Who Doesn't Use A Microwave Oven?
Considering that 90 percent of the homes now have a microwave oven
and most convenience stores have one, you would think that everyone uses
them. But a little bit of research will show that for one reason or
another there are plenty of people who choose not to use a microwave.
Most of the reasons given are regarding the potential dangers of using a
microwave oven.
Potential for Cancer from Microwave Radiation in Food
One of the reasons given for not using a microwave is belief that the
food is being altered by the microwaves; that it is being genetically
mutated by the microwaves and when you absorb the food you either take
in the radiation or the mutated food which can cause cancer.
Now, if you haven’t done your homework, this idea might not seem so
far-fetched. However, it’s a matter of science and considering that a
microwave oven uses what is technically a radio wave, not some kind of
space age laser beam, this is impossible. The waves from the oven are
not strong enough to mutate the molecules of the food. Technically what
they do is ‘excite’ them, or polarize them, and cause them to spin
around (trying to match positive/negative poles with the other
molecules). This action causes the food to heat up.
Potential for Cancer from Microwave Radiation Leakage
This is also not a concern. Again, the type of radiation from a
microwave oven is not the same type that people experienced in nuclear
attacks. Even if it was, it would take far more than the amount you
might be susceptible to from a microwave oven.
Having said that, it is smart to check your oven for leaks. A newer oven
should have no problem, but the door on an older one could wear out and
allow for possible leakage. I say possible because in actuality the
waves are not looking for an escape route so they can chase you around
the house - they are focused on the object (hopefully food) inside the
microwave.
But, it doesn’t hurt to check the oven. If you feel air coming from the
closed door while the microwave is running, you might want to replace
it. You can also close the door with a paper towel in it and if you can
pull the towel out without tearing it, you might have a leak and want to
replace the microwave.
Pregnancy and Microwaves
Many pregnant ladies wonder if it is safe to go around a microwave
while they are carrying. There seems to be no authoritative
documentation to be found stating that there is a problem with this; no
cases of side effects from the microwaves. However, you should always
follow your doctor’s advice.
Pacemakers and Microwaves
There used to be a lot of people who were advised not to go around
microwave ovens if they were wearing pacemakers. The good news is that
in the last 15 years or so pacemakers are being made to shield them from
microwaves. So again, you’ll want to check with your doctor, but they
will probably tell you to microwave till your heart’s content. |
