precautions while using microwaves

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. 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 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 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 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 in WHO Fact Sheets 182 and 183.

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 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 necessary. Do not use scouring pads, steel wool, or other abrasives. Always unplug the oven while cleaning.

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.

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 prevent microwaves from being generated while it is open, work correctly. The door seals should be kept clean and there should be no visible signs of damage to the seals or the outer casing of the oven. If any faults are found or parts of the oven are damaged, it should not be used until it has been repaired by an appropriately qualified service engineer.

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.