$Unique_ID{BRK01573}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{How Dangerous is the Radiation That Can Leak from a Microwave Oven?}
$Subject{microwave radiation Community social microwaves leakage Leak
radiations leakages Leaks rad rads}
$Volume{Q-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


How Dangerous is the Radiation That Can Leak from a Microwave Oven?


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QUESTION:  It seems clear to us that radiation in any form is a dangerous
thing.  But how dangerous is the radiation that can leak from a microwave
oven.  Is there any way to avoid this problem?

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ANSWER:  Excessive doses of microwaves might be able to cause some damage, but
it is highly unlikely that a household microwave oven, when properly
maintained and cleaned, will ever leak enough to pose a real danger.  In more
than 20 years of microwave oven use, researchers have found no claims of
damage due to the radiation that have been substantiated.
     Kitchen microwave ovens have two main built in safeguards to protect
against radiation leakage.  The first is the door of the unit.  Each door must
have at least two interlocking switches so that microwave production ends
before the door is opened.  As the user, you must always make sure to close
the door evenly.  Also check to make sure the door is not bent or damaged in
any way.
     The second safety measure is the seal of the door.  Always keep the seal
clean and make sure it is intact.  Be sure not to allow anything to get caught
in the seal (such as dangling pot holders or dishtowels).
     If there is any damage to the microwave, have it checked by a reliable
service person.  There are currently several cheap devices sold to test
microwave usage, but the Food and Drug Administration says these cheap models
are unreliable.  Again, call a reliable service person or your county
Department of Health for a reliable leakage check.
     The best way to safeguard yourself against any harmful microwave leakage
is to simply stand away from the unit while it is in use.  If you stand just
20 inches away from the oven, you receive only one-hundredth the exposure of
someone standing just 2 inches away from the unit.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.