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The many faces of the microwave: cooks, radiates ... myths

 


The article discusses the design of the microwave oven and the mechanisms of heating food. The complete inconsistency of rumors about the harmful effects of microwaves on humans and products is shown.

The many faces of the microwave: cooks, radiates ... mythsMicrowave ovens, or microwaves, quickly entered our everyday life. The hostesses quickly appreciated their convenience - a few tens of seconds, and warmed dishes can be served on the table. Culinary recipes, and even books focused on the use of a microwave oven, have become an exchange currency among home-cooks.

Immediately there were rumors about the extreme harmfulness of microwave ovens for food and housewives. The remedy was found almost immediately: “tested” on computer and TV monitors, cacti and other spiny representatives of the home flora migrated to the kitchens, protecting their housewives from the harmful effects of the new “miracle” of household electrical appliances.

Repeated assurances of manufacturers and experts about the complete safety of such products could not convince the fair sex, on whose shoulders lies the burden of providing the family with delicious food. There is no trust for husbands. Especially goes to those whose profession is related to electricity or technology.

After listening to the assurances of the complete harmlessness of the microwave, you are told in response that your girlfriend (option: friend of a friend) was read, or they were secretly told the shocking details of the harmful effects of the stove on a person or food.

It is useless to appeal to common sense and the opinion of official bodies in such cases. Common sense (not to be confused with practicality) is rarely present among our chosen ones. Apparently, when choosing a life partner, as a young man, this feature did not appear on the list of priority ones. Still, we will try to make an attempt to deal with the harmfulness of microwaves and, at the same time, check the truth of the proverb about smoke without fire.

microwaveThe design and layout of the microwave is quite simple, which cannot be said about the mechanisms of propagation of microwave oscillations and their absorption by food.

The furnace consists of a high-voltage power source (transformer) and a magnetron - a generator of high-frequency oscillations. It is difficult to coordinate the magnetron radiation directly with the furnace volume; therefore, the oscillations of the generator are brought to the working volume of the furnace using a waveguide.

The purpose of the remaining elements for the topic of our conversation is not so important: this is a protective limit switch for locking the door, magnetron cooling fans, a mechanical or electronic timer, and a microwave power regulator. Furnaces operate at a frequency of 2450 MHz so as not to be aware of interference in the ranges of location stations and communication channels.

During the operation of the microwave oven, the oscillations are distributed unevenly throughout the volume; the heated products also have a complex shape. For uniform power take-off from the microwave path, a rotary platform is used in the furnaces, which is rotated by the engine.

Now let's see what are the chances of microwave radiation to leave the limits of the microwave. The furnace body is made of sheet metal coated with enamel (expensive models) or paint (budget stoves).

In the internal volume of the furnace, radiation propagates throughout the space in contact with the metal walls. In this case, eddy currents (Foucault) are induced in a thin layer of metal (less than 10 microns), which displace radiation from the metal volume. This phenomenon, known in radio engineering, is called the skin effect. Due to the skin effect, radiation has practically no chance to leave the furnace.

The front door is often made of heat-resistant glass, having: either a metal protective net, or a translucent conductive coating. Therefore, microwave radiation will also not be able to penetrate through the front door.

International sanitary standards for household high-frequency products are very stringent. The power of microwave radiation at a distance of 5 cm from the surface of furnaces should not exceed 5 milliwatts. Almost all high-frequency household products, including the cheapest, easily fit into this requirement.

Now about the dangers of food cooked in the microwave. The energy selection of high-frequency oscillations and their conversion into heat occurs in two ways. The first is the eddy currents and skin effect already mentioned above. Those products that contain a lot of water have a fairly high conductivity. The resulting eddy currents heat the food. But the penetration depth of microwave oscillations is limited to 5-15 mm. Deeper heating is due to conventional heat transfer.

microwaveAnother mechanism is molecular heating. Many substances have a dipole moment (asymmetry of molecules). Amino acids, fats, proteins, and especially water, have a dipole molecular structure. Under the influence of external high frequency electromagnetic radiation, dipole molecules begin to move with a frequency of 2450 MHz, scattering field energy in the form of heat. But no destruction or splitting of the molecules occurs!

Therefore, horror stories about the dangers of cancer due to the appearance of active radicals (debris) of food molecules do not have the slightest foundation. Nutritionists, on the contrary, make a conclusion about the usefulness of cooking using microwave ovens. By taste and the amount of stored nutrients and vitamins, it is similar to steamed food.

So microwave ovens are completely safe to use? Of course not! They are dangerous, like any electrical appliance. Standard warnings for using microwave ovens are usually provided in the operating instructions. I would like to draw attention to only one feature that mistresses often neglect.

In no case should microwave ovens be turned on empty, or to heat food weighing less than 200-300 grams. In such cases, the life of the magnetron (the most expensive part of the stove) is sharply reduced. Manufacturers often stick an inscription on the stove: "Do not drive empty!" But, unfortunately, in English, therefore it is ignored. Otherwise, ovens are no more dangerous than conventional cooking devices. In conclusion, you enjoy your meal, and men - success on the thorny path of enlightening friends!

See also at bgv.electricianexp.com:

  • A microwave does not heat food - the causes of a malfunction of microwave ovens with mechanical ...
  • Why does the microwave crack and spark
  • How does electromagnetic radiation of electrical appliances affect a person?
  • What is a Faraday cage?
  • Indigirka - a wood-burning electric generator or a new Russian stove

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    Comments:

    # 1 wrote: | [quote]

     
     

    It seems to me that everything that is written here about the harmlessness of microwaves applies only to new microwaves, and if it has been working for some time, then its safety will be much lower, since the same door can be tightly closed. And for electromagnetic radiation, even small leaks are the way to freedom. Still, a microwave is a serious source of electromagnetic radiation and you need to be careful with it. I checked my old microwave - put a mobile phone there and dialed his number, while, as if nothing had happened, the call went. In theory, with high-quality protection against electromagnetic radiation, a telephone in a microwave should not receive a signal. And this means that old microwave ovens are still dangerous in operation.

     
    Comments:

    # 2 wrote: vik | [quote]

     
     

    yeah, the second picture is not microwave!

     
    Comments:

    # 3 wrote: wowek (R) | [quote]

     
     

    Vik, rather, the first picture is not microwave. This does not change the essence of the article, thanks to the author.
    Veronica, you did not carefully read the article, re-read it again.

    I apologize and repent, really on the second.

     
    Comments:

    # 4 wrote: Dmitriy | [quote]

     
     

    No one has studied the effect of radiation at the level of the subtle body, nothing is known about this to science, therefore its opinion cannot be trusted, it does not reflect the truth. The knowledge of modern materialistic science is very limited, even much more limited than available.

    Better to stay away from this, the habit is a huge force. Cook on gas / electricity, in Russia it is available. I don’t use an electric kettle because of habit, it’s easier on gas (and cheaper). And this kitchen utensil does not take up space on the table.
    The simpler - the healthier, more peaceful and more satisfied your life will be :)

     
    Comments:

    # 5 wrote: Anatoly | [quote]

     
     

    These are your subtle bodies ... Chimera ...
    In any case, the microwave is based on more than 100 years of the known laws of physics. Besides ... do you use a mobile phone? And how do subtle bodies interfere? But he radiates in an obvious way, and near yours is not at all thin, but himself, which is not a real body!
    Anyway, we live in so many electromagnetic fields that it is simply useless to discuss this topic! "Radiates" any electric radio device, and even an ordinary power supply network. Go into the empty room with the appliances turned off, and put your finger on the oscilloscope ... See the sickly sinusoids on the screen!
    A trolley bus, a tram, a subway car or electric train, an elevator are equipped with electric motors that tumble down with powerful sources of electromagnetic fields. So your comment is meaningless ...

     
    Comments:

    # 6 wrote: coil | [quote]

     
     

    Veronica,
    This is an old myth about the phone. The microwave is protected from the exit of the waves, not from the entrance. Therefore, the phone will ring, in the new, in the old microwave.

     
    Comments:

    # 7 wrote: Igor | [quote]

     
     

    For the phone to ring, the radio waves must travel in both directions !.
    Another thing is that the frequency of the waves at the phone and the microwave is very different (about 3 times), and the seal is designed for a certain frequency. In addition, the sensitivity of the phone is very high, because it receives a signal several kilometers from the base!
    But in any case, you need to monitor that. so that the door does not hang and the sealing surface is clean.

     
    Comments:

    # 8 wrote: | [quote]

     
     

    Try it - point the turned-on car radar detector to a working microwave oven - and see how it whistles from the stove. The case may not let microwave radiation pass through, but through the glass, even metallized, it WILL PASS anyway !!! Of course, it is now difficult to refuse to use this convenient kitchen device, but (for your own safety) it is better to leave the room with a working microwave oven !!!

     
    Comments:

    # 9 wrote: Novel | [quote]

     
     

    I am also an opponent of microwaves.

    The point is not only in "thin matter", but much more proven things. Water, which microwaves so hard "blow" during exposure, is precisely the source of the negative.

    For comparison - boil the same water for tea on gas and in the microwave, and then try - the difference is huge. After the microwave, the taste of water is "cotton".

    Apparently because water has a structural memory.

    And of course, water is found in all heated foods.

     
    Comments:

    # 10 wrote: | [quote]

     
     

    The article says that the food from the microwave is the same. Anyone who used the microwave knows that this is not so. Food becomes as if "dry" or something. I threw my stove in a long time shorter.

     
    Comments:

    # 11 wrote: Shurochka | [quote]

     
     

    very relevant article.
    Now there really is a lot of controversy and talk about this topic: harmful or useful, dangerous or not. I think everyone at least once, but talked about it.
    everything is written clearly and accessible in the article and it is directly believed that the use of microwaves is safe. only some comments confuse.
    I know one thing for sure. A microwave is very convenient!

     
    Comments:

    # 12 wrote: | [quote]

     
     

    Veronica,
    the radiation frequencies of the mobile phone and the microwave are different, therefore, protection is tuned to different frequencies.

    I checked my “old” (8 years old) microwave for electric and magnetic field strengths, and also for electromagnetic radiation. I did not find any "leakage" of the / / m waves.

    It is simply advisable not to come closer to 1-2 meters when the furnace is running, since the electric field is already "observed".

    Novel,
    water remembers everything you did to her. She will surely take revenge. Such is the law of karma.

     
    Comments:

    # 13 wrote: | [quote]

     
     

    the radiation frequencies of the mobile phone and the microwave are different, therefore, protection is tuned to different frequencies.

    What microwave protection setting are you talking about? Sheet metal implies shielding from both 2.4 GHz and 800/900/1800/1900. If the signal passes, then the screen does not work. Try not plugging into a Soviet power outlet, but into a grounded power outlet. It should help, although the doors still remain a weak point. For a long time it’s time to stuff the cameras inside and through them to observe the process.

     
    Comments:

    # 14 wrote: | [quote]

     
     

    And about 900 years ago, people ate raw meat, so you can’t bother with gas, but it’s cheaper ... wink

    That's just with current diseases from such meat, you definitely will not increase your health ... sad

     
    Comments:

    # 15 wrote: Elena | [quote]

     
     

    In my opinion, in the modern world a lot of objects, equipment create certain types of impact, the usefulness and harmfulness of which at the level of modern science is 100% difficult to evaluate. For example, exhaust gases, but no one refuses cars. Here you just have to choose using common sense. For example, I mess in the kitchen, and even with a gas stove, a hundred pounds more harmful than the type of radiation that can, in principle, come from a microwave, which does not require almost any cooking effort. And someone will go to the taiga and will conduct subsistence farming so that it is more useful. If someone wants to extend his life for several years, filled with routine labor, he can refuse to use “suspicious” devices that allow spending time more interesting than with a gas stove, however, no one will guarantee life extension.

    The site is very interesting, many thanks to the author!

     
    Comments:

    # 16 wrote: | [quote]

     
     

    As for the article, about what is written here, that doesn’t harm health, etc. nonsense, although scientists have not yet proved that it is harmful, but from personal experience I can say about the uselessness of the device.
    1. eats a lot, but a small coefficient.
    2. the food still doesn’t evenly heat up, (example: I broke 2 egg yolks on a plate, I wanted to make fried eggs, which I got in the end: the center remained cold, but it’s ready at the edges). Also with cutlets.
    3. Destroys the molecular structure of food and water. (Example: 1 water from a teapot, dr. From a microwave, and so that from a microwave, the flower is bent and almost died)
    And the one from the teapot, unchanged.
    So draw conclusions, and I also had a dream like a nightmare, but now I stopped using it after such minuses, I even stopped using cooked food in it, not only am I allergic to foods other than buckwheat and cabbage, but there it is.
    Oh her, I hope I get a wife who is just about the health of relatives will be very concerned.
    P.s ilyax2

     
    Comments:

    # 17 wrote: George | [quote]

     
     

    I read the other day that if you use a microwave to warm up and not stick out in front of it during work, then you can live with it)))
    And so I wish everyone health and not to keep the mobile in your pocket, the frequencies are the same)

     
    Comments:

    # 18 wrote: Kostya | [quote]

     
     

    To evenly warm up, you need to set less power, and longer operation time, and you will be happy! )

     
    Comments:

    # 19 wrote: | [quote]

     
     

    vik,

    yeah, the second picture is not microwave!

    wowek (R),

     Vik,rather, the first picture is not microwave. This does not change the essence of the article, thanks to the author.

    Veronica, you did not carefully read the article, re-read it again.

    I apologize and repent, really on the second.

    Guys, how did you find out that on the second, and not on the first, there is nothing to parse there ?!

     
    Comments:

    # 20 wrote: | [quote]

     
     

    Are there any restrictions on the use of utensils for microwaves? I mean, so as not to damage the magnetron. I know that it is impossible to use metal, or metal elements on products (golden borders on plates ...). But what about ceramics (plates, cups ...), plastic? It is alarming that in some shops there are symbols with the image of a microwave on the goods that permit use, but on most such dishes there is no information. Or it’s purely practical - the house is full of dishes and you don’t know whether it is possible to heat cooled tea, soup, etc.

     
    Comments:

    # 21 wrote: | [quote]

     
     

    I’m funny about you, you can move away from the microwave, at least for a parsec, but what about the product that you make a deadly substance. Did you study at school? Can you remember what a simple electromagnet does with sawdust of iron? Well you are so naive! Read the information about what metal crystals in heated products do with the bio-cell of this product when it is exposed to a high frequency electromagnetic field. It just tears it to shreds, as a result, you get not hot food, but another, large portion of free radicals, and these are oncological diseases (malignant tumors, cancer ...)! Yes, at the expense of cell phones: children, and not only talking on a cell phone, keep it near the head, the radiation of which also breaks the nerve connections of the brain. Have you ever wondered why they are dull before our eyes? You are smart people, I hope!

     
    Comments:

    # 22 wrote: Lech | [quote]

     
     

    Dear, that’s all at school, I hope who spoke out, studied! Yes, what’s the conclusion from your (smart) reasoning? Yes, radiation, radicals of substances, crystals, tumors, etc. etc. Practically more than half of your “scientific” explanation is TRUE! Well, what conclusion? To everyone (by the way, you didn’t write what you did with THESE harmful devices !?) Throw everything into a bag and - TO TAIGA, into its natural habitat? Personally, I am a little confused by such a prospect, you just have to think with those brains in which the neural connections were not broken (unless of course they were!). You don’t use this terrible microwave clock, don’t stand near it (working like a steelmaker at a blast furnace ... I’ll bring a conversation with a radiologist friend: I: Volodya, here you have been with an x-ray all your life, it’s deadly! You’re not afraid ahead of time ... HE: Mikhalych, x-rays ... like vodka, in small quantities ... even useful! So, if you remove the elements of humor and, a little bit, cunning, then TRUE-HERE!

     
    Comments:

    # 23 wrote: torry | [quote]

     
     

    ... "Into the taiga" ... this is not an option, but an option: the use of alternative heating methods (electric stove, gas ...), of course in a quick way, you can go into the microwave for a minute, I'm not talking about that, but about what people see in the dangers of microwave radiation. And here are the doors, the glass ... Is it really not clear what I'm talking about the complex harm of this radiation. Read the discussion from the start, as smart people write! ... or do they think so !? Spend a couple of experiments: put paraffin on a blank sheet of paper, try to melt it in the microwave; try to heat distilled water in a paper cup and glass, then try to explain it. And why do you think the side dish and patty on a plastic plate sometimes differ in the degree of heating?

     
    Comments:

    # 24 wrote: Olga | [quote]

     
     

    Does the author have a restrained pride? Hatred of women? Little h ***? Frigidity? Because of the microwave?
    The percentage of men squealing that the microwave is much more harmful than women.
    And instead of giving facts and figures about the microwave as an example, the author focused on the fact that all the women are fools. The logic is iron ...

     
    Comments:

    # 25 wrote: | [quote]

     
     

    Question: How does the presence of whole or torn cells of the same tomato in food affect my health? As far as I know, I myself destroy these same cells with my teeth, but there’s no molecule ...And my body has not yet learned how to integrate whole cells into itself, more and more in the old fashion, it feeds on substances!
    Different materials are heated in the microwave in different ways (compare how quickly the cutlet and soup heat up at the same power and cooking time) including dishes (paper does not easily pass radiation through itself like glass). This can be compared to how black and white pieces of paper are heated in the sun ...

    P.S .: In general, harmfulness is the engine of evolution!

     
    Comments:

    # 26 wrote: Kohl | [quote]

     
     

    torryfrom where in the heated products crystals metals? Are you adding iron filings there? And the fact that the microwave oven destroys the molecules of proteins and cells, everything was absolutely rightly noticed here. But in the same way, they also break down when heated on a gas stove, and what happens to them in the stomach in a solution of hydrochloric acid is scary to think ...

     
    Comments:

    # 27 wrote: torry | [quote]

     
     

    Kohi, sometimes doctors recommend more “leaning” on products containing iron, magnesium, potassium, for example ... you don’t have to be ignorant. At the expense of paper: it transmits radiation more easily than glass with lead content, which allows the product to warm up faster.