Examples of Microwaves

Microwaves are a form of “electromagnetic” radiation; that is, they are waves of electrical and magnetic energy moving together through space. Electromagnetic radiation spans a broad spectrum from very long radio waves to very short gamma rays.

When you listen to the radio, watch TV, or cook dinner in a microwave oven, you are using electromagnetic waves. Radio waves, television waves, and microwaves are all types of electromagnetic waves. They only differ from each other in wavelength. Wavelength is the distance between one wave crest to the next.

Microwave ovens are so quick and efficient because they channel heat energy directly to the molecules (tiny particles) inside food. Microwaves heat food like the sun heats your face—by radiation. A microwave is much like the electromagnetic waves that zap through the air from TV and radio transmitters.

Microwaves are a portion or “band” found at the higher frequency end of the radio spectrum, but they are commonly distinguished from radio waves because of the technologies used to access them.

• Ovens. One of the major applications of microwaves can be seen in the kitchen appliances such as a microwave oven.
• GPS.
• Wi-Fi.
• Bluetooth.
• RADAR.
• Communication Systems.
• Medical Equipment.
• Weapons and Military Equipment.

According to the CDC, microwaves have been proven to kill bacteria and viruses when zapping the food from 60 seconds to five minutes. But not all microwaves emit the same power and cook in the same way.

Originally Answered: Is it dangerous to open a microwave door while it is still microwaving? No. The microwaves in the microwave ovens are what actually makes them dangerous. When you open the door of a microwave oven, the waves stop, so it’s okay to open the door while it’s doing its thing.

Microwaves, like radio waves, are a type of of “non-ionizing radiation,” meaning they don’t have enough energy to knock electrons out of atoms, the FDA says. Microwaves are therefore not known to damage DNA inside cells, according to the American Cancer Society.

No human studies have linked microwave use to any problems during pregnancy. Don’t operate the microwave if the door doesn’t close firmly, is bent or damaged, or if the seal around the door is damaged. Don’t lean against the microwave while it’s operating.

It is safe to stand near microwave ovens even though they will leak radiation within a small radius. Standing two inches away makes it insignificant enough not to be life-threatening to humans. This is mainly due to FDA regulations and installed safety features, like a metallic grate in the door lining.

Tests have shown that microwaves emit harmful electromagnetic radiation which could harm embryos and could lead to miscarriage.

The moist heat created when food is steamed or vented with a lid that’s not too tight also helps destroy harmful bacteria. Though it’s always a good idea to cover food when reheating it in the microwave (otherwise that cleaning schedule will be on overdrive), microwaving food in an airtight container is a no-no.

11 Things You Should Never Put In The Microwave

• Aluminum Foil. It’s nice to see sparks fly, but not so much when it comes to reheating your food.
• Paper Bags. All paper bags are not created equal.
• Plastic Bags and Plastic Containers.
• Travel Mugs.
• Your Favorite Shirt.
• Hard-boiled Eggs.
• Hot Peppers.
• Styrofoam in Microwave.

Chicken. The most important thing to realize about microwaves is that their heat does not always kill bacteria, because microwaves heat from the outside in instead of the inside out. Before eating chicken, you have to cook it thoroughly to eliminate all present bacteria.

The USDA says plastic wrap is actually safe to use in the microwave, as long as it’s labeled microwave-safe. More importantly, they recommend that the plastic wrap not touch the actual food. Other than that, cover and microwave away!

All Ziploc® brand Containers and microwavable Ziploc® brand Bags meet the safety requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for temperatures associated with defrosting and reheating food in microwave ovens, as well as room, refrigerator and freezer temperatures.

Reach for plastic wrap or waxed paper if you don’t have other covers.

1. To minimize your risk, try not to use plastic or wax if you’ll be microwaving the food for a long time.
2. Parchment paper is also safe to use if it doesn’t come into contact with the food.

Plastic wrap is safe to use, however it cannot touch the food items in the microwave at the time of heating and cooking. Due to the excessive heat, the plastic wrap can melt and it will mix in your food, so you will want to prevent this risk. You should keep a gap between the food surface and the plastic wrap.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), microwaving food is generally safe. However, microwaving in plastic containers is associated with increased leaching — the transfer or leaking of chemicals into food. Note that even if a plastic container is labeled “microwave safe,” that simply means it won’t melt.

Does plastic wrap release harmful chemicals into food during microwaving? The chemicals contained in some plastic wraps (and in some plastic containers) are potentially harmful if the plastic is heated to the point that it melts or burns (at lower temperatures, plastic is essentially inert).

The FDA says plastic wrap labeled “microwave safe” is indeed safe. Chemicals can also leach into the food if plastic wrap or plastic covers make contact with the food being heated.

Can you microwave plastic? To know if a plastic container or plastic wrap is microwave safe, you should look on the packaging material for a “Microwave Safe” label. Plastic products with an imprinted microwave symbol can be used in the microwave. This symbol is mostly used on reusable plastic storage containers.

Plastic #2 High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) HDPE or high-density polyethylene is microwave safe. It has a tolerance of -40 to 266 degrees Fahrenheit before distortion. In the foodservice market, high density polyethylene is typically used for containers.

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