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Non-Ionizing Radiation Used in Microwave Ovens

Radiation Facts
  • Microwave ovens use electromagnetic radiation.

  • Microwaves do not make food radioactive.

Microwave ovens use electromagnetic waves that penetrate food, causing some molecules to vibrate and generate heat which is transferred throughout the food. Learn more about the electromagnetic spectrum.

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About Non-Ionizing Radiation Used in Microwave Ovens

Image of a microwave.

Microwave ovens use electromagnetic radiation to heat food. The non-ionizing radiation used by a microwave does not make the food radioactive. Microwaves are only produced when the oven is operating. The microwaves produced inside the oven are absorbed by food and produce the heat that cooks the food. Microwave ovens are constructed to ensure the electromagnetic radiation does not leave the oven. This includes safety interlocks which ensure that the oven turns off anytime the door is opened. Most injuries from microwave ovens are the result of heat related burns from overheated food or liquids.

If microwave ovens are used while broken or altered, it is possible for them to leak electromagnetic radiation. Microwave radiation leaks are hard to detect because you can't smell or see microwaves. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates radiation-emitting products such as microwave ovens, advises against standing directly in front of or up against the oven while it is operating. This will avoid harm from any possible leaks.

What You Can Do

  • Follow the manufacturer's instruction. Products will contain a safety manual and safety precautions specific to your microwave oven model.
  • Never operate if broken. Don’t use a microwave oven if you can't shut the oven door or it doesn't seal well.
  • Take precautions. As an added safety precaution, don't stand directly against or in front of an oven while it is operating.

Where to Learn More

The U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS), The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) sets and enforces standards of performance for electronic products that emit radiation. Microwave ovens must be designed to meet the safety standards established by the FDA.

The FDA establishes performance standards for microwave ovens. All microwave ovens must have a label stating that they meet these performance standards. The FDA requires that all ovens have a label that explains how to use them safely.

Microwave Ovens 
This webpage provides risks of microwave oven radiation, as well as information for consumers.

Microwave Oven Radiation
This webpage detailed information about radiation and microwave ovens.

Performance Standards for Microwave and Radio Frequency Emitting Products
This webpage provides the standards for microwave emitting devices, including microwave ovens.

The Health Physics Society (HPS)

The Health Physics Society is a group of scientists that research and make recommendations about ionizing and non-ionizing radiation topics. They also produce informational reports, fact sheets, and websites to help people better understand radiation. The Society is established in the United States as an independent nonprofit scientific organization, and is not affiliated with any government, industrial organization or private entity.

Microwave Oven Q and A
This webpage shows answers to frequently asked questions about microwave oven use and radiation.

The World Health Organization (WHO)

The WHO provides information about a variety of health topics, including electromagnetic fields.

Electromagnetic fields & public health: Microwave ovens
This webpage provides health and safety information for consumers regarding electromagnetic radiation and microwave ovens.

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Last updated on November 18, 2022