Do Microwaves Emit Radiation?

Microwave Radiation

• Microwaves are a particular form of radio-frequency electromagnetic energy. Microwaves are substantially weaker than other form of radiation such as X-rays or gamma radiation. Another important between microwaves and other forms of radiation is that microwaves do not linger in the area in which they are used. To put it another way, once you turn off your microwave oven, the microwave are eliminated form the inside of the microwave and any area around it.

Radiation Output of Microwave Ovens

• In any modern microwave oven that is not malfunctioning, no microwaves will escape from the cooking area inside the microwave. If the oven's seal or door is damaged, if the seal is dirty, or if the hinges and latches are damaged or dirty, some microwave radiation may leak out while the oven is operating. Even if some microwaves did escape, they would pose no health risk to humans nearby. Federal regulations require microwaves to be built so that even if all of the radiation leaks out of the microwave, radiation levels are still well below those that wold being to pose a health risk to humans.

Possible Hazards

• Older models of microwaves had a tendency to interfere with the performance of older models of Pacemakers, but advances in technology used to manufacture both Pacemakers and microwaves have virtually eliminated this problem. Still, if anyone in your home uses a pacemaker and feels dizziness or weakness while standing near the microwave, have them move away from the microwave immediately and notify a health care professional of the issue.

Other Considerations

• Microwaves belong to a category of radiation energy known to scientists as "non-ionizing radiation," which also includes low-energy UV rays, visible light and infrared rays. This category of radiation is not believed to cause any observable damage to human health or to increase the risk of cancer in humans. Power lines, cell phones, televisions and computer monitors also give off non-ionizing radiation. It is highly unlikely that even a significantly damaged microwave will give off dangerous levels of radiation.