Microwaves are a type of ” electromagnetic” radiation which means the waves of electrical and magnetic energy are moving through space together. Microwaves are different from radio waves and X-rays. X-rays are ionizing radiation which means that they can alter atoms and molecules and damage cells. Ionizing radiation is harmful to your body but the non -ionizing radiation used by microwaves isn’t harmful.

Microwaves are non-ionizing radiation, so they do not have the same risks as x-rays or other types of ionizing radiation.

 Exposure to high levels of microwaves can cause skin burns or cataracts.

Microwave ovens are different from conventional ovens and toaster ovens because of their rapid heating ability . Within the oven, microwave radiation heats the outside layer of the food, and the inside is cooked from the conduction of heat from the outside.

Though your food absorbs the microwave energy, it doesn’t make it ” radioactive” or ” contaminated”. Microwave radiation can’t alter the chemical makeup of your food.

Microwave oven radiation doesn’t cause cancer, and there has been no conclusive evidence linking the two. The non-ionizing radiation from microwaves is only produced when the microwave is on and cooking.

Microwaves are built so that electromagnetic radiation doesn’t escape the oven. But you should inspect your microwave in case it is broken or altered. You should not stand in front of or up against your microwave oven while it is turned on.