Are Microwaves Dangerous? and Other Microwave Concerns

Microwave Ovens FAQ

Misconceptions about microwave ovens have been around since they debuted in the 1940s, but modern microwave myths likely began with questionable research conducted in the 1980s and 1990s.

First, Hans Hertel, a Swiss food chemist, and seven other vegetarians spent two months consuming milk and vegetables that were prepared, among other ways, in a microwave, announcing they suffered negative blood changes. However, no researchers have ever attempted to reproduce that experiment and it was never published in a scientific journal or peer reviewed, which means the findings haven't been evaluated properly.

Later, an article by U.S. researcher William Kopp claimed the Soviet Union had Cold War-era research that proved the dangers of microwaves. That research, which was conducted at a now-defunct institute, also was never published.1

Other persistent rumors plague the microwave oven and some people even believe an unfounded claim that the Soviet Union banned the device in 1976. Others cite a viral email from the mid-2000s that claims water boiled in a microwave killed a living plant, but that situation has been recreated and debunked.2

Although many claims about microwaves can't be validated, people still have misconceptions or questions about microwave technology and the effects it may have on food. So, are microwaves bad for you? Not as far as modern science has determined. Read below as KaTom provides answers to some of the most common concerns people have about microwave ovens.

Frequently Asked Questions About Microwaves

What are microwaves? How do microwave ovens work?

Microwaves are a form of electromagnetic radiation. They are reflected by metal, pass through materials such as glass, paper, and plastic, and are absorbed by food. Generated by an electron strip called a magnetron, they vibrate water molecules in food at high speeds, producing the heat that warms or cooks food.3

Do I need to worry about microwave radiation?

The most prevalent microwave myth is that the radiation can be harmful to the user, but this isn't the case. All household appliances emit electromagnetic fields that aren't harmful if the machine functions properly, and household appliances are highly regulated to ensure safety. Microwave ovens are designed specifically to produce microwaves only when the door is shut and oven is on, and any microwave radiation leakage that occurs is well below levels that could be dangerous.4 Microwave ovens also are built with a Faraday cage, which contains electromagnetic energy inside the oven.5

Are microwaves dangerous?

No, as long as they function and are used properly. Microwave ovens should always be kept clean and maintained to avoid poor performance or unexpected malfunctions, and you should only use microwave-safe containers – glass, ceramic, or plastic – that are labeled accordingly. Metal pans and aluminum foil aren't meant for microwave oven use, as they reflect microwaves and can damage the machine or cook or heat food improperly.6 Microwave-safe containers still can become hot when used to heat foods and must be handled carefully to avoid injury.

Can microwaves interfere with pacemakers?

One of the more widely circulated "dangers of microwaves," some worry that pacemakers might be interrupted by the signals coming from a microwave. It's unlikely that modern pacemakers are affected by household appliances such as microwave ovens, televisions, and toasters.7 If you have any concerns about this possibility, you should consult a physician.

Are microwave ovens only used for reheating?

Although reheating is a popular use for these appliances, they also can be used to thaw food before cooking. Microwaves are a quick way to steam vegetables, though you should steam vegetables in a microwave-safe container with a lid to create a steam environment. They also can be used to cook poultry, meat, and fish safely, but you should use a food thermometer to verify those items have been cooked to the temperatures necessary to destroy any harmful bacteria.8

Does food prepared in a microwave lose its nutritional value?

All food loses some nutritional value as it's cooked, but the nutritional value of food cooked or reheated in a microwave, when prepared according to recommended procedures, is at least equal to that of food cooked or reheated using a conventional oven.9 Some studies even have indicated a microwave's short cooking time helps food retain more nutrients.10

Are microwaves bad for you?

No. As far as we know, microwaves have no harmful side effects to the food or user. Microwaves are a useful tool to have in a commercial kitchen, either for retherming, thawing, or cooking food, and as long as your microwave is in proper working order, you have nothing to fear from it.

Resources

  1. Microwave Myths: Fact vs Fiction David Schardt. Accessed October 2015.
  2. Boiling Point Snopes. Accessed May 2020.
  3. Microwave Oven Radiation: Cooking with Microwaves United States Food and Drug Administration. Accessed October 2015.
  4. Electromagnetic Fields & Public Health: Microwave Ovens World Health Organization. Accessed October 2015.
  5. Faraday cage Wikipedia. Accessed October 2015.
  6. Use Your Microwave Safely United States Food and Drug Administration. Accessed October 2015.
  7. Devices that may interfere with pacemakers American Heart Association. Accessed October 2015.
  8. Microwave Ovens and Food Safety United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service. Accessed October 2015.
  9. Retention of Nutrients in Microwave-Cooked Foods National Center for Biotechnology Information. Accessed October 2015.
  10. Microwave cooking and nutrition Harvard Medical School, The Family Health Guide. Accessed May 2020.