The microwave oven is one of the most popular household appliances in recent years and its use is becoming more widespread. This is due, above all, to the fact that it is very practical to heat up meals in a short time and even allows you to prepare specific products that would otherwise take longer to be ready.
However, using it properly is key to avoiding health complications. To begin with, it must be said that they work from microwave radiation, which are electromagnetic waves that are transmitted to food to increase its temperature in short periods. They are known because they have a fairly high frequency.
They are not only used in ovens, but can also be used in other devices such as satellites, radars, and even in the weapons industry..
According to a guide prepared by the California Childcare Health Program, promoted by the University of California in San Francisco, Microwave radiation can cause multiple health effects, such as the appearance of cataracts in the eyes and sterility in men.
“However, proper use of a microwave oven in good condition will not cause any of these problems. More worrisome are problems related to uneven heating of food.”, says the pedagogical guide.
Among other things, that source cites risks such as burns that occur when people eat food that is too hot, are splashed with grease or are exposed to steam that is at high temperatures.
This is especially important in the case of babies who eat foods such as milk or drinks that have been boiled.
Likewise, it is essential to verify that food is well cooked before consuming it. The guide points out that among the most frequent risks is the “irregular heating of food that can leave ‘uncooked zones’ and where bacteria dangerous to health could survive and cause illnesses that are transmitted by food”.
Likewise, it is possible that people use plastic containers that are not really suitable to be left in microwave ovens and, therefore, can release dangerous chemical substances that contaminate food and are toxic to the body.
It is crucial to know that the microwaves produced by these appliances have the ability to penetrate food and cause it to heat up. However, There are some materials that generate a rebound effect in these microwaves, such as aluminum or different types of metal. This can cause serious damage to electrical appliances.
“There is no evidence that microwave cooking decreases the nutritional value of food more than conventional cooking. In fact, Food prepared in the microwave oven preserves vitamins and minerals better because they cook more quickly and without adding water”says the guide from the University of Chicago.
Useful tips when using a microwave oven
The California Childcare Health Program notes that there are some recommendations that people can follow to mitigate the risks involved in using microwave ovens and that may help them get the most out of them.
One of the most important measures is to carefully follow the instructions that are included with the appliance and are carefully written by the manufacturers.
“Do not use the oven if the door does not close properly, is bent, deformed or damaged. Do not allow anyone to stand directly in front of a microwave oven when it is in operation, ”says the educational guide.
It is essential to only use containers that are recommended for storing food in microwave ovens, because if they are not designed for that purpose they can melt or be damaged. And it is advised that trays and plates of meals that are made to be prepared in the microwave oven be used only once.
“If you use plastic wrap, do not put it in direct contact with food. Do not heat bottles and baby food in the microwave oven. Instead, use warm tap water,” the guide warns.