5 things to know about the safety of your microwave

I use my microwave nearly every day, mostly for heating leftovers, rewarming my morning coffee and steaming vegetables. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 90 per cent of American homes have the appliance, so I figured it was universally regarded as safe. I was taken by surprise when a recipe I posted online generated some passionate anti-microwave comments.

A quick Web search of microwave dangers brought up some startling claims and concerns. There are questions about radiation leakage, arguments that microwave cooking violently rips apart food molecules rendering them void of nutrients, and earnest warnings that ice crystals from microwaved water form a similar shape to those from water that was repeatedly exposed to the word Satan. (You just cant make this stuff up.)

Although the devil-water concept is a bit, um, far-fetched, some of the other claims cited seemingly sound sources, so I decided to investigate.

1. How do microwaves work?

The microwave contains an electron tube called a magnetron, which produces electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength a little shorter (micro) than that of a normal radio wave. These waves cause the water molecules in food to vibrate, which ultimately produces the heat that cooks the food. Thats why ingredients with a high water content, such as vegetables, cook very quickly in a microwave.

Its a common myth that microwaves cook from the inside out. In fact their waves dont actually penetrate foods very well, which is why you get cold spots in thicker foods and need to let them rest after microwaving to allow the heat to disperse for even cooking.

2. Do they emit radiation?

Microwaves do leak some radiation, but before you panic, read on. To put things in perspective, your laptop, cordless phone and cellphone all leak electromagnetic radiation, too.

The Food and Drug Administration has strict limits on the amount that can leak from a microwave oven throughout its lifetime, and it is far below the amount known to harm people. Part of the requirement is that the appliances are built with double interlock systems that stop the production of microwaves as soon as the latch is released.

The level of normal exposure also drops dramatically as you move away from the oven so, to be extra cautious, simply stand away from it while its on. Microwaves turn on and off like a light bulb: when they are off, no waves are emitted, and microwave energy cannot linger in the oven or in food.

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5 things to know about the safety of your microwave