Is heating food in a microwave oven harmful to health?

Is heating food in a microwave oven harmful to health?

Created in the 1950s, microwave ovens have simplified many household chores, such as heating food and defrosting meat. Nevertheless, some people are still concerned about the safety of this appliance.

Paige Welsh, a dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic in the USA, explained that using microwave ovens to heat food and drinks is safe for health.

Microwaves are a type of low-frequency radiation, classified as non-ionizing waves. It does not cause cancer, does not make food radioactive, and does not alter DNA. This type of radiation is also present in cell phones, televisions, and light bulbs.

According to the expert's explanation, ionizing radiation used in X-rays can damage cells in high doses, but non-ionizing radiation from microwaves does not change the molecular structure and poses no health risk.

A microwave oven operates using a device called a magnetron. It converts electrical energy into microwave energy. When food is placed in the microwave, this energy vibrates the water molecules in the food. These vibrations generate heat without changing the structure of the food. The amount of this energy is significantly too low to cause harm to humans.

If a microwave oven is damaged, has dents, cracks, or if the paint has peeled off, then the appliance can be harmful.