Microwave Oven Radiation - Home Safety

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The microwave is possibly one of the best inventions for busy people. Allowing us to cook food in a fraction of the time it would take in an oven, the microwave has made cooking simple for millions of people worldwide. However, the amount of radiation we are exposed to in our day to day lives has become a worry for many people.

Is there cause for concern? Should you really be worried about radiation from your microwave and if you are, what can you do about it?

How Microwaves Work

Microwaves heat food by sending out waves that cause the water molecules in a food item to vibrate rapidly. This creates an energy that presents itself as heat to cook the food. Ideally, the waves are contained within the microwave because the door is closed as it is turned on, releasing waves and cooking the food.

Problems arise when living skin tissue is exposed to these waves. This type of radiation is only present while the microwave is running and if it has a leak. This leak is undetectable to the human eye, as microwaves are colorless and odourless.

Microwave Radiation Health Concerns

The radiation from your microwave can cause potentially serious health problems. These problems include:

Skin Cancer
Cataracts
Dizziness and Headaches
Blood Disorders
Temporary Sterility in Men

Experts fear that children are more susceptible to possible damage caused by microwave resonance. This is because a child's cells are still dividing rapidly as they grow and any interference with that natural biological process could cause cellular mutation and possibly long term damage.

Unfortunately, the studies that have been done to determine the "safe" level of exposures to microwave radiation tested subjects exposed to a high level of radiation for a relatively short period of time. The effects of low-level exposure over several decades is unknown.

The danger is compounded when people are bombarded with radiation not only from their microwave, but from cell phones, wireless networks, radio towers and more. It is hard to pinpoint exactly which technology could be causing the level of environmental radiation to rise to an unsafe level. Without actually knowing what that unsafe level is due to a lack of solid research, one can only try to limit their exposure.

How to Avoid Dangerous Microwave Exposure?

Manufacturers must adhere to strict guidelines in microwave production to ensure that they have a tight seal and do not emit dangerous levels of radiation. However, many homes contain older microwave ovens that may not perform to current standards.

Research conducted by microwave repair servicemen indicates that over 50% of microwaves which are at least two years old leak around 10% higher radiation levels than what is recommended by the FDA. The good news is that by doing a slight readjustment, the problem can be solved. If you do have a microwave that more than two years old, have it serviced to see whether it is safe to use.