The use of microwave ovens provides a great deal of convenience; however, care must be taken to avoid human exposure to the microwaves that heat and cook food.Since 1971, the Food and Drug Administration has required all microwave oven manufacturers to meet performance standards. Ovens may not emit radiation above specified levels. There also must be two independent operating interlocks to terminate microwave radiation when the oven door is opened.
For the past 10 years, the University's Department of Occupational Health and Safety has monitored the safety of campus microwave ovens. Several hundred ovens were tested for radiation leakage and door interlock operation. The study overwhelmingly confirmed that microwave ovens have met the federal safety standards.
In the rare cases when microwave leakage around an oven was detected, the radiation was found to be well below the level considered to be capable of causing harm.
The study also found that the ovens that leaked also were physically damaged in some obvious manner, such as damage to the door seal, the door hinges, latch or interior walls.
The campus community is encouraged to report damaged microwave ovens, so they may be checked for safe operation, to the Department of Occupational Health and Safety, at 831-1434. There is no charge for this service.
Oven users also are advised to keep the oven door seals and interior clean and free of food build-up.
William Fendt,
Occupational Health and SafetyNet note: Please be aware that the Safety Corner has moved to a new web page at the following address: http://www.udel.edu/OHS