Miscellaneous
We got rid of our microwave in 2015. People have a LOT of questions about why we did and how we live without it. This episode deals with the science of microwaves and tips and tricks for going microwave free (or at least microwave safe). The (very) basic science Microwaves are a type of electromagnetic radiation. Microwaves radiation = non-ionizing radiation - think of it as non-radioactive. Non-ionizing radiation doesn’t knock electrons off atoms. Ionizing radiation can alter atoms which cause damage to cells - this how radioactive material causes death from massive cellular damage but things like X-rays which are less powerful but still ionizing can be used in moderation. Microwaves have three basic characteristics - they are reflected by metal; they can pass through things like glass, paper, and plastic; and they excite and heat water molecules. Federal Standards A Federal standard limits the amount of microwaves that can leak from an oven throughout its lifetime to 5 milliwatts (mW) of microwave radiation per square centimeter at approximately 2 inches from the oven surface. This limit is far below the level known to harm people. Microwave energy also decreases dramatically as you move away from the source of radiation. A measurement made 20 inches from an oven would be approximately 1/100th of the value measured at 2 inches from the oven. The standard also requires all ovens to have two independent interlock systems that stop the production of microwaves the moment the latch is released or the door is opened. In addition, a monitoring system stops oven operation in case one or both of the interlock systems fail. All ovens must have a label stating that they meet the safety standard. In addition, the FDA requires that all ovens have a label explaining precautions for use. This requirement may be dropped if the manufacturer has proven that the oven will not exceed the allowable leakage limit even if used under the conditions cautioned against on the label. Plastics bisphenol-A (BPA) are added to make clear, hard plastic phthalates are added to make plastic soft and flexible BPA and phthalates are believed to be "endocrine disrupters." These are substances that mimic human hormones in the body. Heating plastic releases these chemicals, which can then settle in your food. Studies and science to check out Effects of microwaves on breastmilk Harvard on microwaves and plastics NIH on hormone disruptors from heated plastic