Microwave Oven Safety Tips

nThe Microwave oven is one of most popular gadgets ever created for the American kitchen.n nMicrowave ovens are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. They set and enforce rules of performance to assure radiation emissions do not pose a hazard to public health. Proper use and maintenance, as recommended by the user manual, is an important part of microwave oven safety.nnMicrowave ovens are without a doubt a very time- and energy-saving technological device; however, safety in using them begins with the understanding of how they work.nnThe actual waves produced by microwave ovens are a type of electromagnetic radiation that causes water molecules in food to vibrate. The vibrations produce heat that cooks the food.nnThe waves are produced by an electron tube within the oven and reflected within the oven’s metal interior. These waves pass through glass, paper, plastic, and similar materials and are absorbed by food. Microwave ovens do not cook food from the “inside out.”nnResponsibilities of the microwave manufacturers are:nn• To certify that their microwave ovens comply with strict FDA emission limits, which are well below the threshold for risk to public healthnWhat type of injuries is related to microwave ovens?n• Most injuries are the result of serious thermal burns from hot containers, overheated foods or exploding liquids.n• Radiation injury due to unusual circumstances or improper servicing is extremely rare.nHow can consumers operate a microwave oven safely?n• Consumers need to follow the microwave oven’s manufacturer’s instruction manual to properly operate their ovenn• If the door does not close firmly or is bent, warped or otherwise damaged, do not operate the microwave ovenn• Do not operate a microwave oven with the door openn• Do not stand directly against a microwave oven while it is in operationn• Do not allow children to stand directly against a microwave oven for long periods of time while it is operationn• Some microwave ovens should not be operated when empty. Refer to your instruction manual.n• Use cookware specially made for use in the microwave oven. In general, metal pans or aluminum foil should not be used. If a container is microwave safe it will usually specify this.nnWhat is hot-water eruption?nn• This can occur if you use a microwave oven to super-heat water in a clean cup. Super-heat means to heat the water beyond boiling temperature, although in the microwave oven, it shows no signs of boiling.n• Water that has been super-heated can explode violently from the slightest disturbance or movement. There have been reports of serious skin burns or scalding injuries as the result of this.nWhat can reduce the risk of hot-water eruption?n• Add materials such as instant coffee or sugar to the water before heatingn• Follow the precautions and recommendations found in microwave oven manuals, specifically the heating time.nnHow can you check for leakage?nn• Unless the door hinges, latch, or seals are damaged on the microwave, there is very little risk of excess microwaves leaking from the oven.n• If you suspect leakage, contact the oven manufacturer, a microwave oven service organization, your state health department, or the closest Food and Drug Administration office.nnSource: U.S. Food and Drug Administration OnlinennDisclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All health concerns should be addressed by a qualified health care professional. I do not sell or promote the products mentioned in this article. The article content is offered as a resource for healthier lifestyles. I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned in this article.nnn nThis article is FREE to publish with the resource box.nn© 2007 Connie Limon All Rights Reserved n