Microwaves are designed to be safe and emit very little radiation outside the microwave oven when used correctly. The radiation they produce is non-ionizing, which means it lacks sufficient energy to remove electrons from atoms or molecules, unlike ionizing radiation (e.g., X-rays), which can pose health risks.
The radiation emitted by a microwave primarily consists of microwaves themselves, which are a form of electromagnetic radiation. The microwaves are contained within the oven and absorbed by food or liquids, causing them to heat up.
To ensure safety, microwave ovens are equipped with a metal mesh or grid on the door and safety interlocks that prevent the microwave from operating when the door is open. This design prevents microwaves from escaping during use.
When it comes to the radiation levels near the microwave during operation, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets regulations and safety standards to ensure that microwave ovens do not leak harmful levels of radiation. The maximum allowable limit for microwave radiation leakage, as set by the FDA, is 5 milliwatts of microwave radiation per square centimeter at approximately 2 inches from the oven's surface.
In everyday use and when the microwave is in good condition, the microwave radiation leakage is negligible and poses no significant health risk to users. It's essential to maintain and use the microwave oven according to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure safety and avoid any potential issues.