The microwave is possibly one of the best inventions for busy people. Allows us to cook food at a fraction of the time it would take an oven, the microwave oven cooking made easy for millions of people worldwide. But the amount of radiation we are exposed in our daily lives has been a worry for many people.
How Microwaves Work
Microwave heating food by sending out waves that cause water molecules in a food item to vibrate rapidly. This creates an energy that presents itself as heat to cook food. Ideally, the waves are contained in the microwave because the door is closed when it is lit, release waves and cooking food.
Problems arise when living skin tissue is exposed to these waves. This type of radiation is only present while the microwave is running and if it has a leak. This leakage is undetectable to the human eye, as microwaves are colorless and odorless.
Microwave Radiation Health Concerns
The radiation from your microwave oven can cause potentially serious health problems.
These problems include:
Skin Cancer, Cataracts, dizziness and headaches, blood disorders, Temporary Sterility in males
Experts fear that children are more susceptible to any damage caused by microwave resonance. This is because a baby's cells are still dividing rapidly as they grow and any interference with natural biological processes can cause cellular mutation and possibly long-term injury.
Unfortunately, investigations are done to determine "safe" levels of exposures to microwave radiation tested subjects exposed to high levels of radiation in a relatively short period. Effects of low-level exposure over several decades is unknown.
The danger is exacerbated when people are bombarded with radiation, not only from their microwaves, but from mobile phones, wireless networks, radio towers and much more. It's hard to pinpoint exactly which technology could be the cause of the extent of radiation from the environment to increase to an unsafe level. Without really knowing what unsafe level due to a lack of solid research, one can only try to limit their exposure.
How to avoid dangerous microwave exposure?
Research by microwave repair soldiers show that over 50% of microwaves which are at least two years old leak around 10% higher radiation levels than what is recommended by the FDA. The good news is that by making a small adjustment, the problem may be solved. If you have a microwave that more than two years old, have it serviced to see if it is safe to use.
