Is standing in front of a microwave oven afraid of harmful radiation?

 Microwaves help cook and heat food like that, is it safe for you to stand near them? Will any radiation escape and harm the user?

You can take precautions to keep yourself safe when using the microwave

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You can take precautions to keep yourself safe when using the microwave

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According to the report of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), microwave waves (microwaves) are a type of electromagnetic radiation or energy waves that travel through space. Electromagnetic radiation comes in different forms, including radio waves, visible light, X-rays, and gamma rays.

Microwaves, like radio waves, are a type of "non-ionizing radiation," meaning they don't have enough energy to knock electrons out of atoms. Therefore, microwaves do not damage the DNA inside cells, according to the American Cancer Society. In contrast, X-rays and gamma rays are classified as "ionizing radiation," which is energetic enough to remove electrons from atoms and can damage cells and DNA.

While microwaves don't pose the same health risks as X-rays, that doesn't mean there aren't risks. Microwaves heat food by causing water molecules to vibrate, creating heat. In theory, microwaves can heat human body tissues in the same way they heat food, and at high levels, microwaves can cause burns and cataracts, according to the FDA.

But these types of injuries are rare and often occur when people are exposed to large amounts of radiation leaking through openings in furnaces. Live Science says the FDA requires microwave ovens to be designed in a certain way to prevent these types of radioactive leaks. For example, microwave ovens must have two interlocking systems that prevent the release of a microwave as soon as the door is opened. The oven also has a monitoring system that prevents the unit from operating if one of the interlocking systems fails.

As a result, "there is little reason to worry" about excess microwaves leaking out of the oven, unless there is damage to the door hinges, latches... Injuries from microwave radiation are rare, FDA information.

However, you can take precautions to keep yourself safe when using the microwave. Specifically: The FDA recommends that you inspect your microwave carefully and do not use it if the door does not close properly or if it is "bent, warped, or otherwise damaged." As an extra precaution, the FDA recommends that you do not lean or stand directly against the microwave oven for long periods of time while it is operating.

Often the most common injuries are from burns related to touching hot containers or overheated food or contact with explosive liquids. The agency also warns that you should read and follow microwave instructions, follow the correct heating time for each type of food to help you safe to use, according to Live science.