Microwave ovens: Are they safe?

Since their rise to popularity in the 1980's, microwave ovens have been the subject of speculation about their safety. Many people fear leaking radiation affecting their health, and if a microwave were to seriously leak this may be an issue. Serious leaks, though, are very rare, and the real safety dangers of microwaves lie in uneven heating of food. Microwaves can be a safe and healthy way to heat your food if used correctly.

Microwave ovens

Microwaves work by emitting a form of electromagnetic radiation that is of lower frequency than visible light and infra red, and higher than radio waves. It is not associated with radioactivity, so your food is not going to be radioactive! However, microwaves can cause burns, cataracts and other problems with significant exposure. Domestic microwaves have a series of protections against this, and very small leaks are relatively innocuous. The automatic mechanism on the door will stop the machine emitting microwaves as soon as the door is opened.

Microwaves and safety

Microwaves heat food by exciting the water that exists in all food, making it vibrate and creating heat. The greatest danger from microwaves is uneven heating, as hot spots can burn and cool ones may not be free of bacteria. Steam burns from food covered with plastic wrap are another danger. Use your oven safely in these ways.

• Take care when lifting plastic wrap or lids off cooked food, as steam can cause burns. Wrap foods loosely to allow steam to escape
• Use round, shallow dishes to heat liquids, to minimise hot spots
• Stir food regularly while heating to distribute heat evenly
• Avoid plastic wrap touching food, as chemicals from the plastic can leach into food while heating
• Take care when heating food with distinct layers (such as pies or doughnuts with jam in the centre) as one layer may remain cool while another gets very hot
• Microwaves can 'superheat' food, meaning that it may look cold but will then start boiling when stirred or disturbed
• Regularly check your microwave's door, seals and interior for cracks or other damage that may allow leaks, and never damage or tamper with the door locks, as these are a safety mechanism. If unsure, have your oven checked by an expert
• Never use microwaves to heat baby bottles, as the centre may be burning hot while the outside feels just warm
• Never cook an entire egg in the microwave, as it is likely to explode!
• Never let children use the microwave until you are certain they are old enough to understand how to do so with total safety

Take these precautions, just as you would with any other form of cooking, and enjoy food that has more vitamins intact than with it would after many other forms of cooking.

Microwave ovens and your safety

Using microwave ovens can be a great way to safely and conveniently prepare food that is nutritionally good. Ensure that you follow safety directions to avoid the dangers of uneven heating or steam burns, and keep your oven in good condition so that using it will be a safe and enjoyable experience.