First published at 09:41 UTC on July 29th, 2020.
I went to a shopping mall and people were lining up to get their temperature taken by an employee who obviously was not a medic and was not properly educated on how to correctly perform this procedure. Many were shocked when it was my turn and I too…
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I went to a shopping mall and people were lining up to get their temperature taken by an employee who obviously was not a medic and was not properly educated on how to correctly perform this procedure. Many were shocked when it was my turn and I took the gun that was being directed at my forehead and re-directed it to my wrist. I spoke softly but firmly and told that employee that an infrared thermometer must never be pointed at someone’s forehead, especially babies and young children. In addition it requires basic knowledge of how to properly read someone’s temperature, i.e. placing a thermometer on the wrist or elbow fold is much more accurate and much less harmful.
As a medical professional, I refuse to directly target the pineal gland which is located directly in the center of the forehead, with an infrared ray. However, most people agree to go through this several times a day! Our pineal glands must be protected as it is crucial for our health now and in the future.
Forehead Thermometers – Are They Safe?
A standard infrared thermometer absorbs infrared but doesn’t emit it, so from that perspective they are safe. The problem with safety comes from laser thermometers, which emit a beam of light to highlight the area of the object being assessed to ensure accuracy. This beam is categorized as a Class II laser which emit visible light below one milliwatt and can be sold as ‘pointers’ used to direct attention to information on smart boards or white boards in lectures. Although they are generally classed as being safe, they can damage the retina if you stare into the beam.
Lasers produce an intense beam of light which can cause laser radiation in the form of thermal tissue damage. The dangers increase the closer you are to the laser the more serious the injury potential.
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