You may have heard advice not to stand in front of a microwave because of radiation, but if you’re worried about microwave safety, read on to hear what experts say. Microwaves use electromagnetic waves to quickly heat up food by making water molecules move rapidly. This is not as mysterious as it may seem and the waves stay contained in the microwave. The FDA has set safety standards for microwaves and says they’re safe as long as they are used correctly. The microwaves used by a household Wi-Fi router are similarly safe. The only time a microwave might be harmful is if it’s damaged and leaking waves. In that case, it should be replaced or repaired immediately.
Even though the risk of being harmed by a microwave is low, it’s possible to get burned if you handle hot food unsafely. Using microwave-safe materials and paying attention to the dishes you use can prevent accidents. Non-microwave-safe materials could potentially release harmful chemicals into your food. Overall, microwaves are not something to fear, and are no more dangerous than other types of ovens.
