Microwave radiation: it's really that dangerous

The microwave is a practical kitchen helper that saves a lot of time. But is radiation really dangerous to our health and can it cause cancer?

Microwave radiation: scaremongering or real danger?

About two thirds of German households no longer want to do without their microwave. It is an integral part of the kitchen inventory. Many devices now combine different preparation functions with one another, such as hot air function, steam cooking or grilling.

• Safety regulations apply to microwave devices, as do many other electrical devices. For example, so-called emission limit values ​​are set by the Federal Office for Radiation Protection, which must not be exceeded.
• When measuring, the focus is primarily on the immediate vicinity of the microwave. Door joints in particular could let radiation through.
• With all measurements, no matter whether old or new device, at a distance of five centimeters, never more than one percent of the emission limit value was reached. The further the distance to the microwave, the lower the radiation.
• Nevertheless, you should always keep a certain distance from the device while it is running. Defects are not always immediately recognizable, but as with any electrical device, they are possible.
• Science has now found that intact devices do not promote cancer.

How does a microwave heat the food?

The microwaves are generated by means of a so-called magnetron.

• The water molecules in our food are set in motion because they are charged differently. These vibrations generate heat.
• Since our body also consists to a large extent of water, this would of course also happen to our cells, which would, however, cause great health damage. For this reason, the devices are built so that they can shield the radiation well.

Be careful with certain dishes

Certain foods change their chemical structure when they are reheated.

• Be especially careful with protein-rich foods.
• But other dishes also tend to form bacteria quickly if they are not put in the fridge right away.
• The microwave does not manage to kill these bacteria and you ingest them through food.
• In another article, we present four foods that you should never reheat in the microwave.

Tips for buying a microwave

Ask your dealer for advice on various devices.

• Inquire about the efficiency. This plays a major role in energy efficiency. The higher it is, the more efficiently a food is heated and the less energy is lost to the outside.
• If you are concerned about the radiation, inquire about the leakage radiation. This provides information about the amount of radiation that the device transmits to the outside.
• Devices with a turntable distribute the heat better and let the microwaves reach every point.

In the following video you will learn how microwave radiation affects the human body.