above absolute zero (-273.15 °C) naturally radiate infrared energy, so in general terms, the answer would be ‘no’. While infrared can create enough energy to start molecules moving, unlike higher frequency radiation – such as x-rays – it doesn’t have enough energy to break molecules apart or cause damage. Infrared heat will naturally warm up whatever part of you it touches. But lengthy exposure to a high level of IR could be potentially harmful and result in a burn, in the same way as from any other heat source, such as a fire.