Microwave Ovens & Health

Microwave ovens are a common sight in households across the world. They aid in the preparation of meals and beverages, cutting down the time required to cook or heat foods. As efficient as they are, health risks exist, as is the case with most appliances. Exercising safety precautions can minimize and even eliminate these risks.

History

• Engineer Percy LeBaron Spencer invented the first microwave in 1946. Spencer discovered that when food was exposed to microwave energy, its temperature increased. He realized microwave energy could be used to heat and cook food.

  The Raytheon Company manufactured the first microwave in 1947. However, it was not until 1967 that a model fit for domestic use was produced.

How Microwaves Operate

• When microwaves are on, microwave energy emanates from an electronic tube. Inside the unit, the microwaves reflect off the sides of the structure. The water molecules in the food vibrate when exposed to this energy, creating friction that causes the food to heat up. The rotating disk inside the microwave helps warm the food evenly by distributing the heat uniformly.

Misconceptions

• Various misconceptions exist about microwaves, none of which are supported by scientific research, according to Better Health Channel. One misconception is that microwaving chemically alters the food. Another mistaken belief is that foods retain radiation after being microwaved; this is not true because as soon as the microwave is turned off, radiation stops coming out and the food does not retain the radiation. Lastly, a common misconception is that microwaves can cause cancer because of the radiation.

Health Concerns

• Health risks do exist with microwave use, though these risks are preventable if microwaves are operated properly. Perhaps the most common worry is about radiation exposure. The Food and Drug Administration strictly regulates the manufacturing of microwaves so that the radiation emitted is well under the amount that would harm humans. Radiation exposure risks exist only when the door of the microwave is broken and doesn't close properly, resulting in radiation leakage.

  Another concern is that microwaving food using plastic containers or plastic film could make the plastic melt causing the melted chemicals to leak into the food. A third concern is that microwaved foods may not be cooked uniformly causing bacteria and other harmful microorganisms to develop.

  In the past, it was thought that people who wore cardiac pacemakers may experience interference when they went near microwaves in operation. The FDA states that this is not a cause for worry anymore as pacemakers are now designed to prevent electrical interference.

Safety Precautions

• To minimize health risks, practice safety precautions when using a microwave. For instance, if you notice that your unit is damaged, get rid of it to avoid radiation leakage. Always check if the container you are using is microwaveable to avoid melting plastic; if not, use glass containers. Make sure food is cooked thoroughly before you consume it. Be especially careful when handling microwaved foods and liquids as to prevent burns and other injuries. Consult the owner's manual that came with your microwave for safety tips specific to the model.