dangers of microwaves bitesize

Dangers of using a microwave

• If you reheat or cook food in the microwave every day, it can lead to permanent, long-term damage. This is due to the...
• The human body can’t break down unknown substances. The same goes for food that the microwave alters.
• Food heated in a microwave can alter or halt hormone production in men and women.
• Microwaves convert minerals from ve...

Full Answer

What are the dangers of microwaves?

The main danger a microwave poses is fire resulting from misuse or malfunction. There are a lot of myths when it comes to the dangers of microwaves. We’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions that you might have about your microwave. Is it true that microwaves leak radiation? Yes, it’s true that some microwaves do leak radiation.

Is microwave radiation from mobile phones and masts harmful to health?

There is concern that microwave radiation from mobile phones and masts may be harmful to our health. Ultraviolet radiation - UV - is found naturally in sunlight.

What happens if you microwave food in plastic containers?

We often microwave foods in plastic containers and wrapping, but some scientists warn of the risk of ingesting phthalates. When exposed to heat, these plastic additives can break down and leach into food. When exposed to heat, plastic additives like phthalates can break down and leach into food (Credit: Getty Images)

What are the uses and dangers of microwaves?

Microwaves are used for cooking food, communications and for satellite communications. Intense sources of microwaves can be dangerous through internal heating of body cells.

What is the most harmful electromagnetic wave?

Gamma raysGamma rays are the most harmful external hazard. Beta particles can partially penetrate skin, causing “beta burns”.

How do microwaves work Physics GCSE?

Microwave ovens use a microwave frequency which is strongly absorbed by water molecules, causing them to vibrate, increasing their kinetic energy. This heats materials containing water, for example food.

What are the dangers of visible light?

Is Visible Light Dangerous? Visible light is typically pretty harmless. However, some light can be so intense that it can damage the receptor cells in your eye causing temporary or permanent blindness. High powered lasers can also be damaging and will cause burns.

What is the effect of radiation to human body?

Exposure to very high levels of radiation, such as being close to an atomic blast, can cause acute health effects such as skin burns and acute radiation syndrome (“radiation sickness"). It can also result in long-term health effects such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.

What waves are harmful to humans?

The most dangerous frequencies of electromagnetic energy are X-rays, gamma rays, ultraviolet light and microwaves. X-rays, gamma rays and UV light can damage living tissues, and microwaves can cook them.

How does a microwave work BBC Bitesize?

High frequency microwaves have frequencies which are easily absorbed by molecules in food. The internal energy of the molecules increases when they absorb microwaves, which causes heating. Microwaves pass easily through the atmosphere, so they can pass between stations on Earth and satellites in orbit.

Why are some electromagnetic waves harmful?

Studies show that gamma rays can help treat cancer, but they can also cause certain types of cancer. Aside from that, it can lead to genetic and tissue damage. Short exposure can cause radiation poisoning. Large doses of gamma rays can cause diarrhoea, headache, hair loss and delayed healing.

What are the dangers of radio waves?

Exposure to very high RF intensities can result in heating of biological tissue and an increase in body temperature. Tissue damage in humans could occur during exposure to high RF levels because of the body's inability to cope with or dissipate the excessive heat that could be generated.

What are the harmful effects of electromagnetic waves to humans and the environment?

Reported symptoms include headaches, anxiety, suicide and depression, nausea, fatigue and loss of libido. To date, scientific evidence does not support a link between these symptoms and exposure to electromagnetic fields.

What the human eye Cannot see?

What Is Non-Visible Light? The human eye can only see visible light, but light comes in many other "colors"—radio, infrared, ultraviolet, X-ray, and gamma-ray—that are invisible to the naked eye.

What are microwaves used for?

Applications of microwaves They are used in communications, radio astronomy, remote sensing, radar, and of course, owing to their heating application, they are used in cooking as well.

The electromagnetic (EM) spectrum

Electromagnetic waves form a spectrum of different wavelengths. This spectrum includes visible light, X-rays and radio waves. Electromagnetic radiation can be useful as well as hazardous.

Microwave radiation

Microwave radiation can be used to transmit signals, such as those for mobile phone calls. Microwave transmitters and receivers on buildings and masts communicate with the mobile phones in their range. There is concern that microwave radiation from mobile phones and masts may be harmful to our health.

Ultraviolet radiation

Ultraviolet radiation - UV - is found naturally in sunlight. We cannot see or feel ultraviolet radiation, but our skin responds to UV exposure by turning darker over time. This is called a sun tan. This happens as our bodies attempt to reduce the amount of ultraviolet radiation reaching deeper skin tissues.

Why does microwave heat up food?

Microwaves oftentimes unevenly heat up food because of the way they work. Microwaves heat up food by stirring up the molecules within the food causing friction and using the friction as a heat source.

What type of radiation is used in microwaves?

The type of radiation used in microwaves is a non-ionizing type of radiation. This is one worry you can cross off your list.

How Do Microwaves Work?

Within the microwave, radio waves are produced which operates on a frequency referred to as microwaves. These waves cook the food by shaking up the molecules inside the food, causing quite a bit of friction.

How far away should you stand from a microwave?

If you’re still worried about the potential dangers associated with microwaves, follow the USFDA’s instructions while using a microwave, such as not standing directly next to the microwave while it’s in use and keeping 20 inches of distance.

How to maintain integrity of vegetables?

If you want to maintain the integrity of your vegetables, the best bet is to eat them raw or go with a gentler method of heating them, such as boiling or steaming.

Is it safe to microwave food?

The truth is, microwaves can be a perfectly safe and convenient way to heat up your food. The biggest health-risk associated with reheating food with microwaves is food that is contained within plastic. It is wise to only heat food in dishes that are marked safe by the FDA.

Do microwaves have ionizing radiation?

Microwaves use a non-ionizing type of radiation, meaning, it doesn’t fall under the umbrella of types of radiation responsible for increasing one’s risk of developing cancer.

How to avoid microwaves?

Remember to keep the vents clear and avoid storing objects on top of appliances (as it can block ventilation) Always follow the manufacturer's instructions, if in doubt, double check with them.

How to avoid microwaves when boiling water?

To avoid the dangers of microwaves when boiling water, heat a minimum amount of water and ensure you are regularly monitoring it . Or alternatively use a kettle, which is designed to heat water to boiling point.

Why does my microwave keep sparking?

Any food that has splattered or dripped in the microwave can continue to cook, causing sparks inside your microwave. Make sure you regularly clean and maintain your electrical appliance. You should also check the manufacturer’s instructions and perhaps contact them directly should you have any concerns around this.

Why does microwave heat up food?

The non-ionizing (meaning it can't directly break up atoms or molecules) microwave radiation passes through food, causing the water molecules in food to vibrate, which ultimately produces the heat that cooks the food (which explains why ingredients with a higher water content such as vegetables cook faster).

Can microwaves leak radiation?

Yes, it’s true that some microwaves do leak radiation. Whilst radiation is a brilliant way to heat food, it’s not great for humans. But don’t panic just yet…there are strict limits on the amount that can leak from a microwave oven throughout its lifetime.

Can boiling water cause a microwave to explode?

Boiling a cup of water in a microwave could cause it to explode. Water could be over-heated (perhaps even past boiling point), as it will just keep on heating up for a long as you’ve set it for. So when it is disturbed or moved, it’s likely that the heat will release by erupting violently.

Can you microwave plastic?

You should only ever microwave things which clearly state that they are microwave safe. Do not use any containers, foam trays or any plastic storage bags that are not specifically designed for microwave use. This is because they could melt and cause damage to you and your appliance. It’s also important to be aware that some microwavable plastic containers specify a maximum continuous exposure time, so always check the label or contact the manufacturer for clarification.

What makes a microwave so effective?

What makes microwaves so effective is that the radio waves they emit have the ability to pass through paper, plastic and glass while being absorbed by food .The radio waves used by microwaves, as with any device that uses radio waves , produce a type of radiation.

How many people in the US have a microwave?

When you’re heating up left-overs from yesterday’s dinner after a long day at work, how much time do you spend thinking about the potential microwave dangers? The microwave has become an integral part of modern life; government figures estimate that 90 percent of households in the US have at least one microwave.

Is it safe to use a microwave?

However, if your microwave is faulty and more radiation is able to leak from it, you may be at risk. Microwaves have the power to burn human tissue and the eye is particularly susceptible. The FDA warns that you shouldn’t stand directly against your microwave while it’s heating your food. It’s especially important that children follow this rule since their bodies absorb radiation more easily than adults’. Additionally, check your microwave every now and again for any signs that the door or the seals are worn or damaged. If you’re concerned that your microwave may be leaking radiation, you should stop using the microwave and contact your state health department who should be able to test your oven for signs of leakage. According to the FDA, the majority of microwaves they check for leakage turn out to be harmless, but it might be worth checking yours out for peace of mind. In a nutshell: Unless your microwave is very old or defective in any way, it is not harmful to your health. Just don’t stand directly in front of it watching your food cook.

Is it safe to microwave coffee?

The real dangers of microwave cooking are far more mundane, but no less serious. Have you ever microwaved a cup of water to make yourself a quick cup of coffee, only to have the water bubble over once you add the instant coffee? This is called superheating, and it’s a real risk when microwaving liquids.

Does microwave cooking reduce nutritional value?

If you must use a microwave, periodically check it to make sure it’s steaming when it reaches its boiling point. Claim:Microwaving food reduces its nutritional value. Status:False There is much debate on the subject of whether or not microwaving food is more or less nutritious than conventional cooking.

Is microwave popcorn bad for you?

In a nutshell: Unless your microwave is very old or defective in any way, it is not harmful to your health. Just don’t stand directly in front of it watching your food cook. Claim:Microwave Popcorn Causes Cancer.

Is microwave radiation harmful?

This type of radiation can be dangerous if you receive large doses of it because it has the ability to change your DNA and damage your body. It can cause cancer to occur in your cells, for example, and can result in birth defects if you’re pregnant. Microwaves produce non-ionizing radiation.

Who shouldn’t use microwave ovens and why?

This is especially true for babies, children, if you are pregnant, already suffer from illness & disease, or are already bombarded with more radiation than the average person.

What is microwave radiation?

Other forms of ionizing radiation are visible light, ultraviolet and infrared waves, and waves emitted from televisions, cell phones, and electric blankets. Today we live in a technologically advanced world.

What is microwave oven?

In short, microwave ovens are kitchen appliances which are used to cook or reheat food by emitting microwaves. Microwaves are a form of electromagnetic radiation and are on the low energy end of the energy spectrum, second to radio waves. The waves are generated by something called a magnetron – something found within every microwave oven.

What happens when radiation waves resonate with a body part?

But here is what we do know: When any radiation waves resonate with a body part, the biological effect is intensified. For example, microwave frequencies are very similar to the frequencies of your brain. The effects microwaves have on your brain are greater than those same waves on any other part of the body.

Why is food heated in the microwave?

The uneven heating occurs because microwaves work with whatever water molecules are present, and since not all areas of food contain the same amount of water, heating becomes uneven.

How does microwave cooking work?

They actually start with the outer layers while the inner layers are mostly heated and cooked simply by transference of heat from the outer layers . This is oftentimes why you’ll find that the outside of the food is extremely hot while the inside seems to have been absent during the re-heating or cooking.

Why is it so difficult to conduct studies using control groups?

Due to the amount of radiation everyone is exposed to every day, it is difficult to conduct studies using control groups. Radiation can’t really be controlled anymore due to the unavoidable invasion.

Why shouldn't you press your face on the microwave?

Dangers of microwaves. Microwaves cause cataracts in the eyes that prevent the eyes from seeing clearly, so, you should not press your face on the microwave oven door to see if the food is ready.

Why is microwave technology important?

Microwave technology is very useful in communication because it easily penetrates the earth’s atmosphere which comes in handy primarily for space-vehicle communication. Microwave technology is used in the world’s data, TV, telegraphs, satellites, spacecraft communication, it is also used in the microwave ovens and in radar technology ...

What is microwave used for?

Microwaves are used by fixed traffic speed cameras, they are used for the radar that is used by the ships, the aircraft and they are used in the weather forecasts as Doppler radar. Microwaves are suitable for transmitting the information from one place to another as the microwave energy can penetrate the haze, the light, the rain and the snow, ...

Why are antennas smaller than other frequencies?

Antenna sizes are smaller than at lower frequencies because antenna size is inversely proportional to transmitted frequency, and telephone communications are transmitted long distances by the microwaves between ground stations and communications satellites. Microwave technology is very useful in communication because it easily penetrates ...

Why are microwaves used in medicine?

Microwaves are very useful in medicine as they can be used to treat the health problems better than the drugs, they are used in medical cases as an alternative to the surgery, They can heat enlarged prostates to kill extra tissues and they are safer than the surgery.

How are microwaves made?

The microwaves are made by various types of transmitter, and they are high-frequency radio waves, we use them to cook many types of food as they cause the water and fat molecules to vibrate, So, they make the substances hot. Mobile phones use microwaves, they made by a transmitter chip and an antenna, so, mobile phones don’t need to be very big.

Why are microwave antennas smaller than radio waves?

Antenna sizes are smaller than at lower frequencies because antenna size is inversely proportional to transmitted ...

What is the best way to minimize microwave risk?

To minimise risk, microwave food in a material that isn’t plastic, such as ceramic (Credit: Getty Images) The best ways to minimise risk are to use other microwave-safe materials than plastic, such as ceramic . If you do use plastic containers, avoid any that are losing their shape, since old and damaged containers are more likely to leach chemicals.

What kind of radiation does a microwave use?

Microwaves use low frequency electromagnetic radiation – the same kind used in lightbulbs and radios. When you put food inside a microwave, it absorbs these microwaves, which makes water molecules in the food vibrate, causing friction that heats up the food. Humans absorb electromagnetic waves, too.

What happens when you bake bread?

When you bake bread, you’re exposed to electromagnetic waves and infrared energy from the heating elements of the oven. Even people exchange radioactive waves between each other,” Tang says. “If you’re eating crops grown from sunlight, you shouldn’t be concerned about food from a microwave.”.

Where is microwave research done?

In particular, a lot of research was carried out by scientists at the Army Natick Research and Development Laboratories in Massachusetts, US , around the safety of microwaves, which went a long way to allaying concerns. When it comes to cooking food in the microwave, there’s a lot to consider.

Can you microwave broccoli?

It found that shorter cooking times (they microwaved the broccoli for one minute) didn’ t compromise nutritional content.

Does microwave cooking squash cause phenolics?

Microwaving and steaming caused a loss in phenolic content in squash, peas and leeks, but not in spinach, peppers, broccoli or green beans. The researchers also tested for antioxidant activity. For both measures, vegetables fared better in the microwave compared to being boiled.

Does microwave cooking remove nutrients?

Losing nutrients. Some research has shown that vegetables lose some of their nutritional value in the microwave. For example, microwaving has been found to remove 97% of the flavonoids – plant compounds with anti-inflammatory benefits – in broccoli. That’s a third more damage than done by boiling.

Why do microwaves have ionization?

Electric fields in microwave ovens cause electric current to flow into food, which then has the ability to rearrange the atoms in your food, changing the molecular structure (ionization). This is one of the reasons why microwave ovens have the capability to destroy essential nutrients in your food as compared to cooking on the stove. Ionizing (displacing single electrons) is what has the ability to form free radicals in your food. Free radicals are harmful to our body and one of the major culprits in cancer formation.

Who was the scientist who discovered the effects of microwaved food on humans?

In 1989, Dr. Hans-Ulrich Hertel , a Swiss food scientist conducted a study to examine and research the effects of microwaved food on humans. He recruited nine people, including himself, and alternately exposed them to microwaved and conventionally cooked food from organic sources. Before consuming these foods, a sample of blood was drawn, as well as at certain intervals after eating.

What is the frequency of a microwave?

A microwave oven creates radio waves at frequencies of around 2.45 GHz. As with other wave types, a radio wave is a type of electromagnetic radiation. When matter is heated in the microwave the atoms and molecules vibrate quickly to generate kinetic energy (or heat), such as they would on the stove or in the oven. The only difference here is that microwaves have very strong electric fields. Electric fields have the ability to stretch molecules, as well as separate their charges so that the atoms lose an electron (ionization).

Is microwaved meat bad for you?

In addition, microwaves lower nutrient content of foods by as much as 60 to 90% – in a study by Russian researchers, they found that there was marked decrease in the bio- availability of vitamin B complex, vitamin C , vitamin E, essential minerals and lipotropic factors in microwaved foods. Another study published in November 2003 found that microwaved broccoli in a little bit of water lost up to 97% of its beneficial antioxidants compared to steamed broccoli (stove-top) which lost only 11% antioxidants (2).

Does microwave food affect hemoglobin?

They found that after microwaved food consumption there was a dramatic reduction of all blood hemoglobin and cholesterol values (both good (HDL) and bad (LDL)), and that LDL cholesterol levels were slightly more elevated relative to HDL cholesterol levels. In addition, lymphocyte (white blood cell) activity was considerably reduced after ingesting microwaved foods, compared to foods that had been conventionally cooked. When the blood of those who consumed microwaved foods was exposed to bacteria, the bacteria flourished, whereas blood from those who did not consume microwaved foods had much lower bacterial count. This suggests that the energy from microwaved foods has the ability to be passed onto those who consume the food (4).

What are microwaves, and how do they work?

Microwaves are compact but powerful machines that mainly function by turning electricity into a form of energy that generates heat. Specifically, inside your microwave is a generator called a magnetron. The magnetron takes electricity from your power outlet and converts it into electromagnetic waves called microwaves.

Claim: The radiation from microwaves is dangerous to your health

You might have heard that the radiation in microwaves is harmful and might cause conditions such as cancer. This is likely because there are dangerous types of radiation in extremely high amounts. But is the radiation in microwaves actually a problem? Here’s what the science and expert organizations say.

Claim: Microwaves destroy nutrients

Some claim microwaves destroy the nutritional value of food. Since putting raw foods through any type of cooking process can change its nutritional value, the question becomes: is microwaving food worse than other cooking methods?

But, what about plastics? Should I be careful?

You should always be careful when microwaving any form of plastic. Evidence suggests chemicals in plastic packaging can transfer into foods when microwaved, which has been associated with an increased risk of cancer.

So, can I use a microwave?

Yes! When used correctly, microwaves are an overall safe, easy, and effective cooking method. There is no evidence that the radiation in microwaves is harmful. However, be careful with burning yourself on hot foods or microwaving plastic containers that aren’t labeled microwave safe.