How Thermal Detection System Helps Protect People From Invisible Threats

With the Covid-19 pandemic still at large and many businesses preparing to welcome people back into open public spaces, most facility managers are bringing thermal detection systems in entryways as an additional safety measure. The objective is to quickly screen every visitor passing through to check if they have a high temperature, and to send them to medical care if any worrying signs of trouble show.

Researchers the world over are exploring the possible benefits of thermal imaging systems. Thermal imaging cameras and infrared cameras may be used to detect surface skin temperature. The latter has a temperature reference source, analysing which researchers and medical practitioners can collect information on the metabolism and vascular activity of the patients. The anomalies are captured and communicated to the concerned practitioner for him to take the next course of action. Thermal imaging cameras are also utilised to study certain diseases, where skin or body temperature can be taken as indications of inflammation of the underlying tissues because of irregularities within the body processes.

Versatility of Thermal Detection System

The electromagnetic spectrum, which is perceived as heat, has infrared wavelengths that are too long for the human eye to detect. Thermal imaging technology, thus, converts these temperature insights into images called thermograms, that use a colour palette to allude to the range of temperatures present within.

Thermography and its multipurpose application is attracting a lot of attention in recent times. Infrared technology has been employed for surveillance purposes in the military and law enforcement agencies. Thermal imaging cameras have helped in detecting people having viral diseases at an early stage. Medical practitioners use thermography to bring forth possible tumours and inflamed tissues. Dentists use thermal imaging systemsfor diagnosing temporomandibular joint disorder or TMJ. While emergency responders, like firefighters, employ thermography to search for people trapped in fires by providing images through the smoke. In recent times, luxury car brands have placed thermal imaging cameras on their bumpers or in the front grills to help drivers see more carefully at night.

In the industrial sector, thermal imaging is mainly used by the building inspectors and maintenance personnel to measure the loss of energy, both internal and external. The non-contact technology in these cameras also reveals moisture and ventilation leaks. Cameras in the industrial sector can even spot issues in the electrical or mechanical applications to troubleshoot processes.

Thermal Imaging for Diagnosisof Health Ailments

Infrared cameras have great potential to detect inflammation of the joints. Multiple researchers and medical experts have used thermal imaging for capturing inflammation across various joints of the human body. These cameras can also be used to diagnose and detect muscular sports injuries that may result in inflammation of the damaged muscles.

Capturing and diagnosing infectious diseases is another field where thermal imaging technology is employed extensively. Thermal imaging cameras can record infections as well as capture the heat that is released by an infection. The temperature around a lesion or a wound caused due to skin infections is usually higher than the temperature of the rest of the body. Thus, thermal imaging technique can be useful for finding out invisible infections that can otherwise be harder to make out by the naked eye.

Thermal Detection Systems and Covid-19

In light of the ongoing pandemic, many businesses have adopted stringent health protocols to curb the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus. Despite these measures in place, many retailers, malls, educational institutions, and office complexes believe that technology will also play a critical role in identifying people who might be carrying the virus even before entering the premises.

This is where thermal imaging camera systems come in, with market places, retailers, workplaces and manufacturing facilities being the first to invest in and utilize this technology to help them to proactively capturehigh temperature in visitors or employees prior to their entry into the premises. Other businesses are expected to follow suit in the foreseeable future, as they look for adopting additional measures to lessen the impact of the virusso as to safely reopen in a post-Covid world.

Summing It Up

Installation of thermal imaging systems for scanning heightened skin temperatures will soon be a part of the new normal as a greater number of businesses reopen their workspaces. It’s important that all stakeholders follow best practices with regard to deployment and usage of these devices so that they achieve optimal success and utmost accuracy in high skin-temperature detection.