Microwave Hazard and Your Health
This information was obtained from Volume 2, #25 (April-May 1995) issue of Nexus Magazine.
Microwave Hazard – Leakage Can Cause:
- Skin Cancer Temporary Sterility (men)
- Birth Defects (women)
- Cataracts
- Dizziness and Headaches
- Blood Disorders
MICROWAVE Radiation Leakage What is it?
Microwave radiation is odorless and invisible and therefore hard to detect. People worry about microwave radiation. Microwave oven radiation is present whenever a microwave oven is turned on. The microwave energy causes the water molecules in the food to vibrate rapidly. This rapid vibration produces heat which, in turn, cooks the food. It can also penetrate through living tissue which is why exposure is harmful to our health. Once you turn off the oven, the microwaves disappear but until then, you may be exposing yourself to dangerous levels of radiation leakage.
Do Microwaves Leak?
A survey conducted among the Professional Service Associates, a group of microwave repair servicemen, indicated that over 56% of microwave ovens two years or older leaked levels of radiation 10% higher than the safety standards set by the FDA. More often than not, a simple adjustment was all that was needed to stop the leakage.
What Causes Microwave Ovens To Leak?
Slamming the oven door, dirt or food particles caught in the door seals and hinges, or basic wear and tear all cause the oven door to slightly separate from the oven enclosure. Once this happens, invisible, but highly dangerous microwaves leak through the small space and cause irreversible damage and injury to the user.
How Dangerous are Microwaves to People?
The FDA has established microwave radiation exposure levels greater than 5mw/cm2 to be dangerous, but many medical experts disagree and think this level should be lowered.
Microwaves Decrease in Food Nutrient Values
Microwave exposure caused significant decreases in the nutritive value of all foods researched. A decrease in the bioavailability [capability of the body to utilize the nutriment] of B-complex vitamins, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, essential minerals, and lipotropics in all foods. Also, the loss of 60-90% of the vital energy field content of all tested foods. As well as a reduction in the metabolic behavior and integration process capability of alkaloids [organic nitrogen-based elements], glucosides and galactosides, and nitrilosides. Lastly the destruction of the nutritive value of nucleoproteins in meats. This is truly a marked acceleration of structural disintegration in all foods.
Independent studies have revealed levels much lower can cause:
- Cataracts
- Skin Cancer
- Headaches and Dizziness
- Blood Disorders *
- Birth Defects in Pregnant Women
- Central Nervous System Damage
- Temporary Sterility in Men Cardiovascular Problems
- Interference with some Pacemakers
- Increased Stress
- A decrease in Immune System Competency
Particularly vulnerable to excessive microwave radiation is the developing fetus. The lens of the eye and the testes are also vulnerable because of the body’s inability to cool down these areas.
There are Safety Tips for reducing the risks associated with microwave radiation.
How Can I Tell if My Microwave Oven Leaks?
There are inexpensive products available in most hardware stores used to test for hazardous leaks. One such product is the Detecto Card by Enzone. If you do have a dangerous leak, you should not use the microwave oven until it is properly repaired.
What Can I use instead of a microwave?
Use a toaster oven. Most meals may be reheated in 30 minutes or less.
References for additional information:
- 10 Reasons to Toss Your Microwave Now
- 5 Reasons Why Microwave Oven Cooking Is Harming Your Health
- Silent Killers -The Hidden Hazards Of Microwave Cooking
- How Your Microwave Oven Damages Your Health In Multiple Ways
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