Are microwave ovens dangerous?

[LacesOut]

I've always felt that they were but have kept one in my house because it's so damn convenient..
but a niggling feeling every time I nuke something is...'am i now eating cancer'?

 

[atrp2biz]

No. Microwaves are in the middle of the electromagnetic spectrum between infrared light and radio/television waves. In this range of the spectrum (relatively long wavelength/low frequency), the oxygen-hydrogen bonds in water absorb this energy, are excited and heat up. Nothing less, nothing more. There are no direct chemical or nuclear changes in the molecular composition of the food.

 

[Sprout]

I've always felt that they were but have kept one in my house because it's so damn convenient..
but a niggling feeling every time I nuke something is...'am i now eating cancer'?

A tri-field meter in the presence of an operating one will give one pause.

 

[CET]

If you want a margin of safety then leave the room while it is running and then wait at least one minute after it stops before opening it to get what you heated.

 

[LacesOut]

^yeah that's what I do.
Probably doesn't help but...

 

[lawrence-lugar]

Does your question also apply to Toaster Ovens as well (or just microwave ovens)...because I just bought a new one the other day,
Curious

 

[Sprout]

No. Microwaves are in the middle of the electromagnetic spectrum between infrared light and radio/television waves. In this range of the spectrum (relatively long wavelength/low frequency), the oxygen-hydrogen bonds in water absorb this energy, are excited and heat up. Nothing less, nothing more. There are no direct chemical or nuclear changes in the molecular composition of the food.

There is increasing research to suggest, that even though the above quote might be true, changes are observed on a DNA level.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2304485

The youtube vids on experiments with cooled microwaved water and plant growth are novel to watch.

(I make no claims.)

 

[fordewind]

I guess it depends on the quality of the oven.

 

[HobbyTrading]

There is increasing research to suggest, that even though the above quote might be true, changes are observed on a DNA level.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2304485

The abstract of this article gives the impression that mice cells were placed inside the microwave oven. And afterwards were inspected for changes in DNA. I don't think that it is @LacesOut 's intention to put himself/herself inside the microwave oven.

 

[Frederick Foresight]

Q: "Are microwave ovens dangerous?"

A: Only if you use them to heat up processed foods.