It’s possible you’ve heard the rumour about microwave ovens being dangerous. These rumors are, in fact, unfounded. A connection between cancer, or any other condition, and microwaves, has never to this day been proven. There was a research project towards the end of the 1980s that is behind many of the worries that people have, but even that was not conclusive. Though there are a few safe practices that you should be aware of in operating a microwave oven, the conclusion of researchers is that they are basically safe.

Microwaves Do Not Cause Cancer

Use of a microwave oven has never caused anyone to be afflicted by cancer, or any other condition. The truth is, the kind of radiation put off by a microwave is non-ionizing - the opposite of X-rays and other radiation that can bring about cancerous conditions. However, although radiation is crossed off the list, there are other safety issues pertaining to the use of microwaves that we will need to be aware of. The reason being, just like any other cooking method, microwaving has its risks.

Watch That Boiling Liquid

Heating fluids in a microwave dish with a smooth surface can result in overheating. Paradoxically, they may rise to a temperature above boiling point without actually boiling. The fluid may begin to boil violently from the moment it is disturbed by moving the container or adding other foodstuffs. This may very well bring about a sudden burst of water and steam, causing scalding and burns. This is more inclined to occur with distilled water, but superheating can also happen with other liquids, such as tea or coffee.

Be Sure Egg Shells are Pierced

Besides fluids, other foodstuffs can be hazardous, as well. Containers that aren’t appropriately ventilated can possibly explode inside a microwave - the same applies to foodstuffs like eggs or potatoes which have a shell or skin. Steam can build up inside these containers or foods, with no way out, resulting in an explosion. The build up of pressure might probably cause the food to explode after a while. This may cause burns as well as a big mess. There is also a danger of products that have been warmed up for a period of time catching fire.

Microwaves and Metal Do Not Go Together

Most people know not to put metal into a microwave. When the metal in the object resonates, an electric charge can ensue, resulting in arcing electricity or sparks. You ought to be careful with takeout foods - inadvertently microwaving a box with a metal handle, or a twist tie with a wire inside, can cause fires. Be sure that you remove any metal from your microwave before using it, to avoid the danger of fire.

Other Things to Be Aware Of

You must also be careful not to use your microwave when there’s nothing inside it. When microwaves are operated without anything inside to soak up the radiation, they will form a standing wave inside. This standing wave will be reflected between the tube and the cooking chamber, and may easily burn out your microwave. By the same token food that is dehydrated or is inside a metal wrapping ought never be microwaved. These materials will reflect the wave, rather than soaking it up.

Arcing can also be caused by incorrectly arranging foods. An example of foods that are prone to this is grapes. Never put anything burning inside your oven as this will also create an electric spark. All foods should be carefully handled, even if they don’t look warm. All types of food can be warmer than they look, but fluids are particularly hazardous in this respect. If you treat your microwave with good care, you’ll have no trouble cooking great tasting, safe food with it. Hence, the bottom line is that you can prepare meals with a microwave oven with the knowledge that it will present no dangers if used correctly. Just bear in mind that microwaves require a few special precautions, just like any other cooking method.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!