Have you heard that Microwaves can cause you cancer?
I giggled when I heard that, let’s see..
Microwaves operate using RF (radiofrequency) radiation. When talking about radiation and cancer, there are different types of radiation that act differently.
Radiation exists across a spectrum from very low-energy (low-frequency) radiation to very high-energy (high-frequency) radiation. This is referred to as the electromagnetic spectrum. Let us check a picture that displays low energy to high energy radiation:
Image Credit: Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
While you’re reading this, you are either using your mobile phone or computer. Did you try to locate these devices on the graph above? Don’t worry they are on the low-energy side of the electromagnetic spectrum, but combined with Wi-Fi it will be the same or a bit higher than the microwave radiation itself. This type of radiation is around you day and night, considering the Wi-Fi you use constantly at home, and despite if you use a microwave or not.
Microwave ovens use microwave radiation to heat food, but this does not mean that they make food radioactive. Microwaves heat food by causing water molecules to vibrate and, as a result, food is heated.
Microwaves, radio waves, and the light that we can see, are all examples of non-ionizing radiation. The only non-ionizing radiation which causes cancer is ULTRAVIOLET (UV) LIGHT, which is why people are advised to protect themselves from excessive sun exposure when UV levels are high!
Microwaves are not known to cause cancer. And while others sources we mentioned in the article above such as cell phones, cell towers or Wi-Fi that emit radiofrequency radiation; the American Cancer Society does not have any official position or statement on whether or not these sources are a cause of cancer.
Because sources of RF radiation are so common in the modern world there are some ways you can lower your exposure to them, by:
- Limiting the time you spend near appliances, equipment and other devices (such as Wi-Fi routers) that give off RF radiation
- Limiting the time you spend with a cell (mobile) phone placed against your ear (or close to another part of your body)
- Limiting the time you spend under the sun tanning and long exposure to UV light.
As a result, microwaves are safe - really. And most of what you hear about just isn't true. A few common myths, but the truth behind them depends on how much you are willing to find the correct information and read more about it. Meanwhile, here is some microwave healthy meals you can enjoy on-the-go.