Is Your Sauna Tent Safe? Low-VOC Materials, RISE Lab Testing, and Air Quality

TLDR: As the first US-based sauna tent company, North Shore Sauna prioritizes customer safety by rigorously testing our materials for off-gassing (the release of chemical gases like VOCs when heated). We partnered with the independent research institute RISE to test our tent materials in a "worst-case scenario" (110°C/230°F in a closed chamber). The results showed emissions of volatile substances (VOCs) were extremely low (much lower than what is released from opening the wood-fired stove door to insert firewood). We also conduct regular air quality testing in our tent saunas using a Forensics Detectors VOC tester to confirm safety during real-world use. Our tests confirm that North Shore Sauna Tents release minimal chemicals, providing you with a safe and clean heat experience.

As the first US-based sauna tent company, North Shore Sauna feels a deep responsibility to ensure we are leading the way for safe, high-quality, and enjoyable sauna experiences.

In the world of saunas, particularly those built with technical materials, the question of chemical emissions (or off-gassing) is one of the most important safety concerns. We didn’t want to launch a product until we knew without a doubt that it was safe to use, even at very high temperatures.

What Exactly is Off-gassing?

Off-gassing occurs when a material is heated and starts to release small amounts of chemicals in the form of gases. This is often related to VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), which are common in materials like plastics, glues, and certain textiles.

In a traditional wooden sauna, this can be part of the experience itself, as natural substances like resin are released. But in a sauna tent, which relies on high-performance technical fabrics and specialized components, the question of what happens when those materials are subjected to intense heat is paramount.

This is exactly why examining our materials was the very first step in our development process.

Our Proactive Approach: Partnership and Purpose

When we developed our sauna tent the first question was: What happens to these materials when heated?

Our final materials were carefully selected: a durable weave with insulating properties and reinforced windows made of TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane). We specifically chose TPU because it’s a plastic material that does not contain PVC, common flame retardants, or plasticizers (substances that can otherwise cause problems when heated). Our walls are free of substances classified as hazardous at normal sauna temperatures.

The Gold Standard Test: Partnering with RISE

To ensure our material choices perform safely in practice, we engaged RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden), a state-owned, independent test institute, to put our tents through the most demanding examination possible.

In their laboratory, we commissioned a "worst-case scenario" test:

Material from the sauna tent was placed in a closed climate chamber without any ventilation.

The material was heated to an extreme temperature of 110°C (230°F) which is well above the temperature the tent walls normally reach during use.

The purpose was to stress the materials far beyond normal operation and measure exactly what substances were released in these extreme, unventilated conditions.

What the Test Showed

The results were overwhelmingly positive:

The emissions of volatile substances (VOCs) were very low.

In fact, many potentially harmful substances occurred in such small amounts that they could not even be measured by the institute’s sensitive equipment.

The only elevation noted was marginal, even at the extreme 110°C testing temperature. Crucially, the test also confirmed that emissions decrease over time, meaning a tent that has been used a few times emits even less.

Continuous Monitoring and Real-World Safety

While the RISE testing confirms the safety of the materials themselves, we also conduct regular, ongoing air quality checks. We perform regular air quality testing in our tent saunas using a Forensics Detectors VOC tester to ensure the constant air circulation and ventilation effectively manage air quality and maintain the lowest possible emissions during every live sauna session. This continuous monitoring is part of our commitment to safety assurance.

Real-World Safety vs. Lab Conditions

It is vital to understand that the RISE test environment cannot be compared to how a North Shore Sauna Tent is used in reality.

Unlike the closed test chamber, our sauna tents are equipped with active ventilation (both supply and exhaust air), the door is frequently opened and closed during sessions, and the tent is never completely sealed at the floor. This means the air is constantly circulating, replaced during the sauna session, and the tent walls are naturally cooled from the outside.

In short: our sauna tent releases extremely little, even when the materials are exposed to conditions far more severe than what happens in practice.

Our Conclusion and Your Safe Sauna Experience

You should feel safe and secure when in the sauna, whether you are in your backyard, up in the mountains, or out by the lake.

At North Shore Sauna, we have done our utmost to choose safe materials with minimal emissions, tested them at extremely high temperatures with third-party verification, and chosen partners to develop sauna tents that hold up, both for the body and the environment.

Quick Tips for a Safe Sauna Session:

Use Dry Wood: Always use dry wood, preferably hardwoods, for the cleanest combustion.

Ensure Ventilation: Make sure that the tent’s ventilation ports are working properly to ensure constant air circulation, especially during long workouts.

Important Disclaimer

The content of this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. It is based on our company's research and personal experience. North Shore Sauna is not a healthcare provider. We do not offer medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Before starting any new wellness routine, including sauna use, or if you have any pre-existing health conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart issues, or are pregnant), always consult with your physician or a qualified medical professional.