‘The dangers of Microwave oven’ is one of the most debated topics. Microwave oven is a necessity of modern, fast paced life. Almost every kitchen has a microwave oven to take care of the daily cooking needs of the family. Microwave oven is very useful for heating, cooking, roasting and baking. Though a microwave oven is a favorite cooking appliance, many people are concerned about the dangers associated with it.
Dangers Of Microwave Oven:
1. Microwave Radiation:
Microwave radiation is used to cook food inside the microwave oven. Water, fat and sugar absorb this radiation. This causes the agitation of the molecules that produces heat energy. This heat cooks the food. But there are health concerns associated with the microwave radiation. They are known to cause health problems like cancer, cataract, disorders of the blood etc. Any leakage of the microwave radiation from the oven can cause health problems for its operator. It is also believed that cooking with microwave radiation can produce carcinogenic substances in the food. These carcinogenic substances cause cancer.
2. Short cooking time:
Food is cooked very fast inside the microwave oven. Some people believe that such short cooking time is insufficient to kill the bacteria that are present in the food. As a result, the food cooked in the microwave oven is unhygienic and can cause food borne diseases.
3. Material of containers and foils:
Microwave ovens are widely used to heat ready-made food. These food items come wrapped in different kinds of foils. All foils cannot be used in a microwave oven. It is advisable that you should use only microwave compatible foils as some foils can react with the food, which is bad for your health. It is recommended that you should not use aluminum foils inside the microwave oven. You must use only microwave safe containers for cooking food in the microwave oven. Metallic containers should be avoided as they can cause spark inside the microwave oven.
4. Superheated liquid:
Great caution has to be taken while heating liquids inside the microwave oven. The liquid can superheat and explode at even a slight disturbance.
Lots of study and research work is being carried in this field to determine the ill effects, if any, of using a microwave oven. The manufacturers of microwave ovens are using new and improved technology to ensure that these ovens do not have any harmful effects on mankind.
By following simple instructions, you can safeguard yourself from the possible dangers of microwave oven.