FDA Guidelines for Microwave Ovens

Radiation Emission Limits

• Under FDA guidelines, only a certain amount of radiation can leak from the microwave oven over its lifetime. Specifically, up to 5 milliwatts (mW) of radiation per square centimeter at 2 inches from the microwave can be emitted, according to the FDA website on Microwave Oven Radiation. The FDA assures the public that the amount of microwave radiation cited in its guidelines falls significantly below the amount known to be a health hazard to you and your family.

Safety Features

• According to FDA safety regulations, all microwave ovens must be manufactured with certain safety features. In particular, all ovens must stop the emission of microwaves once the oven door is opened or when the latch on the door is released; to achieve this, ovens must have two interlock systems. In case the interlock systems fail, the FDA requires that a monitoring system be in place to serve as a backup in preventing the oven from producing radiation.

Labeling

• To receive approval from the FDA, microwave ovens must bear a label that states it fulfills FDA safety guidelines. Microwave oven manufacturers are also required to put a label on the oven that lists safety precautions when operating the microwave. However, some manufacturers do not have to list the safe-use precautions on their products---manufacturers that provide proof to the FDA that the oven will not exceed the radiation leakage limit of 5 mW per square centimeter from 2 inches away when it is used under the cautioned conditions on the label are exempt from this requirement.