Are you concerned about the potential health risks of microwave oven radiation? You’re not alone. Many people are worried about the possibility of exposure to harmful levels of microwave radiation from this popular kitchen appliance. But how to protect yourself from microwaves?
Don’t worry – there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from microwave oven radiation.
When it comes to EMF control of microwave ovens, we need to address two issues. First is the dirty electricity that it may produce like any other heavy electrical appliance at home. Second is the radiation that it emits, which is the subject of this article.
I know, you can’t imagine a kitchen without a microwave oven. It’s like the nose to a face. So how do we get about that?
In this blog post, we’ll discuss some tips for reducing your exposure to microwave energy, and we’ll also share some advice on how to choose a safe microwave oven. So read on for helpful tips on keeping yourself safe from microwaves!
How Do Microwave Ovens Work?
Ovens, as we know, can be classified into two types. First is the traditional oven that uses conduction to heat the food.
Second is the more effective and quicker heating model that uses microwaves to generate heat within the food itself.
Microwaves are at a wavelength close to 12m and frequency 2.45Ghz. A magnetron is a device that produces these waves inside of the oven using electricity. These generated waves entered the closed oven and hit the food. All the walls except the door reflect the scattering waves.
The turning table makes sure every side of the food is evenly exposed. Unlike with the walls, the waves tend to pass through the food. This process makes the molecules inside it vibrate at an increased frequency, which in turn releases heat and cooks the food.
This is the reason why the food gets cooked faster than pan cooking or any other cooking method. Heating with microwaves is arguably the best scientific invention for cooking, after the discovery of fire. But it has its downsides too.
Like fire, microwaves can also cause burns in the skin, but the range where this can occur is even higher. Microwaves can affect your body even if you are 10 meters away from the source, which is why the walls of a microwave oven are made up of reflectors and absorbent materials, also known as a Faraday’s shield.
But are they that effective? Can it completely protect you from the microwaves inside?
How Do Microwaves Produce Radiation?
Having a proper understanding of how microwave ovens function may help. As we saw before, in a microwave oven, electrical power converts electrical energy to radio waves by means of magnetrons.
These magnetrons are vacuum-shaped objects that create microwaves. The microwave produces electromagnetic waves that emit microwave radiation. When leaked, they can be the source of many health issues.
The microwave has a plate and a sealing mechanism in its door which reduces the EMF radiation exposed by its user. But microwave emitting radiation can be very damaging even with these safety measures. Most microwave ovens are built specifically to eliminate leaks when working, but EMF radiation can still escape.
Why Should You Be Worried About Microwave Oven Radiation?
Theoretically speaking, the inner reflective material and the outer shielding should completely keep the microwave radiation from coming out. But it is not the same with every microwave oven. Some might have improper shielding leading to leaks.
Then comes the question of how good is the shielding?
The US government regulation states that ovens should not emit more than 5mW of microwave radiation per square foot while measured two inches away from the oven. While that clearly eliminates the possibility of instant harming like burns on skins, that is not the whole story.
The EMF dangers of microwave oven radiation
Microwave ovens emit frequencies, RF-EMF and ELF-EMF, that you need to be worried about. The maximum EMF value recommended over the years is 0.5mW. The 5mW rating from government regulation means you can get readings of less than 0.5mW, if measured from a distance of 5m, due to the exponential loss of intensity with distance. But that doesn’t mean it is okay.
In most cases, we tend to keep the microwave on and continue with our kitchen chores. This means you are likely exposed to ELF-EMF that might lead to long-term problems like male infertility, eye defect, and even cancer.
There are also still large amounts of EMF radiation leakage from the oven through the cracks on door corners, tops and sides.
While some studies claim microwave ovens to be possibly carcinogenic, some defend them saying there are not enough test results to prove it. This is always the case with innovations in our society. We just overlook the danger until it is too late.
Going by the saying – ‘prevention is better than cure,’ it is better not to be exposed to it in the first place.
How To Know Your Oven’s Radiation Emission?
First things first, start measuring the microwave radiation emitted by the microwave with an EMF meter. Make a set of two measurements (one with the oven off and the other while on). Make sure to read it at the 2 inch, 5 feet, and 10 feet marks in all directions.
If you don’t get values less than 0.5mW, even at 10 feet, keep doing it every 5 feet. The higher the value, the higher the risks.
Measuring with the right EMF meter is very important, which is why we prefer professional EMF meters like the Trifield TF2. Check out our article on EMF meters to see all your options.
Are There Low EMF Microwaves?
I think some people wonder — Are there ovens that emit low microwave radiation? Unfortunately, no. There really aren’t any low EMF microwave devices available in stores. Radioactive energy plays an important role in microwave heating. This means that creating a low microwave radiation oven can be difficult.
While there are no low EMF microwaves in the market, some emit in a higher frequency than others. This occurs because of the seal of a microwave. The more sealing the microwave produces, the lower the microwave radiation the oven produces when working.
However, there are several ways to reduce electromagnetic radiation when using a microwave.
How To Protect Yourself From Microwave Oven Radiation?
Before getting started with EMF protection tips, let me get this straight. Looking for an alternative to microwave cooking will change a lot of things for you, from the kitchen arrangement to your cooking methods and the time you spend in the kitchen. So we need to look at practical solutions.
It will be more efficient to shield the radiation than trying to get into a new style of cooking. I say so because you can definitely shield the EMF from microwave ovens to a good extent.
So, here is how you protect yourself from it.
1. Add Microwave Shielding
You can use certain absorbing materials for microwave shielding to create a cover over the already existing outer shell.
EMF Paints: Painting the enclosure that holds the microwave oven does the job. To find out how EMF paint works, read our article on EMF Shielding Paint. We like Yshield or Woremor EMF Paint, but there are many more brands in the article we reviewed. Pick your favorite.
EMF protection fabric: EMF paints are restricted to only five sides of the oven; the door cannot be covered. With Faraday fabrics, you can cover it all. Add layers of EMF protection fabric made of copper, zinc, nickel, or any other absorbent material, and tape with copper foil tape. You can even make a slidable screen out of the EMF fabric for the front door. Amradield Copper Fabric is one of the best.
Copper provides excellent protection against radio frequency because it possesses the ability to absorb electromagnetic microwave radiation, as well as magnetic energy and radiofrequency radiation. Moreover, copper can be very effective at absorbing electromagnetic and magnetic waves.
We also like Armshield Faraday Fabric and TitanRF Faraday Fabric, a military-grade EMF material used by the army for communications.
2. Placing the microwave oven in the right place
The first thing you think about is where to place your microwave oven. It needs to be easy to access and have enough space for you to be able to shield it.
Next, think about the proximity and frequency of people getting close to it daily. Remember that microwaves can penetrate through the wall and reach people on the other side.
Place it further away from frequently used rooms in your home or delicate things, for example, that corner of the kitchen that has a garden on the other side of the wall.
3. Keep distance between you and your microwave
When it comes to living with a microwave, it is advisable not to get too close during the microwave operation and not touch the microwave. Try to leave at least five feet between where you are standing and the oven. 
At home, we created a microwave shield: a rolling door in front of the microwave oven. We painted around it, including the inside of the door, with EMF Shielding Paint. That way, we can close the microwave door every time the oven is working and it minimizes radiation exposure.
If nothing seems to work, simply stay away from the microwave oven while it is operating.
Remember to install a power purifier to reduce the dirty electricity that most appliances generate. A microwave oven is not different.
4. Try to eat less food that requires a microwave oven
Most often, the food we microwave is processed or canned food that has a lot of preservatives. Generally, this food is not a healthy choice. While heating food in the microwave is convenient, try reducing the consumption of such food and eating more raw and natural products. This will be good for you in more than one way.
6. Open a window
Another small yet very efficient tip is to open the windows when you use a microwave at home.
Opening the window can actually improve air circulation and reduce the risk of radiation. A window opening allows harmful electromagnetic energy to escape from your home, so it reduces EMF exposure.
By opening a window while microwaving food, you can minimize any potential health risks. So next time, don’t forget to crack a window before hitting “start”!
7. If you are going to have a microwave, opt for a newer model
If you are going to have a microwave in your home, you may as well have one that is up-to-date. Older microwaves can be dangerous because they can leak radiation. A newer model will not only be safer for you and your family, but it will also work more efficiently. Just be sure to do your research before purchasing one so that you get the best model for your needs.
8. Test your microwave
It is important to understand that an EMF Meter can be used for measuring microwave radiation. When choosing an EMF detector, your first step should be to know how it works. If you need help, you can read our post on Best EMF Detectors in the market.
The TriFieldTF2 EMF meter is an excellent choice, as has a higher range and more features than other meters. It’s a bit more expensive, but you get what you pay for!
9. Use a microwave alternative
Sometimes, instead of using the microwave, I decide to use my conventional oven. I have gathered lots of recipes for different meals cooked in the conventional oven. Food takes longer than in a microwave, but it can be a healthier alternative.
Some people may decide to part ways with their microwaves. It’s not an easy decision to make when you have been using the appliance for most of your life. If you are feeling concerned about the EMF radiation from microwaves, however, there are many other ways to reduce your exposure without giving up this kitchen staple.
The Best Microwave Oven Brands
In any case, the difference between microwave ovens and other conventional ovens has not changed in years. Nearly every manufacturer has its devoted supporters and its fierce detractors. However, research by consumer reports and online reviews shows several top brands that can be safer than others.
Panasonic and Toshiba appear on the lists of the most popular microwave ovens, and we agree their microwave radiation protection is the best. Panasonic offers many types of ovens and Toshiba appears to focus exclusively on compact countertop microwaves.
These are our favorites:
1. Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor
The best countertop oven from Toshiba is the EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor. It has been a best seller for a long time and it has more than 38,000 positive reviews on Amazon and around the internet.
This microwave oven is the perfect solution to your kitchen needs while being safe from radiation. With a large digital display and easy-to-read control panel, this oven has 10 power settings, a clock, and a kitchen timer. It also features a pre-programmed sensor menu for optimum heating of popular foods like pizza, potatoes, veggies and more.
It comes with a black stainless steel exterior and 1100 watts of cooking power that provides even heat distribution throughout the interior.
2. Panasonic NN-SN686S with Inverter Technology
If you want a built-in instead, the Panasonic NN-SN686S with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor is a great option too.
This oven features a simple, compact design that can be placed on your counter or built into your cabinetry for an integrated look. It has Inverter Technology with turbo defrost. It is a perfect combination of style and performance. The stylish stainless steel exterior blends seamlessly into any kitchen decor, while the powerful 1200W microwave oven delivers 1.2 cubic foot capacity for the best cooking results.
The stainless steel interior wipes clean easily and is fingerprint resistant, making it easy to maintain a spotless appearance. This countertop microwave includes an electronic touch keypad that allows you to operate the unit with just a touch. It features a genius sensor, which adjusts power and times based on different foods, and a keep warm feature.
Final Thoughts on Microwave Oven Radiation Dangers
Although the jury is still out on the direct effects of microwaves on our health, it can’t hurt to reduce your exposure as much as possible. It might be a good idea to reduce your exposure by removing them from your kitchen. If you’re concerned about EMF radiation and want to get started reducing your exposure, I’d recommend looking at ways to minimize long-term exposure.
In some cases, you don’t need a microwave, there are many other ways to heat up food, and there are plenty of healthy recipes that don’t require one.
But if you really miss having a microwave in your life, you love the speed and convenience of getting your food done easily, there are some great models available on the market that are made to especially avoid radiation from escaping and with extra radiation protection features.
If we all work together to spread awareness about the dangers of EMFs, maybe we can start making some changes in our society that will ensure a safer future for ourselves and our children.
