Are Microwaves Dangerous?

Of course not and most people know that. However, there are some people who believe that the radiation from them makes them dangerous, but it's only if you are exposed to very large amounts of radiation.  Let's look at some facts: In 1985 only 25% of households had microwaves. There are currently more than 90% of households today who have a microwave.  They are very popular to say the least.  It is expected that microwaves will result in 12.7 billion dollars this year.

It is true that you are not supposed to stand directly in front of a microwave when it's on, just in case there is a slight leak of radiation. The odds of that happening are very, very slim.  But, let's brainstorm here and find out how a microwave could be dangerous:

1. If you turn the microwave on with nothing in it, "none of the microwaves are absorbed. A large amount of energy reflects around the oven chamber resulting in large standing waves that can damage the unit." It will not hurt you.

2. If you put a battery in a microwave and turn it on, it could explode and it could hurt you.

3. If you put a fork, spoon or metal in and turn it on, it could explode and it could hurt you.

4. If you put an egg in and turn it on, it will likely explode and it could hurt you.

5. If you put a plant in and turn it on, the plant will not grow and it will die faster, but it won't hurt you.

Sometimes people don't like microwaves because they think it harms the nutrients in food.  Don't take my word for this, because I don't even know what a nutrient is.  "Food cooked in a microwave oven is as safe, and has the same nutrient value as food cooked in a conventional oven." 

I didn't know this information either: "Using the microwave with a small amount of water essentially steams food from the inside out.  That keeps in more vitamins and minerals than almost any other cooking method and shows microwave food can indeed be healthy."

One final quote which even I can understand: "Microwave cooking is actually one of the least likely forms of cooking to damage nutrients.  That's because the longer food cook, the more nutrients tend to break down, and microwave cooking takes less time."

Sometimes though, people just want to heat up their coffee or tea.  We've lived with a microwave for forty years, but it is completely possible to live without one! However, it's a lot more difficult to live without a microwave than to live without a television and I know that for a fact.

So, if you know someone like I do, who does not have a microwave, share this with them and let them live a much easier life by getting them a microwave.