Microwaves: Are They Dangerous?

LESLIE: Alright. Now we have Amanda in Tennessee who’s got a question about microwaves. What can we do for you?

AMANDA: Well, I’d always heard the rumor that if you stand too close to a microwave it’s bad for you while it’s running.

TOM: Hmm. And you’re wondering if it’s true and you think we know the answer? (chuckling)

LESLIE: Well, I know it’s bad to carve your mom’s name into it and then blame your mom because I did that when I was a kid. (Amanda chuckles) I scratched in “Mom” with one of the house keys and when somebody – namely my Dad – walked by and said, “Who did this?!” and I said, “It says ‘Mom.'” And he’s like, “If it was Mom she would write ‘Pauline’.” I was like ugh.

TOM: Aw, busted. (Tom chuckles)

LESLIE: Busted.

TOM: Well Amanda, the truth is that it really is not unsafe to be close to the microwave oven. I mean these things are all tested and certified so that there’s no microwave leakage. In fact, the FDA is aware of the fact that there are rumors(Leslie chuckles) that there could be allegations of radiation injury from microwave ovens, but according to the FDA there’s actually never been one actually proven. The injuries from microwave ovens that they found are the same injuries that you would have with any other cooking surface like hot food and splatters and stuff like that. So, technically, you can’t get hurt and you can’t get radiated by standing too close to the oven but my question is why would you want to. You know? I mean it’s a watched-pot-never-boils. Don’t stare at the food while it’s cooking. Just walk away and come back when it’s done.