KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry has shot down claims that infrared thermometers used to measure temperatures, widely used since the outbreak of Covid-19, are capable of emitting harmful radiation.
Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the non-contact infrared thermometer was not a shooting device emitting radiation.
"It is designed to detect and absorb heat in the form of infrared rays emitted from human body and converts it into electricity. The electronic circuit within the thermometer processes the electrical signal to determine the temperature and display the reading on a screen. Since infrared thermometers do not emit harmful radiations, it is safe to use," he said.
He said the ministry was concerned over the claims on social media, which associated the device with brain injury, especially to pineal gland.
He said the thermometers and thermal scanner cameras have been used widely as part of screening and preventive measures during the pandemic.
He noted that the laser used in the thermometer emits energy less than 1 mW cm2, which is even lower than infrared from sunlight.
A rapid review conducted by Health Technology Assessment Section (MaHTAS), the Health Ministry found no scientific evidence on the adverse effects of infrared thermometers used on the forehead, he said.
Dr Noor Hisham said that to date, a total of 64 brands of infrared thermometers had been registered and permitted to be imported and supplied in Malaysia. Under special access route, another seven brands of the thermometer have been given permission to cater to the needs during the Covid-19 outbreak.
He also noted that the ministry was aware of the availability of infrared thermometers that were not registered or had no special access permission in the market.
"Through the Medical Devices Authority, the ministry is monitoring this situation and will take action against any breach of the law as provided under Act 737," he said.