The Risks of Microwave Ovens

Radiation

• One of the unique dangers of microwave ovens when compared with other cooking devices is that of prolonged exposure to radiation. The specific type of radiation emitted by microwaves is electromagnetic, which is essentially how it heats up the food. Although the FDA makes sure that all manufactured microwaves pass official electronic product radiation control, a damaged or altered microwave can emit unsafe levels of radiation. Injuries that may result from exposure to high amounts of microwave radiation (much more than the federal limit of 5 milliwatts) include temporary or permanent sterility, burns and cataracts.

Burns

• Burns are common risks when using any cooking device that involves heat, whether it's a gas stove or a microwave oven. There are specific types of burns that tend to occur more often with the use of a microwave. Aside from the not-so-common risk of radiation burns, the FDA has reported cases of water that has been boiled in the microwave erupting from a cup and significantly burning people. This usually happens with cups that are full of just water, which, after being "superheated," is highly temperamental and can bubble and splash at the slightest movement.

Electrocution

• Another risk involved with microwaves, as opposed to gas-heated ovens and stoves, is that of electrocution. While this is not likely to happen to the average household user, it can be a serious health risk for those who attempt a do-it-yourself repair job on their microwave. These devices use particularly high voltage, and when the cover is removed, it exposes the repairer to a slew of electrical circuitry, which, if touched, can result in serious injury or even death. What makes microwaves even more dangerous is the fact that sometimes electricity continues to flow through the circuitry even after the machine is unplugged.

Pacemaker Safety

• Although people with pacemakers make up a small percentage of the population, for those with electronic cardiac pacemakers, there is a real risk when it comes to using microwaves. Because these pacemakers, which are used to regulate heartbeats, run on electronic pulses, they can malfunction if exposed to enough electromagnetism from the microwave, which at worst could result in heart failure and death. According to the FDA, most new pacemakers are "designed to be shielded against such electrical interference," but for those with older models the risk still exists.