Is it harmful to cook in a microwave oven?

The progress of modern science and technology has enabled people to use a variety of more advanced household appliances, providing a lot of convenience for life. Among them, microwave ovens are a very popular appliance, mainly used for heating and cooking food, etc. However, microwave ovens use the principle of microwaves to heat food. Some people may worry that microwaves may be harmful to the body. Let’s take a look at whether there are any harms in cooking with a microwave oven.

In layman's terms, microwaves are a type of high-frequency electromagnetic wave that does not generate heat itself. Microwaves are everywhere in the universe and in nature, but because microwaves in nature are scattered and unconcentrated, they cannot heat food. Microwave ovens use the magnetron inside them to convert electrical energy into microwaves, which penetrate food at an oscillation frequency of 2450MHZ. When the microwaves are absorbed by food, the polar molecules in the food (such as water, fat, protein, sugar, etc.) are attracted and oscillate rapidly at a speed of 2.45 billion times per second. The macroscopic manifestation of this oscillation is that the food is heated.

Because microwaves are a type of radiation, there is a misconception that they can cause cancer. In fact, microwaves are a type of electromagnetic wave, essentially the same thing as the radio waves used in radio and telegraph, infrared rays, and visible light. The only difference between them is the frequency. The frequency of microwaves is higher than radio waves, but lower than infrared and visible light. Electromagnetic waves in this frequency band are not carcinogenic.

Microwave ovens mainly use microwaves to heat food, and microwaves are a kind of electromagnetic wave with certain radiation. When the wavelength of microwaves is comparable to the size of objects and electronic components, radiation losses will occur. This happens not only in the resonant circuit composed of inductance and capacitance, but electromagnetic waves also radiate in all directions. Moreover, when electromagnetic waves are transmitted using ordinary two-wire transmission lines, obvious radiation losses will occur along the line. So, be more careful.

When using a microwave oven, you should maintain a certain distance, preferably more than 1 meter. Do not lean against the microwave for a long time and check the conditions inside the oven with your naked eyes, as this may damage your eyes. In addition, the oven door should be checked regularly to avoid damage that may cause microwave leakage. If you are not using the microwave, it is best to cover it with a cloth. When using it again, check whether the parts are damaged. Once damage is found, it should be repaired in time to avoid malfunction and damage to human health.

<<: Pulmonary artery obstruction

>>: What is cornstarch used in cooking