precautions while using microwaves

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.

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.

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 pacemaker who gets dizzy or experiences discomfort around a microwave oven should move away from the oven immediately and consult a health care professional.

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 that door seal and inside surfaces of door and oven cavity are clean after each use. Repair or replace any microwave that is not in good working condition. Repairs should only be done by a qualified service person. Do not use the microwave if the door does not close (e.g., is bent, warped or damaged in any way). Do not disable or by pass any safety locks. Do not insert an object through an opening or around the door seal.

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 foil will not be cooked, while food not in metal wrap may receive more energy than intended, causing uneven cooking.

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 instrument must be capable of measuring a power density of 1.0 mW/cm2 with an accuracy of

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 microwave automatically turns it off when the door is opened. (Call EH&S 7 3129 to report a defective oven)

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.

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 guidelines in the microwave range are set at a level that prevents any known adverse health effect. Exposure limits for workers and for the general public are set well below levels where any hazardous heating occurs from microwave exposure.

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.