Opening the door of a microwave oven while it is still cooking food can be potentially harmful and dangerous. Microwave ovens use microwave radiation to heat food by agitating water molecules within the food, causing them to generate heat. The radiation used in microwave ovens is non-ionizing, which means it does not have enough energy to remove electrons from atoms or molecules and cause ionization, like X-rays or gamma rays.
However, while the microwaves themselves are not harmful, the heat generated within the food can be intense. Opening the door during the cooking process can result in a sudden release of steam and heat, which can cause burns or scalds. Additionally, if the oven is still actively producing microwaves when the door is open, the microwaves can escape and potentially cause harm if they come into direct contact with your body.
For safety reasons, it is always recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines for the safe use of your specific microwave oven. These guidelines typically advise against opening the door while the microwave is operating. Most modern microwave ovens are designed with safety mechanisms that automatically turn off the microwave radiation when the door is opened, but it is still best to exercise caution and allow the cooking process to complete before opening the door.