Hi Suzanne - welcome to EcoHuddle. About the microwave issue - microwaves, in the far away past did let off a larger amount of waves, but in recent years the
FDA has set regulations for microwave ovens and while the FDA of course is not perfect, most studies; if you look up recent scientific studies, show that microwaves are pretty safe.
The FDA notes...
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At one time there was concern that leakage from microwave ovens could interfere with certain electronic cardiac pacemakers. Similar concerns were raised about pacemaker interference from electric shavers, auto ignition systems, and other electronic products. FDA does not specifically require microwave ovens to carry warnings for people with pacemakers. The problem has been largely resolved because pacemakers are now designed to be shielded against such electrical interference.
They also state...
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There is little cause for concern about excess microwaves leaking from ovens unless the door hinges, latch, or seals are damaged. In FDA's experience, most ovens tested show little or no detectable microwave leakage. If there is some problem and you believe your oven might be leaking excessive microwaves, contact the oven manufacturer, a microwave oven service organization, your state health department, or the nearest FDA office.
OSHA also has an entire section dedicated to microwave safety noting that old or faulty door seals are the most common causes of microwave radiation leakage. But they also say,
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Theoretically, there will be small amounts of leakage through the viewing glass but measurements have shown this to be insignificant.
I think in the past, at some point the whole microwaves can kill you issue became somewhat of an urban legend, but in reality microwaves have been greatly improved over the years and are now consider safe by a mass majority of health organizations.
CCOHS notes that:
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Microwave oven users are often concerned about potential health hazards from the exposure to microwave radiation leakage. With the latest technological advances in door seal design and with proper maintenance, microwave oven leakage has been greatly minimized or eliminated. ...A large amount of literature has been published on the biological effects of microwave radiation. Generally speaking, exposure to very high levels of microwave radiation can result in significant amounts of energy being absorbed by the body. Just as with food, this energy is transformed into heat in the body. Sensitive body parts, such as the eyes, testes and brain, are not able to get rid of the extra heat that may build up. However, the situations where effects of thermal (heat) damage has actually occurred to the eye or brain required long term exposure to very high power densities well in excess of those measured around microwave ovens.
Overall, older microwaves that aren't in top notch condition may pose a small risk, but almost no one buys a microwave built 20 years ago I'd wager. Also newer models are more energy efficient so you should go newer anyhow. As for dishes in the microwave, the whole don't microwave plastic issue may have come up due to an
email scam. Although to be honest, until we know more about BPA (for real) and other stuff that could be let off from plastic when you heat it, I personally avoid microwaving plastics. Although, my thinking is two-fold. Plastics are made with non-renewable resources, so why use plastic anyhow when you can use glass in the microwave. That covers you whether or not you believe plastic lets off harmful gasses when heated.
