Let’s Tackle The Decades-Old Myth That Operating A Microwave Is Dangerous Business

Nearly every modern household has at least one. It cooks our TV dinners and reheats our leftovers with just a few taps of a button.

But even though microwave ovens have been around for generations, some skeptics aren’t convinced they’re entirely safe.

Should you be worried?

The fact that this kitchen tool sends out potentially harmful radiation to “nuke” your food, it kind of makes sense why many folks are concerned about exposure. But one industry expert wants to put your mind at ease.

Robert Dellavalle has been analyzing the safety of microwave ovens and other appliances for decades and said that radiation levels are theoretically harmful, but as long as you don’t operate yours with your face pressed up against the door you don’t have anything to worry about.

And these devices have only gotten safer as time goes on. These days, the waves of radiation are designed to go into the food but not much further at all.

“You’re usually doing something else anyways,” he said. “It’s an unattended appliance. If you’re a couple of feet from the oven, it’s usually safe.”

There are some exceptions

As a general rule, microwave ovens are engineered to keep any risk at a minimum. But even Dellavalle admitted that there are some things you should remember to prioritize your own safety.

“If your microwave is operating with the door open, that’s definitely an unsafe condition,” he said. “However, as you step away from the microwave oven, those radiation levels decrease exponentially.”

It’s probably also a good idea to refrain from peering into the oven as it operates, since there’s a chance the microwave radiation could negatively impact your vision.

Describing the overall risk to low-level microwave exposure, Dellavalle concluded: “You would not get cooked, but it does have an effect.”

Chris Agee April 10th, 2024

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