What is Microwave Radiation and How Does It Work?

Microwaves are a type of "electromagnetic" radiation, which means that they are waves of electrical and magnetic energy traveling across space simultaneously. From very long radio waves to very brief gamma rays, electromagnetic radiation covers a wide range. Only a small fraction of this spectrum, known as visible light, can be detected by the human eye. A radio detects a distinct part of the spectrum, whereas X-ray equipment uses a different part of the spectrum.

Non-ionizing radiation includes visible light, microwaves, and radio frequency (RF) waves. The energy of non-ionizing radiation is insufficient to push electrons out of atoms. Ionizing radiation includes X-rays. Ionizing radiation can cause damage to organic matter cells by altering atoms and molecules.

Microwaves are used to detect speeding autos as well as transmit telephone and television signals. Microwaves are used in the manufacturing industry to dry and cure plywood, cure rubber and resins, rise bread and doughnuts, and cook potato chips. Microwave energy is, however, most commonly used by consumers in microwave ovens. Microwaves have three properties that enable them to be employed in cooking: they are reflected by metal, pass through the glass, paper, plastic, and other similar materials, and are absorbed by meals.

Microwave Oven Safety

 Avoiding Injuries from Super-Heated Water

Hot water exploding from a cup after it was overheated in a microwave oven has caused serious skin burns or scorching injuries around people's hands and faces, according to the FDA. When water is heated by itself in a clean cup, super-heated water (water heated past its boiling temperature) does not appear to be boiling. A minor disturbance or movement, such as picking up the cup or pouring in a spoonful of instant coffee, might cause a forceful eruption with boiling water shooting out of the cup if super-heating has happened.

Summary

The manufacturing of Unox Oven has been regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 1971. To protect the public's health, microwave oven manufacturers must certify their devices and ensure that they fulfill the FDA's safety performance standards. Based on current microwave radiation information, the FDA believes that ovens that meet the FDA standard and are used according to the manufacturer's instructions are safe to use.