True or false: The top three myths about microwaves

There have been many myths surrounding microwaves since their introduction, with many questions raised about the impact radiation might have on our health. Though, just how true are these rumours?

The experts at House Call Doctor have put together three common myths about microwaves and given you all the facts you need to know.

1. Microwaves give you cancer

Quite possibly the most common question regarding microwaves is this one – do microwaves give you cancer? The short answer to this question is no. This is because microwaves work by using radiofrequency radiation, which is at the low-energy end of the spectrum.

This radiation is safely contained within the microwave and does not produce x-rays or gamma rays so, according to the American Cancer Society, the worst damage you can get from the radiation of a microwave is a burn on your skin. Even then, the burn would only happen if the microwave was damaged and not in its proper condition.

2. Microwaved foods are dangerous

Again, another myth is that some people believe foods heated in a microwave may contain radiation. Microwaving food does not make it radioactive. As microwaves are electromagnetic and not radioactive, there is no possible way for microwaved food to become radioactive.

3. Microwaving food will destroy the nutrients

While this myth is not exactly wrong, it is also not completely correct. Some nutrients in food break down when exposed to any sort of heat, but this isn’t limited to microwaves (the same thing occurs when boiling food in hot water, for example). In fact, according to Harvard Medical School, microwaving foods preserves more nutrients than alternative cooking methods such as baking or boiling.