Is electronic device usage safe in saunas?
Written by
Leilani Ibeh
Reviewed by
Prof. Benjamin Murphy, Ph.D.Electronic devices face severe challenges posed by the extreme humidity and heat found in saunas. High temperatures can permanently damage internal components such as processors and displays. Steam can infiltrate the device and initiate corrosion and shorts within minutes. Additionally, the potential for battery explosion increases exponentially above temperatures of 60 degrees centigrade. To make matters worse, the use of phones may distract the user from critical symptoms of overheating, which can be quite dangerous.
Thermal Damage
- Component warping: Circuit boards deform above 80°C
- Screen delamination: Display layers separate permanently
- Processor failure: Thermal throttling fails at 70°C+
- Solder melting: Connections break at 100°C+
Moisture Intrusion
- Corrosion acceleration: 10x faster in 100% humidity
- Short circuits: Water bridges electrical contacts
- Sensor failure: Humidity detectors malfunction
- Speaker damage: Diaphragms warp from steam
Battery Hazards
- Thermal runaway: Explosion risk above 60°C
- Capacity loss: Permanent 40% reduction per exposure
- Swelling: Gas buildup from electrolyte breakdown
- Fire hazard: Lithium ignition at 150°C
Heat damage happens quickly, and processors can stop working within a few minutes at sauna temperatures. The thermal protection in your unit shuts down certain components when the heat builds up and component failure occurs, but it won't prevent permanent degradation. I've seen phones that won't work after a single exposure to infrared saunas. The heat inside is much higher than the exterior readings, and sensitive electronics are damaged beyond recovery.
Steam penetrates microscopic openings, causing internal corrosion that is initially unnoticed. Your device might function temporarily before suddenly incurring issues days later. Moisture attacks the contacts, bridging the circuits, causing short circuits. I advise my clients to act under the premise that water damage is caused during the use of telephones in the steam room, regardless of the claims.
The dangers of batteries increase exponentially with heat. Lithium batteries go into thermal runaway at 60 degrees Celsius, releasing toxic gases. Explosion hazards increase 500% at sauna temperatures according to safety studies. No amount of waterproofing allows electronic devices to dissipate heat, leaving them at the same level of risk.
Utilize designated waterproof timers for tracking time intervals, rather than phones, to facilitate this and to ensure that they withstand the extreme temperatures found within a sauna to 120°C successfully. Place them outdoors on a ledge or bench visible through glass doors. This way subjects can see timings without being distracted. Saunas should be kept as tech-free zones for two reasons: to protect equipment and safety of the client.
Read the full article: Sauna Health Benefits: Science-Backed Guide
