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It’s possible you’ve heard the rumour about microwave ovens being harmful. Actually, most people’s worries are unfounded. A link between cancer, or any other condition, and microwaves, has never to this day been proven. Even the late 1980s study, which really sparked off many of the safety worries, wasn’t decisive. Though there are some precautions that you ought to observe in operating any microwave oven, the conclusion of experts is that they’re generally safe.

Don’t Worry About Cancer

Using a microwave oven has never caused anyone to suffer from cancer, or any other condition. The truth is, the type of radiation put out by a microwave is non-ionizing – the opposite of X-rays and other radiation that can cause cancerous conditions. Nonetheless, although radiation is crossed off the list, there are other safety concerns around the use of microwaves that we ought to be aware of. Like all food preparation methods, microwaving is not completely risk-free.

Heating Liquids Requires Especial Care

For instance, if you warm up liquids in a microwave dish with a smooth surface, they can overheat. They can rise rapidly to a temperature above boiling point, without actually boiling. When you disturb the fluid by adding other foodstuffs or by moving the dish, they can start to boil violently. The ensuing sudden rush of water and steam can cause serious scalding. This has been confirmed using distilled water, but overheating can occur with other liquids, such as coffee or tea.

Be Sure Containers are Vented

There could also be hazard in preparing some other types of food besides liquids. There is a possibility of explosion in microwaves when using containers that aren’t adequately ventilated, or types of food with a skin or shell, for instance potatoes and eggs. Steam can accumulate inside these containers or foods, with no means to escape, resulting in an explosion. The food will burst under the pressure in the end. This generally results in a big mess and possibly burns. Foodstuffs that have been warmed up for long stretches of time can also catch on fire.

Never Put Metal in a Microwave

Most people are aware not to place metal objects in a microwave. Metal can cause sparks or arcing electricity, because the metal in the object vibrates, generating an electric charge. Fires can be caused by microwaving a twist tie with a wire inside, or a takeout box with a metal carrier. Before using your microwave, be very careful to remove any metal, if you want to avoid the possibility of fire.

Other Safety Tips

A microwave with nothing inside it should never be turned on. If there isn’t any food inside to absorb the radiation, running microwaves will generate a standing wave inside. This standing wave will be reflected between the tube and the cooking chamber, and may well burn out your microwave. You must also never microwave food that has been dried out, for the same reason, or food inside a metal wrapping. The wave will be reflected, rather than soaked up, by these objects.

Foods that aren’t arranged correctly can also lead to arcing. Grapes are an example of this. Fire inside the microwave will also produce an electric spark – never put anything that’s alight inside your oven. Even if they don’t look hot, handle all foodstuffs very cautiously. They may be warmer than they seem to be, and liquids can be especially hazardous. If you handle your microwave with proper care, you’ll have no difficulty cooking delicious, safe food with it. Consequently, the bottom line is that you may buy a microwave oven with the knowledge that it will present no hazards when used properly. Just as with any other cooking tool, the microwave requires a few safety precautions.

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