4 Microwave Myths You Probably Still Believe

The microwave is (arguably) one of the most useful innovations in any kitchen.

If you love meal prepping or batch cooking, then you probably use a microwave a lot.

It’s convenient and kind of a lifesaver especially when you’re tired and just want to throw a meal together fast.

And yet, somehow, this little box of convenience gets more skepticism than any other gadget in the kitchen.

In today’s issue, we debunk 4 of the biggest microwave myths and separate fact from fiction.

Myth #1: Microwaves cause cancer

This is one of the most common microwave myths.

Some people have wrongly bought into the narrative that microwaves emit radiation that can cause cancer.

But think about it — if that were true, wouldn’t everyone who’s ever used a microwave be at risk?

And since that’s not the case, where did this idea come from?

A lot of it comes down to a misunderstanding of the word “radiation”.

Microwaves have a part called a magnetron that produces radiation.

However, radiation isn’t automatically dangerous. It simply means energy traveling in waves or particles.

For example, light from the sun is radiation. So is the signal from your Wi-Fi or phone.

What matters is the type of radiation:

- Ionizing radiation (like X-rays, gamma rays, UV rays) is high-energy and can damage DNA, increasing cancer risk.

- Non-ionizing radiation (like microwaves, radio waves, visible light) is low-energy and doesn’t have enough power to damage your DNA.

So, while microwaves do use radiation, it’s the safe, non-ionizing kind that doesn’t cause cancer.

And there’s also no evidence from scientific or health authorities like WHO and FDA that microwaves increase cancer risk when used properly.

Myth #2: Microwaving food makes it radioactive

Closely tied to the first myth is the idea that food heated or cooked in a microwave somehow makes it “radioactive”.

But that's not how microwaves work.

When the magnetron in your microwave produces microwaves, they excite the water molecules in food causing them to vibrate really fast.

This vibration creates friction which in turn produces heat.

It’s like when you rub your hands together to warm them up.

The microwaves don’t alter the molecular structure of your food in a dangerous way and they don’t create any new radioactive elements.

The microwaves don’t get absorbed and retained in your food.

When the timer goes off, the microwave stops and there’s no leftover radiation lingering in your food.

So, you can go ahead and enjoy your reheated leftovers without worrying about ingesting anything radioactive.

Myth #3: Standing near a microwave is dangerous

Some people worry that standing close to a running microwave exposes them to harmful radiation.

But it wouldn’t be a really good innovation if this were the case.

Microwaves are designed with safety in mind.

The metal walls and mesh on the door reflect the waves back inside, keeping them from escaping.

And the moment you open the door, the microwave automatically stops, instantly stopping the production of microwaves.

These built-in systems ensure that there’s no way for radiation to leak out while the microwave is running, unless it’s damaged or tampered with.

This is also why you shouldn’t microwave metal objects as doing so can interfere with the internal components that are meant to keep microwaves contained.

So, as long as your microwave is in good condition, standing nearby is completely safe.

However, if it’s damaged or the door is cracked or won’t close properly, that’s a safety concern. In which case, you should stop using it and get it repaired or replaced.

Myth #4: You should never microwave plastic

You’ve probably heard this from a concerned friend or that one person who won't stop sending you those long WhatsApp health warning messages 😅

The truth is, not all plastics are bad in the microwave. But some definitely are.

Ever heated a takeaway meal and noticed the container get soft or warped? Those plastics aren’t made for microwaving.

The main concern is that certain plastics contain chemicals like BPA (Bisphenol A) and phthalates that can leach into food when heated.

Some studies have linked these chemicals to hormonal disruption.

However, there are other plastics that are specially designed to withstand heat without melting or releasing harmful chemicals. These are usually labeled “microwave-safe”.

But even with microwave-safe plastic, prolonged or repeated microwaving can eventually wear them down.

Glass or ceramic utensils are the safer and more durable options to use long-term.

So, there you have it.

Next time you heat up your leftovers, you can do it worry-free.

And maybe even give your microwave a little nod of appreciation for making your life easier.

Thanks for reading! I hope you found something valuable :)

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