Non-Ionizing Radiation Used in Microwave Ovens
- Microwave ovens use a form of electromagnetic radiation called microwaves.
- Microwaves do not make food radioactive.
Microwave ovens use electromagnetic waves called microwaves that penetrate food, causing molecules in the food to vibrate and generate heat that cooks the food. Learn more about the electromagnetic spectrum.
About Non-Ionizing Radiation Used in Microwave Ovens
Microwave ovens use radiation on the electromagnetic spectrumEnergy that travels in the form of waves or high-speed particles. The electromagnetic spectrum extends from low to high frequencies of energy including radio waves, microwaves, infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet light, x-rays and gamma rays. The electromagnetic spectrum is divided into two major categories: ionizing radiation and non-ionizing radiation. to heat food. The non-ionizing radiationRadiation that has lower energy levels and longer wavelengths than ionizing radiation. It has enough energy to move atoms, but not enough to alter them chemically. It can be strong enough to heat tissue and cause harmful biological effects. Examples include radio waves, microwaves, visible light and infrared from a heat lamp. used by a microwave oven does not make the food radioactive. Microwaves are only produced when the oven is operating. The microwaves produced inside the oven are absorbed by food and produce the heat that cooks the food. Microwave ovens are constructed to ensure the electromagnetic radiation does not leave the oven. This includes safety interlocks which ensure that the oven turns off anytime the door is opened. Most injuries from microwave ovens are the result of heat related burns from overheated food or liquids.
If microwave ovens are used while the door is broken or altered, it is possible for them to leak microwaves. Exposure to high levels of microwaves can cause painful burns. Microwave radiation leaks are hard to detect because you can't smell or see microwaves. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates radiation-emitting products such as microwave ovens, advises against standing directly up against the oven while it is operating. This will avoid harm from any possible leaks.
What You Can Do
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Products will contain a safety manual and safety precautions specific to your microwave oven model.
- Never operate if the door appears dented or broken. Don’t use a microwave oven if you can't shut the oven door or it doesn't seal well.
- Take precautions. As an added safety precaution, don't stand directly against a microwave oven while it is operating.