Take the 1:5:10:365 challenge: Do one thing – for 5 to 10 minutes – 365 days a year to make our home and planet environment better.
1:5:10:358 EcoTip: If you use a microwave oven, it is prudent to keep your distance and only use an oven that is properly operating. A number of microwave leak testers are available that can be used to provide a rough approximation of whether an oven is leaking or not.
Professional Equipment Microwave Leak Detector
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Additional Information:
Suggested Review:
A Federal standard limits the amount of microwaves that can leak from a microwave oven. New ovens may not leak in excess of 1 mW cm–2at 5 cm and once placed in service may not leak microwave radiation in exceeding 5 mW cm–2 at 5 cm from the oven surface. The radiation level falls off quickly with distance, so staying 20 inches from an operating oven would reduce exposure 100 fold.
Interestingly enough – some European countries have safety standards that require workers wear safety goggles if exposed to microwave levels in excess of 1 mW cm–2 and some studies suggest that these low levels of radiation exposure can cause cataracts with cumulative exposure.
If your going to use them – it seems prudent to step away from the oven, and don’t let the kids watch the food cook.
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