• Microwave rays can escape through worn door seals and loose locking mechanisms.microwave image by Adrian Hillman from Fotolia.com
  
  The time-saving features provided by microwave ovens reduce cooking times significantly and make for a convenient process overall. But these benefits do not come without a few potential health risks. Safety issues surrounding microwave oven use focus on faulty door seal mechanisms and older heating components.
  
  

Radiation Leaks

• The energy produced by microwave ovens consists of radiation waves that heat up the water molecules inside food. These molecules produce the heating effect that actually cooks the food from the inside out. According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, oven designs work to concentrate microwave energy inside the cooking compartment, but minimal amounts of radiation can leak through the viewing glass.
  
  Oven compartments have a seal the runs around the perimeter of the door and an interlocking door mechanism. When seals become worn or dirty, radiation leaks can occur. Over time, the door's interlocking mechanism also can weaken, which lessens the effectiveness of the seal.
  
  

Physical Effects

• According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, microwave radiation can produce thermal and non-thermal effects in the body. Thermal effects resemble those that occur when cooking food. Water molecules beneath the skin can heat up and warm the surrounding cells and tissues; however, high amounts of radiation must be present in order for this to occur. Certain areas of the body, such as the eyes, brain and testes tend to hold onto heat longer, which can result in heat build-up within these areas.
  
  Non-thermal physical effects appear as alterations in central nervous system function. Symptoms experienced may include eyestrain, headaches, sleep disturbances and overall body fatigue. These effects can develop from prolonged exposures to microwave energy and can develop into chronic conditions. As of yet, no scientific evidence has linked microwave oven use with adverse physical effects in the body.
  
  

Safety Issues

• Safety issues surrounding microwave rays have to do with the overall upkeep of an oven and ongoing usage, according to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. Since any food contained inside an oven acts as the target for microwave rays, only operate an oven when cooking food to avoid damage to heating components. As minimal radiation leaks can move through the glass viewing area, maintaining a certain distance when checking on food can prevent possible eye exposures to radiation. Regular cleaning of door mechanisms and door jams helps to maintain door seals and locks. Periodic inspections of oven seals and door locks can help in spotting potential radiation leaks.