The Hidden Hazards of Microwaves

Chemical Leaching

• When you microwave foods in plastic containers or plastic wrap, chemicals that manufacturers use to produce those plastics can leach out. As Harvard Medical School notes, fatty foods such as cheese and meat are particularly adept at causing the chemical softener diethylhexyl adipate to leach from plastics in the microwave. These plastic chemicals, collectively known as plasticizers, could potentially cause health defects or even cancer if ingested in high-enough quantities. However, Harvard points out that the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, recognizes the potential for leaching and tests plastic products before classifying them as microwave-safe. The real hazard for leaching comes from microwaving plastic products that the FDA has not deemed microwave-safe, which can include yogurt containers, water bottles and take-out containers.

Radiation

• The energy that microwaves release to heat foods is technically a form of radiation, as it consists of electromagnetic waves. However, in comparison with the radiation from gamma rays and X-rays, microwave radiation is considerably less energetic, which is why a microwave oven can prevent it from escaping using relatively thin metal panels. The hidden hazard can occur if a microwave oven develops a crack or is somehow able to operate with its door open. Although rare, in such instances the radiation leaking from a microwave could agitate water molecules inside the bodies of people nearby. According to the University of Wisconsin, this could result in burns to the eyes, skin and other bodily tissues.

Explosions

• If you seal a container -- or seal a container too tightly -- before heating it in a microwave, the internal pressure could cause a dangerous explosion. Although steam is supposed to escape from foods and dissipate during the microwaving process, an air-tight steal can cause that steam to build up, putting pressure on the lid and surrounding container walls. Although a microwave oven is typically strong enough to contain a steam explosion, you can become seriously burned if you happen to be opening the microwave door when the pressure finally escapes.

Infant Concerns

• Heating up a bottle of milk or formula in the microwave can be potentially dangerous for your infant. In comparison to when you heat a bottle by holding it under a faucet or by placing it in a container of warm water; when you heat a bottle in the microwave you have less control over how hot the liquid inside becomes. Although a bottle might feel cool to the touch when coming out of the microwave, the liquid inside could potentially be scalding.