Precautions while using Microwaves

1. Microwaves are high frequency radio waves (radiofrequency fields) and, like visible radiation (light), are part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Microwaves are used primarily for TV broadcasting, radar for air and sea navigational aids, and telecommunications including mobile phones. They are also used in industry for processing materials, in medicine for diathermy treatment and in kitchens for cooking food. .....

Use Microwaves for Reheating

2. We use microwaves for reheating, heating water for tea, sometimes, popcorn, rice, baked potatoes, melting chocolate, softening butter, margarine, or cream cheese, frozen dinners or other things (chicken nuggets or patties), cooking frozen veggies for dinner, and making instant oatmeal for breakfast, this list doesn .....

Electromagnetic radiation spectrum

3. Microwaves, like visible light, are a part of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum. They are extremely high frequency radio waves. As the frequency of radiation increases, its wavelength decreases, so very high frequencies correspond to very short wavelengths; hence the name microwaves. Infrared radiation, ultraviolet light and X rays are also electromagnetic radiations, but have even shorter wavelengths than microwaves. .....

Metallic materials totally reflect microwaves

4. Microwaves may either be reflected, transmitted or absorbed by matter in their path. Metallic materials totally reflect microwaves. Most non metallic materials such as glass and plastics are partially transparent to microwaves. Material containing moisture, such as food and even people, absorbs microwave energy. If energy is absorbed at a rate greater than the rate at which the material looses energy (ie. rate of cooling), its temperature will in .....

Are Microwave Ovens Safe

5. When used according to manufacturers instructions, microwave ovens are safe and convenient for heating and cooking a variety of foods. However, several precautions need to be taken, specifically with regards to potential exposure to microwaves, thermal burns and food handling. .....

Safety Measures

6. It is sometimes possible to super heat some liquids or foods beyond their natural boiling point. Such super heated liquids may boil suddenly and violently when jolted or stirred after removal from the oven .....

Cooking Containers and Foils

7. Plastic containers considered suitable for holding foods at room temperature may not necessarily be suitable for use in a microwave oven. The high cooking temperatures may cause the plastic .....

Precautions for radiation safety in the use of Microwave Ovens

8. Never tamper with or inactivate the interlocking devices. Never use the oven without the trays provided by the manufacturer unless specifically allowed in the manufacturer .....

Hazards of Microwave Oven

9. Continually eating food processed from a microwave oven causes long term, permanent, brain damage by .....

Follow the manufacturers instruction

10. Follow the manufacturers instruction manual for recommended operating procedures and safety precautions for your oven model. Be aware of whether your microwave oven has a longer or shorter cooking time than average. Materials containing water, for example foods, fluids or tissues, readily absorb microwave energy, which is then converted into heat. .....

Do not operate a microwave oven unattended

11. Do not operate a microwave oven unattended. Microwaves are reflected, transmitted or absorbed by materials in their path, in a similar manner to light. Metallic materials totally reflect microwaves while non metallic materials such as glass and some plastics are mostly transparent to microwaves. .....

Do not set oven for excessive cook times

12. Do not set oven for excessive cook times. Cook for four (4) minutes, and then restart for any additional cooking that may be needed. Run the microwave for a short time for several cycles to reach the desired temperature. Several short periods are preferable to one long period. Open the oven periodically and stir, turn, and/or check the contents for even cooking and container integrity. .....

Use caution and follow directions

13. Use caution and follow directions when popping popcorn in the microwave. The vapor produced in the bag may exceed 180 degrees F. Do not cook microwave popcorn for more than four (4) minutes;remove bag immediately when rate of popping slows. Attempting to pop all the kernels invariably results in scorched popcorn, smoke, and, possibly, fire. .....

Dont operate an oven if the door does not close

14. Dont operate an oven if the door does not close firmly or is bent, warped, or otherwise damaged.Never operate an oven if you have reason to believe it will continue to operate with the door open. Modifications to microwave ovens are not permitted. If a microwave oven has a damaged door, hinge, latch or sealing surface, the oven must be removed from service until it has been repaired and determined to be safe. .....

Do not stand directly against an oven

15. Do not stand directly against an oven for long periods of time while it is operating. Materials containing water, for example foods, fluids or tissues, readily absorb microwave energy, which is then converted into heat. This Information Sheet discusses the operation and safety aspects of microwave ovens used in the home. More details about the nature of electromagnetic fields and health effects of radiofrequency and microwave fields are available .....

Do not operate an oven when empty

16. Do not operate an oven when empty. Refer to the instruction manual for your oven. The design of microwave ovens ensures that the microwaves are contained within the oven and can only be present when the oven is switched on and the door is shut. Leakage around and through the glass door is limited by design to a level well below that recommended by international standards. .....

Ovens used for food preparation must be cleaned

17. Ovens used for food preparation must be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent biological contamination, fire potential, and door seal damage. Keep your microwave oven clean, since any drip accumulation may affect the efficient operation of microwave energy. A messy oven will cook more slowly and unevenly. Clean the oven cavity, the outer edge of the cavity, and the door with water and a mild detergent. A special microwave oven cleaner is not nece .....

Let food cool for 60 seconds

18. Let food cool for 60 seconds or more in the oven before removing it. Food hot enough to burn will cool down while remaining warm enough to enjoy. Be careful when removing a wrapper or cover from a hot item. Hot steam escaping from the container as the covering is lifted can cause a burn. Food can heat unevenly in a microwave oven. Sample the food before you eat it. .....

Dont use plastic wrappings

19. Only utensils designed for the purpose should be used in a microwave oven. Dont use plastic wrappings from purchased refrigerated foods in a microwave oven since they may melt. microwave leakage could still occur around damaged, dirty or modified microwave ovens. It is therefore important that the oven is maintained in good condition. Users should check that the door closes properly and that the safety interlock devices, fitted to the door to pre .....

Specifically designed for microwave cooking

20. Additives used in the manufacture of plastics, particularly those that make it pliable, may migrate into food, especially at high temperatures. Use only those plastic containers specifically designed for microwave cooking, and discard when the surface shows signs of breaking down. .....

Container shape

21. Container shape may also influence the way food reacts to microwave heating. Circular or oval containers help prevent the edges of food from burning because energy absorption occurs evenly around the edges. Square containers tend to encourage burning on the edge of the product. .....

Ovens used for laboratory applications

22. Ovens used for laboratory applications CANNOT be used for food preparation. Conversely, food preparation ovens should never be used for other applications. Microwave ovens in laboratories should be appropriately labeled for food or non food use. .....

Do not use aluminum foil

23. Do not use aluminum foil or any metal containers, metal utensils, metal objects, or objects with metal or foil trim in the oven. Such items can cause arcing, damaging the oven and creating a fire or burn hazard. Consult your microwaves directions for any limitations on heating TV dinners in metal trays. .....

Do not heat sealed objects

24. Do not heat sealed objects as they may explode, damaging the oven and/or door. Do not heat eggs with shell intact; punch a hole in the shell or break the egg into a container. Containers have been known to explode after tightening the lid following removal from a microwave oven. .....

Increased rate of colon cancer

25. Micro waved foods cause stomach and intestinal cancerous growths [tumors]. This has been a primary contributor to the rapidly increased rate of colon cancer in the United States. Microwave energy can be absorbed by the body and produce heat in exposed tissues. Organs with a poor blood supply and temperature control, such as the eye, or temperature sensitive tissue like the testes, have a higher risk of heat damage. .....

Cancerous cells to increase in human blood

26. The prolonged eating of micro waved foods causes cancerous cells to increase in human blood. Burn injuries can result from handling hot items heated in a microwave oven, in the same way as items heated using conventional ovens or cooking surfaces. However, heating food in a microwave oven presents some peculiarities. Boiling water on a conventional stove allows steam to escape through bubbling action as the water begins to boil. .....

Causes immune system deficiencies

27. Continual ingestion of micro waved food causes immune system deficiencies through lymph gland and blood serum alterations. In a microwave oven there may be no bubbles on the walls of the container and the water will super heat and may suddenly boil. This sudden boiling may be triggered by a single bubble in the liquid or by the introduction of a foreign element such as a spoon. People have been severely burned by super heated water. .....

Causes loss of memory

28. Eating micro waved food causes loss of memory, concentration, emotional instability, and a decrease of intelligence. Another peculiarity of microwave cooking relates to the thermal response of specific foods. Certain items with non porous surfaces (e.g. hotdogs) or composed of materials that heat at different rates (e.g. yolk and white of eggs) heat unevenly and may explode. This can happen if eggs or chestnuts are cooked in their shells. .....

Dont use the microwave for deep frying

29. Dont use the microwave for deep frying, canning, or heating baby bottles. These applications dont allow adequate temperature control for safe results.Food safety is an important health issue. In a microwave oven, the rate of heating depends on the power rating of the oven and on the water content, density and amount of food being heated. Microwave energy does not penetrate well in thicker pieces of food, and may produce uneven cooking. .....

Heat buildup can cause a fire

30. Stay with the oven when microwaving popcorn, for heat buildup can cause a fire. Time heating per instructions but lean toward the shorter time (some ovens can scorch popcorn in two minutes).Food cooked in a microwave oven is as safe, and has the same nutrient value, as food cooked in a conventional oven. The main difference between these two methods of cooking is that microwave energy penetrates deeper into the food and reduces the time for heat .....

Dont dry or disinfect clothing

31. Dont dry or disinfect clothing or other articles in the microwave because of the risk of fire. Only certain microwave ovens are designed to sterilize items (for example baby .....

Use only microwave safe utensils

32. Use only microwave safe utensils. Hot food melts some plastics, such as margarine tubs, causing migration of package constituents. Its a good idea to use glass for fatty foods, which get particularly hot, though not all glass and ceramics are microwave safe. .....

Its unsafe for the microwave if its warm

33. Heres a quick test for glass: Microwave the empty container for one minute. Its unsafe for the microwave if its warm; its OK for reheating if its lukewarm; and its OK for actual cooking if its cool.it is important to realize that food cooked in a microwave oven does not become radioactive. Nor does any microwave energy remain in the cavity or the food after the microwave oven is switched off. In this respect, microwaves act just like light; when .....

Microwave oven is extremely safe

34. Properly used, a microwave oven is extremely safe. Under authority of the Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act, FDAs Center for Devices and Radiological Health ensures that microwave ovens made after 1971 meet a radiation safety standard requiring: two independent interlock systems to stop microwave production the moment the latch is released or the door is opened. A monitoring system stops the oven if either or both of the interlocks fail .....

Radiation levels

35. To be sure radiation levels from a microwave oven remain as low as possible, consumers can take these steps. Domestic microwave ovens operate at a frequency of 2450 MHz with a power usually ranging from 500 to 1100 watts. Microwaves are produced by an electronic tube called a magnetron. Once the oven is switched on, the microwaves are dispersed in the oven cavity and reflected by a stirrer fan so the microwaves are propagated in all directions. .....

Require servicing

36. Dont use an oven if an object is caught in the door or if the door doesnt close firmly or is otherwise damaged. If you have an older model oven with a soft mesh door gasket. Check for deterioration which would require servicing.Unlike conventional ovens, microwaves are absorbed only in the food and not in the surrounding oven cavity. Only dishes and containers specifically designed for microwave cooking should be used. .....

Contact the manufacturer

37. If you suspect excessive microwave leakage, contact the manufacturer, a reputable servicing firm, the local state health department. The FDA has found the inexpensive home microwave testing devices that are available to be generally inaccurate. .....

Can be damaged by unabsorbed energy

38. Dont operate an empty oven if the introduction manual warns against this. In some ovens the magnetron tube can be damaged by unabsorbed energy. the microwaves are dispersed in the oven cavity and reflected by a stirrer fan so the microwaves are propagated in all directions. They are reflected by the metal sides of the oven cavity and absorbed by the food. Uniformity of heating in the food is usually assisted by having the food on a rotating turnt .....

Oven repaired

39. If there are signs of rusting inside the oven, have the oven repaired.Microwave energy does not penetrate well in thicker pieces of food, and may produce uneven cooking. This can lead to a health risk if parts of the food are not heated sufficiently to kill potentially dangerous micro organisms. Because of the potential for uneven distribution of cooking, food heated in a microwave oven should rest for several minutes after cooking is completed t .....

Do not use abrasives

40. Clean the door and oven cavity the outer edge. too. with water and mild detergent. Do not use abrasives such as scouring pads. Certain materials, such as plastics not suitable for microwave oven, may melt or burst into flames if overheated. Microwaves do not directly heat food containers which are designed for microwave cooking. These materials usually get warm only from being in contact with the hot food. .....

Safety precautions

41. Follow the manufacturers instruction manual for recommended operating procedures and safety precautions.Oven manufacturers do not recommend operating an empty oven. In the absence of food, the microwave energy can reflect back into the magnetron and may damage it. .....

Be sure children

42. Be sure children who use the microwave can do so safely.microwave leakage could still occur around damaged, dirty or modified microwave ovens. It is therefore important that the oven is maintained in good condition. Users should check that the door closes properly and that the safety interlock devices, fitted to the door to prevent microwaves from being generated while it is open, work correctly. The door seals should be kept clean and there shou .....

Heart pacemakers

43. There previously was concern that electromagnetic emissions from microwave ovens could interfere with heart pacemakers. Modern pacemakers are shielded against such interference, but some older models may still be adversely affected by proximity to a microwave oven. If in doubt, check with your doctor. .....

Microwaved foods

44. Microwaved foods typically retain more vitamins and minerals foods cooked by other methods because microwaving takes less and doesnt require much additional water.Microwave oven users should carefully read and comply with the manufacturer .....

Microwaves produce heat directly in the food

45. Though microwaves produce heat directly in the food, they really dont cook food from the inside out. With thick foods like roasts microwaves generally cook only about an inch of the outer layers. The heat is then slowly conducted inward, cooking along the way. .....

Increased moisture will heat

46. An area of a food where there is increased moisture will heat more quickly than other areas. So, when heating up a jelly roll, for instance, its a good idea to let the food stand after cooking for a minute or two until the heat disperses from the high moisture jelly to the low moisture pass throughout. To promote uniform cooking recipes for microwave ovens usually include directions such as turn the food midway through cooking and cover and let s .....

Its not good to use metal pans

47. As a rule, its not good to use metal pans made for conventional ovens or aluminum foil because reflected microwaves cause uneven cooking and could even damage the oven. However, some new metal cookware is specially configured for use in microwave ovens. These pans are safe, provided instructions for use are carefully followed. .....

Protector on the magnetron tube

48. Some oven models have a protector on the magnetron tube to allow use of a small amount of metal, such as meat skewers or strips of foil over chicken wings and legs. The instructions that come with each microwave oven tell what kinds of containers to use and how to test for suitability for use. .....

Why do people worry about microwave radiation

49. Microwave ovens are used daily in restaurants, cafeterias, lounges, kitchens, snack bars, and homes. Some microwave oven users may be concerned about potential health hazards from the exposure to microwave radiation leakage. You can help to keep your exposure to microwave energy at a minimum by keeping your microwave oven in good working order. .....

How do microwave ovens work

50. In a microwave oven, food is cooked by exposing it to microwave radiation. Microwaves are a form of radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic energy. When this energy comes in contact with food, the absorbed energy causes the water molecules in the food to rotate. This movement causes friction between the molecules and produces a rapid rise in temperature. Microwave energy generated by the magnetron is transferred to the oven cavity through a waveguide .....

Can microwaves leak radiation

51. Health Canadastates that some microwave energy may leak from your oven while you are using it, but this would pose no known health risks, as long as the oven is properly maintained. Old or faulty door seals are the most common causes of microwave radiation leakage. Mechanical abuse, a build up of dirt, or wear and tear from continued use can cause door seals to be less effective. .....

How is the radiation measured outside the microwave

52. Microwave radiation is measured as power density in units of milliwatts per square centimetre (mW/cm2) which is essentially the rate of energy present in one square centimetre. Special equipment is needed to detect and measure the leakage. .....

What happens to people with pacemakers when they are near microwave ovens

53. AsHealth Canadastates: Some early models of pacemakers were susceptible to interference from microwave ovens. Improvements in the shielding and filtering of modern pacemakers and a reduction in the leakage levels from newer microwave ovens have reduced or eliminated these concerns. Most models today are not affected by being near a microwave oven, as long as the leakage is within the limits specified by Health Canadas regulation. Anyone with a pa .....

Some general safety precautions for microwave ovens

54. Follow the manufacturers instructions for operating procedures and safety precautions. Any misuse of the oven may result in personal injury. As mentioned above, persons with modern pacemakers should not experience difficulty when near a microwave that is in good working condition. However, if you have concerns or notice symptoms (e.g., dizziness or discomfort), move away from the microwave immediately and consult with your doctor. Check to see th .....

Safety tips for the maintenance of microwave ovens include

55. Take special care to ensure that no damage occurs to the part of the oven making contact with the door or door seals. Repairs should only be done by a qualified service person. Do not by pass the door interlocks. oven manufacturers generally recommend not placing metal in the oven, particularly not close to the walls, as this could cause electrical arcing and damage the oven walls. Also, because metal reflects microwaves, food wrapped in metal fo .....

Are there any standards that apply to microwave ovens

56. Health Canada established the Radiation Emitting Devices Regulations, under the Radiation Emitting Devices Act in order to govern the design, construction and function of microwave ovens that are sold, leased or imported into Canada. Information about measuring equipment for microwave oven leakage can be obtained from the suppliers and manufacturers of such instruments. The Radiation Emitting Devices Regulation requires that the measuring instrum .....

Microwave Oven Operating Instructions

57. Read any warning messages, instructions, operating procedures and safety precautions. Not all microwave ovens are alike. Never operate the unit when it is empty or use it for storage. Do not operate an oven if the door does not close firmly or is bent, or if the seal, hinges, or latch are worn or broken. Never tamper with the safety interlock switches or the fuse. Make sure the safety mechanisms are in good working condition, and that the microwa .....

Microwave Oven Cooking Instructions

58. Use the microwave only for food or beverages, or other standardized uses. Do not use metal edged bowls, metal plates or cups, tin foil, or metal twist ties in the oven. The metal can spark, damage the unit, and lead to a fire. Use only microwave safe materials. .....

Read the cooking instructions on the package

59. Puncture cooking pouches and foods that have tight skins to release steam as they cook. Never use a brown paper bag for popping popcorn. It can catch fire. These product emission limits are defined for the purpose of compliance testing, not specifically exposure protection. The International Commission on Non Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) has published guidelines on exposure limits for the whole EMF part of the spectrum. Exposure guideli .....

Microwave Oven Cleaning Instructions

60. Clean the door and oven cavity with water and mild detergent. Do not use abrasives such as scouring pads.Microwave Oven Fire If you have a fire in the microwave, unplug the unit, leave the door shut and call the University Police at 561 297 3500 or 911. .....

Materials uses

61. Many materials such as glass, china, and most types of plastic can be used to cook food in a microwave. The microwaves easily pass through these materials. Thus, they are ideal to cook your food in. However, microwave energy gets reflected when utensils made of foil and metal are placed in it. Care has to be taken not to use such vessels in the microwave unless specifically recommended. .....

Make sure that the interlocking device

62. Make sure that the interlocking device is not tampered with or inactivated. Several countries, as well as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the International Committee on Electromagnetic Safety (ICES) of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC), have set a product emission limit of 50 watts per square metre (W/m2) at any point 5 cm awa .....

Always make sure some load

63. Always make sure that you operate your oven with some load in it. This means that you need to put some food or water in the cavity provided while using it. Check what instructions are provided by your manufacturer. If your dishes (serving bowls, plates, mugs, cups, etc.) contain any lead at all, leaching of lead into your food is accelerated in a microwave. Utilize glass such as Pyrex or Corningware to cook food (and even to heat food, especiall .....

Microwave clean

64. Make sure you keep your microwave clean. Water and a mild detergent can be used to clean it regularly. Ensure that the inside surfaces of your oven are clean after every use. Never place metal items such as aluminum foil, steel or aluminum containers, utensils or wire ties in the microwave. It can damage the oven. .....

Make sure you do not stick your face too close to the microwave door

65. When you are operating the oven, make sure you do not stick your face too close to the microwave door. Make sure children understand the rules about using a microwave. In many ways, using one is safer for them than using a stove, but it has its own very real dangers. .....

Take care and ensure that children are using

66. Last but not the least, you have to take care and ensure that children are supervised while using the microwave. Microwave energy can be absorbed by the body and produce heat in exposed tissues. Organs with a poor blood supply and temperature control, such as the eye, or temperature sensitive tissue like the testes, have a higher risk of heat damage. However, thermal damage would only occur from long exposures to very high power levels, well in e .....

Dont overheat or overcook items

67. Dont overheat or overcook items. It increases the chances of burning yourself, ruining the food or setting the microwave on fire. When in doubt, cook in short bursts, checking items frequently. The microwave process shortens and tightens the protein, or the gluten in wheat, drying and toughening the product. Theres exceptions, but usually a tender, more flavorful dish can be done using conventional heat. Reheat breads very briefly, wrapped in .....

Wait for a moment before removing hot food

68. Wait for a moment before removing hot food from the oven. This avoids boil over and explosive situations; seeMicrowave Madness. Dont add anything such as sugar or a tea bag to freshly microwaved liquids while holding the cup in your hand or having it near your face. .....

Dont try to microwave a whole egg in its shell

69. Prick egg yolks or items with tight skins such as potatoes, eggplants, sausages. It helps avoid an explosion. Dont try to microwave a whole egg in its shell! Dont use plastic wrap unless its designed for microwave, and even then, dont let it touch the food because of the possibility chemicals could be transferred into your food. Better yet, cover with another microwave proof dish or a microwave plate cover designed for that purpose. .....

Dont let it touch the food

70. Cover items likely to splatter or jump out of the dish, such as beans. Dont use plastic wrap unless its designed for microwave, and even then, dont let it touch the food because of the possibility chemicals could be transferred into your food. Better yet, cover with another microwave proof dish or a microwave plate cover designed for that purpose. .....

Never use grocery bags

71. All paper products are manufactured with chemicals. Never use grocery bags, paper plates, newspapers, butchers wrap or other paper items to heat food. The microwave can cause chemicals in these products to transfer into your food. Use white paper towels only if the label states they are microwave safe. Wax paper, parchment paper and oven cooking bags are safe to use. Dont overheat! .....

Microwavable plastic containers

72. Plastics melt, and most containVERY TOXICchemicals. These toxins are sealed into the plastic, but microwaving may release them. Guess where they go? Into your food! Never let plastic wrap touch your food. Use only microwave plastic wrap to cover dishes, or use a microwave plate cover or another inverted dish. Never reheat in Styrofoam, margarine tubs, whipped topping bowls or other plastic containers. If you use reheatable disposable microwave c .....

Greater safety and peace of mind

73. If your dishes (serving bowls, plates, mugs, cups, etc.) contain any lead at all, leaching of lead into your food is accelerated in a microwave.Utilize glass such as Pyrex or Corningware to cook food (and even to heat food, especially greasy, sugary or acid foods) whenever possible for greater safety and peace of mind. .....

Cooking meats

74. I dont recommend cooking meats, egg or cheese dishes, custards or breads in the microwave as a general rule.(If youre happy with the results, however, thats what matters.) The microwave process shortens and tightens the protein, or the gluten in wheat, drying and toughening the product. Theres exceptions, but usually a tender, more flavorful dish can be done using conventional heat. Reheat breads very briefly, wrapped in a damp paper towel. Meat .....

If something in your microwave catches on fire

75. If something in your microwave catches on fire, dont open it or throw water on it. Hit the stop button, unplug it quickly, stand by with a kitchen fire extinguisher just in case (you do have one, dont you?) and let it burn itself out. It may damage your oven but it shouldnt burn you or ruin your kitchen that way. Never use a microwave with a damaged or misaligned door or seal.You can findreplacement partsonline. .....

Make sure children understand the rules

76. Make sure children understand the rules about using a microwave. In many ways, using one is safer for them than using a stove, but it has its own very real dangers. Use only microwave plastic wrap to cover dishes, or use a microwave plate cover or another inverted dish. Never reheat in Styrofoam, margarine tubs, whipped topping bowls or other plastic containers. If you use reheatable disposable microwave containers, discard them afterwards; do .....