Do Microwave Ovens Pose a Health Risk?
Quick, convenient and economical – but risky? The microwave has been with us for a long time now, and is one of our most popular kitchen appliances. It pays though, to be aware of some of the possible health risks involved in their use. The first problem to consider is the microwave radiation itself. The magnetron in the oven produces a very high intensity alternating power food which makes the molecules inside the food move about, causing friction, and of course heat. The damage that microwave energy can do to living organisms has been well known since the 1930s, and when microwave ovens began to be popular in the home, studies carried out in the US demonstrated that, several models were well over what was then regarded as a safe emission limit. Since then of course, standards for protection and microwave oven construction have improved considerably, so we don’t need to worry – or do we? Part of the problem is of course that microwaves are invisible and they have no odour, so how do y
