The Two Sides of the Story Is Microwave Radiation Dangerous?
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When using a microwave to heat baby milk[1] was banned in the USA,[2] it sent a clear message: this device is potentially dangerous.[3] It was quickly explained that the ban was intended to avoid the risk of toddlers being burned, because the heated fluid has a much higher temperature than the container that it is in, and the carer’s carefulness often leaves much to be desired. But the fear of microwaves nevertheless remained.
Microwaves had been banned from use in the USSR[4] (1976, which was repealed only after the change of regime) due to the risk of cancer. Perhaps they are harmful but we do not know for sure as there are no official scientific studies to confirm their harmfulness. Most people use microwaves with no apparent ill health effects but there are others who believe that microwave radiation might be harmful.[5]
Nowadays, many people, especially those who are leading a ‘fast’ lifestyle, cannot imagine reheating meals any other way than by using the microwave. Probably more or less the same number of people claim that dishes prepared in this way are unsavoury and unhealthy and that microwaves themselves are a source of harmful radiation. We will not be writing about the taste of dishes, because that is a matter of preference, but will instead focus on how microwaves work and how they heat dishes.
What is microwave radiation?
As the name of the device suggests, microwaves heat meals using electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength of about 12 cm.[6] The radiation is absorbed by the water molecules in each dish. They start to oscillate (rotational oscillation) absorbing the energy of the absorbed microwaves. However, these vibrations are strongly suppressed by other substances (chemicals) surrounding the water molecules contained in the meal that is being heated.
As a result of this mechanical interaction (resembling the behaviour of a mixer in a dough bowl), the previously absorbed energy is transferred back to the meal, with which the microwave radiation does not interact directly, causing it to heat up. Also, the warming of the container is a secondary effect, as microwave containers do not absorb radiation of such frequencies.
Microwave radiation creates a standing wave inside the oven, magnetron waves emanate from the opposite side of the oven. This means that some places in the dish will be heated significantly (where the arrows of the standing wave, i.e. the peak of the wave, are), while others in the places of wave nodes (with zero amplitude intensity) will remain cold. To avoid such uneven heating of dishes, they are placed on rotating stands or an additional rotating reflector is used and changes the distribution of intensity within the oven.
Is microwave food safe?
The phenomenon of microwave interactions with food (water) was accidentally discovered by the American Percy Spencer[7] while he was working on the construction of radar equipment. When experimenting with a magnetron, which is the source of microwaves also in the home appliance, he felt that the chocolate bar in his trousers started melting.
On the other hand, an egg exposed to microwaves exploded. These troublesome events made it possible for him to launch the first microwave oven in 1947. Its dimensions differed significantly from today’s models, as it weighed in at 338 kg and was 1.65 m high. The first devices were water-cooled which meant that their use was restricted to bars and restaurants only.
There are a lot of opinions about the harmfulness of food that is prepared using microwave ovens as well as their negative impact on people nearby. However, research[8] has shown that no chemical changes (changes in molecular structure) occurred as a result of the microwaves passing through the food. Also, microwaves do not have a significant impact on the health and well-being of their users. A microwave oven forms a so-called Faraday’s cage[9] whose metal construction blocks all electromagnetic waves from flowing outside of the device.
Is microwave radiation harmful?
The properties of the cage are not negated even if a glass (plastic) door is used through which we can observe the dishes inside. This is because the door is covered with a metal mesh that is considerably smaller than the microwave wavelength, which prevents the waves from being emitted outside of the oven.
Opening the door automatically turns the device off. It is interesting that the Soviet Union introduced a ban on the use of microwave ovens in 1976, due to the risk of cancer that was discovered by Soviet scientists. This was also partly due to much stricter standards than those that had been adopted in Western Europe.
Before using a microwave oven for the first time, it is advisable to read the operating instructions and safe handling rules carefully, focusing on the information concerning the containers that may be used and directions on how to cook or defrost food.
Some people say that if the reports of the harmfulness of microwaves were true, then the considerable evidence would support that claim. They say that the black PR of the microwave stems from mindless repetition of claims that were not fully tested. Microwaves are electromagnetic waves — much the same as radio waves, light, infrared, ultraviolet and X-rays.
But unlike the last two, microwaves do not damage the structure of chemical compounds. Isolated portions of the electromagnetic wave (called photons), in the case of microwaves, are unable to change the structure of any molecule in a living organism because they carry too little energy.
Yes, if you expose your body to an enormous stream of photons that correspond to a high-intensity wave, you can expect a significant increase in the temperature of your body. For example, the proteins may break down but exactly the same factor, high temperature, leads to their congealing in the pan!
Microwave radiation facts
Microwaves are just as dangerous as the light emitted from a bulb. If we touch it, we will be burned, but we are safe when we keep our distance. So, if the microwave is not damaged, then it will not emit hazardous microwaves. And the probability of a breakdown of a microwave oven is no different than that of, for example, washing machines breaking down and receiving electric shocks during washing.
Some research suggests that electromagnetic radiation (every microwave has a radioactive source comparable to an airborne radar) has a carcinogenic effect[10] (can cause cancer) and is mutagenic, it changes the DNA structure of humans. In theory, radiation is emitted only on the inside of the device. In practice, however, oven doors often leak. Therefore, the people waiting for dinner to warm up or operating the device all day, are at a higher risk of exposure.
The biological effects caused by microwave radiation can be serious, although not specific, so we often do not connect them with the cause. These might include chronic fatigue, somnolence, trouble with concentration and memory, frequent headaches, also dysregulation of the hormonal and nervous system resulting in emotional instability and fertility problems.
Changes in the body under the influence of radiation also results in a decrease in immunity and therefore increases the risk of infection and development of cancer cells. If you have to use microwaves, try not to stand close while they are on! Of course, every product that is rolled out on the market must meet the standards that limit how much radiation they can emit.
Devices are tested before they leave the factory but during frequent use, the door’s electromagnetic seal will inevitably wear out and waves could, at that point, be emitted from the device.
Microwave radiation is not visible, there is no clear signal that something is not functioning properly. If there is a dishwasher or washing machine, we have telltale signs of malfunction, e.g. water on the floor, whereas in the case of microwave ovens malfunctions usually remain unnoticed.
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How would you describe mobile radiation?
All electronic devices contain information which warns against keeping your device in direct contact with your head or body.[1] Few people are aware of this and even fewer follow the instructions provided.
Non-ionizing (electromagnetic) radiation or NIR is omnipresent. Mobile phone users in particular should be aware that electronic devices emit non-ionizing radiation, which may have some negative effects on their health.[2]
Lower frequency radiation is generated by a laptop’s internal parts, such as the hard drive.
Higher frequency radiation is emitted by the transmitters of the laptop when it tries to connect with a WiFi network, wireless devices or Bluetooth receivers.
Non-ionizing radiation is located at the low end of the electromagnetic spectrum and is a form of low-energy radiation. This kind of radiation is also known as extremely low frequency (ELF) radiation. Non-ionizing radiation differs from ionizing (IR) radiation because non-ionizing radiation doesn’t carry enough energy to break molecular bonds and ionize atoms, ionizing radiation does.
People are exposed to ELF radiation emitted by natural (e.g. sun, soil) or artificial sources (e.g. mobile phones, laptops). All of these electronic devices emit radio frequency radiation.
It is common knowledge that radiation has always been a natural part of the environment. [4] [5] [6] [7] Radiation is energy that comes from a specific source and is able to penetrate various materials. The sources of radiation are divided into two main categories: natural and man-made.
All living things on Earth are exposed to a background level of radiation from naturally occurring substances both on Earth and in space. For example, we can name terrestrial radiation (which can be found in soil) and cosmic radiation, from the Sun (and other sources).
Man-made radiation has been emitted for about 150 years since the inventions of the industrial revolution went into widespread use, now we’re part of the digital revolution. Artificial sources of radiation are claimed to be responsible for about 21% of the total exposure. An even higher level of exposure (50%) may affect industrialized countries due to the more widespread access to technology.[8]
Resources:
1. Samsung (2014) Check the SAR value [Online] SAMSUNG (Accessed: 11.07.2018)
2. Khazaei, S. et al. (2016) The Relationship Between Mobile Phone Use and the Risk of Cancer [Online] Jentashapir Journal of Health Research - Home (Accessed: 30.01.2018)
3. Havas, M. (2017) Carcinogenic effects of NonIonizing Radiation: A Paradigm Shift [Online] [PDF] Carcinogenic effects of Non-Ionizing Radiation : A Paradigm Shift | Semantic Scholar (Accessed: 06.02.2018)
4. Siemens Healthcare GmbH (2018) Radiation Sources [Online] https://www.medicalradiation.com/facts-about-radiation/radiation-sources/ (Accessed: 26.07.2017)
5. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (2008) Natural Background Sources [Online]
Natural Background Sources | NRC.gov (Accessed: 26.07.2017)
6. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (2011) Natural and Man-Made Radiation Sources [Online] https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/basic-ref/students/for-educators/06.pdf (Accessed: 26.07.2017)
7. Mirion (2014) Man-Made Sources of Radiation [Online] https://www.mirion.com/introduction-to-radiation-safety/man-made-sources-of-radiation/ (Accessed: 26.07.2017)
8. Medical Radiation (2012) Man-made radiation [Online] https://www.medicalradiation.com/facts-about-radiation/radiation-sources/man-made-radiation/ (Accessed: 22.08.2017)
Two fundamental errors in the article
The first error is probably due to a confusion between radiation and radio-activity. They are NOT the same. Most radiation is not radioactive. Radiation is simply energy radiating out from a source and includes sound, light and radiant heat (which is why you can feel a bonfire even though convective and conductive heat has gone upwards). Radiation is split between non ionising (radio, light, MW) and ionising (UV, X-rays and gamma rays). Compare MW to light rather than gamma rays. They turn on and off in identical ways, light is great (and necessary for life) at certain levels but can be lethal at very heavy doses, neither are carcinogenic at normal exposure levels (it’s the UV in sunlight that causes skin cancer).
The split mentioned one of the comments (Nick) between natural and man-made is artificial. UV rays from the sun are identical to UV rays from a black lamp. It’s just that from the sun they are masked by the visible light but their effects are the same. Likewise, the MW from space and the sun are identical to an oven’s (don’t get caught by a common claim of "pulsed MWs, this is nonsense).
The risks stated in the article are really for long term exposure to MWs, e.g., a radar technician. MW oven exposure wouldn’t be a problem unless you put your nose to the door every day and only use the MW oven for cooking. Most people put something in the MW oven and walk away and do something else.
Microwave radiation can heat body tissue the same way it heats food. Exposure to high levels of microwaves can cause a painful burn.
Two areas of the body, the eyes, and the testes are particularly vulnerable to RF heating because there is relatively little blood flow in them to carry away excess heat. Additionally, the lens of the eye is particularly sensitive to intense heat, and exposure to high levels of microwaves can cause cataracts.
But these types of injuries – burns and cataracts – can only be caused by exposure to large amounts of microwave radiation. Choose a safe microwave by reading this buying guide for the microwave oven.
About an hour lecture about radiation in general and later 5G and what make it different from preceding technologies.
By a Swedish professor in oncology, that has been studying this topic for 3 decades and is a member the IARC.
Lots of reference material to studies, graphs and statistics.
In English, but you have to excuse the “Norse” accent
Microwaves cause water molecules in food to vibrate, producing heat that cooks the food. That’s why foods that are high in water content, like fresh vegetables, can be cooked more quickly than other foods. Glass, paper, ceramic, or plastic containers are used in microwave cooking because microwaves pass through these materials. Although such containers cannot be heated by microwaves, they can become hot from the heat of the food cooking inside.
A Federal standard (21 CFR 1030.10) limits the amount of microwaves that can leak from an oven throughout its lifetime to 5 milliwatts (mW) of microwave radiation per square centimeter at approximately 2 inches from the oven surface. This limit is far below the level known to harm people. Microwave energy also decreases dramatically as you move away from the source of radiation. A measurement made 20 inches from an oven would be approximately 1/100th of the value measured at 2 inches from the oven.
The standard also requires all ovens to have two independent interlock systems that stop the production of microwaves the moment the latch is released or the door is opened. In addition, a monitoring system stops oven operation in case one or both of the interlock systems fail.
All ovens must have a label stating that they meet the safety standard. In addition, the FDA requires that all ovens have a label explaining precautions for use. This requirement may be dropped if the manufacturer has proven that the oven will not exceed the allowable leakage limit even if used under the conditions cautioned against on the label.
To make sure the standard is met, FDA tests microwave ovens in its own laboratory. The FDA also evaluates manufacturers’ radiation testing and quality control programs at their factories. It is always helpful reading articles on how to the best microwave oven.
Microwave ovens heat food using electromagnetic radiation. A microwave’s non-ionizing radiation does not render food radioactive. Only when the oven is in use, microwaves can be produced. The microwaves inside an oven absorb food and create heat. The microwave ovens are designed to prevent electromagnetic radiation from leaving the oven. Safety interlocks are used to ensure that the oven shuts off when the door is opened. Heat-related burns caused by microwave ovens can cause most injuries.
It is possible for microwave ovens to emit electromagnetic radiation if they are broken or altered. Because microwave radiation is not visible or smelled, it can be difficult to spot a microwave radiation leak. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises that you avoid standing in direct contact with the microwave oven while it is being used. This will prevent any potential leakage. There are many things that we need to learn for safer and healthier life.
Microwave ovens emit electromagnetic radiation.
It is possible to find this worrying because of the negative connotations associated with radiation. But, this isn’t the kind of radiation that is associated with nuclear weapons or nuclear catastrophes.
Microwave ovens emit non-ionizing radiation that is similar to radiation you get from your cell phone but much more powerful.
Remember the fact that electromagnetic radiation is also light which means that not all radiation is harmful.
Microwave ovens come with shields made of metal and screens made of metal above the window, which block radiation from entering the oven. Therefore, there is no chance of harm. To keep yourself safe Don’t put your face against the glass and keep your head at a minimum of 1 foot (30 centimetres) off the stove. The radiation decreases dramatically with distance.
Also, ensure that the microwave oven is in good working order. If it’s broken or outdated, or it doesn’t shut properly, consider buying a new microwave.