Mt. Pleasant Home Inspector discusses microwave safety

Mt. Pleasant Home Inspector Discusses Microwave Oven Safety

Protect your health by choosing a home inspector who will test your microwave!

·         Did you know that 56% of microwave ovens over two years old leak radiation 10% higher than the safety standard allowed by the FDA?

·         Did you know that there is no safe level of radiation?

Here are some things you should know about microwave ovens.

·         Microwave ovens only produce microwaves when the door is close and the oven is on (cooking). Microwave energy stops when the door is open.

·         Microwaves are invisible and odorless.

·         The intensity of microwaves decreases dramatically with distance.

·         Microwaves bounce around the inside of the oven cooking the food in the process. The “screen” on the door works because the microwaves are larger than the “holes” in the screen.

·         Typically leaks occur around the door. Leakage can be the result of trapped food particles, wear and tear, rust, or slamming the door.  Sometimes only minor adjustments are needed to correct. However; you should not attempt to adjust your microwave yourself.  Specialized training is needed.

·         The FDA limits the amount of microwaves that can leak from an oven throughout its lifetime to 5 milliwatts of microwave radiation per square centimeter at approximately 2” from the oven surface. This limit is below the level known to harm people. However;  levels above this amount may be unhealthy. In reality though there is no safe level of radiation.

·         Blue Palmetto Home Inspection will test permanently installed microwaves for leakage when we do a home inspection.  If it leaks or exceeds the FDA limit we’ll let you know. Be aware that not all home inspectors will do this as it goes beyond the standards of practice.

What can you do to protect yourself?

·         Have it tested. Repair or replace if necessary.

·         Do not lean up against or put your face too close to the door to look at the food while it is cooking. We recommend maintain a two foot distance. 

·         Properly maintain your microwave by keeping the area around the door clean. Inspect it occasionally for anything (like rust) which will affect the door seal.

• Do not use a microwave if the door is damaged in any way or does not latch correctly. Do not allow any object between the oven front and the door.

What are the health consequences of microwave radiation?

* Cataracts, eye damage
* Skin Cancer, painful burns
* Dizziness and Headaches
* Blood Disorders
* Increased Stress
* Birth Defects in Pregnant Women
* Central Nervous System Damage
* Temporary Sterility in Men
* Cardiovascular Problems
* Interference with some Pacemakers

References FDA,  Repairfaq, Regulations