Am I getting zapped with microwave radiation?

Question

Someone gave me an old microwave at work. Whenever I run it, it completely wipes out the signal between my XM satellite radio receiver and my FM radio tuner, which I use to play the satellite radio music on. Is this a hazard to me?

Answer 1

Possibly. Old microwaves may have leaky or damaged RF seals, or the door is no longer trued to the chassis.

But, the oven could also be dumping a lot of AC noise into the power lines.

Answer 2

The only way to know if you are getting zapped is to pay someone to bring in an instrument to measure the amount of microwave energy leaking from the oven.
However, considering that a microwave oven can cook a slab of meat from room temperature to 200 degrees in a matter of two minutes, you might want to ask yourself "Do I want this thing leaking electro-magnetic energy that could penetrate my flesh, central nervous system, and ovaries?

Answer 3

A genetics professor told us the quick 'n dirty way to check if your microwave seal is leaking; put two or more sheets of paper and shut the door, if you can pull them out easily the seal is compromised.

Whether or not this is hazardous appears to be in question, but I guess I try to minimize my hazard exposure being a female of child-bearing age - better to be safe than sorry.

Answer 4

Hazardous to you, no.

But if you're spraying out on different frequencies (microwave is at 2.4GHz, but FM is at 95MHz), you could be interfering other radio broadcasts, and that's when the FCC starts paying attention.

Answer 5

well, the wavelenghts are so different, that it seems impossible to imagine that microwaves would interfere with radio receivers of any kind.

but i guess that some component in the mechanism that produces the microwaves, may be breaking down and generating EM waves of frequencies close to those of one of your radios

so i wouldn't worry about my health.

Answer 6

A normal, working microwave emits microwave radiation, but it is such a small amount that it will not hurt you. Even an old, malfunctioning microwave is unlikely to affect you.

Answer 7

Less is known about what happens to people exposed to low levels of microwaves. Controlled, long-term studies involving large numbers of people have not been conducted to assess the impact of low level microwave energy on humans. Much research has been done with experimental animals, but it is difficult to translate the effects of microwaves on animals to possible effects on humans. For one thing, there are differences in the way animals and humans absorb microwaves. For another, experimental conditions can't exactly simulate the conditions under which people use microwave ovens. However, these studies do help us better understand the possible effects of radiation.

The fact that many scientific questions about exposure to low-levels of microwaves are not yet answered require FDA to continue to enforcement of radiation protection requirements. Consumers to take certain common sense precautions.

Have Radiation Injuries Resulted from Microwave Ovens?
There have been allegations of radiation injury from microwave ovens, but none as a direct result of microwave exposure. The injuries known to FDA have been injuries that could have happened with any oven or cooking surface. For example, many people have been burned by the hot food, splattering grease, or steam from food cooked in a microwave oven.

Ovens and Pacemakers
At one time there was concern that leakage from microwave ovens could interfere with certain electronic cardiac pacemakers. Similar concerns were raised about pacemaker interference from electric shavers, auto ignition systems, and other electronic products. FDA does not specifically require microwave ovens to carry warnings for people with pacemakers. The problem has been largely resolved because pacemakers are now designed to be shielded against such electrical interference. However, patients with pacemakers may wish to consult their physicians if they have concerns.

Checking Ovens For Leakage
There is little cause for concern about excess microwaves leaking from ovens unless the door hinges, latch, or seals are damaged. In FDA's experience, most ovens tested show little or no detectable microwave leakage. If there is some problem and you believe your oven might be leaking excessive microwaves, contact the oven manufacturer, a microwave oven service organization, your state health department, or the nearest FDA office.

A word of caution about the microwave testing devices being sold to consumers: FDA has tested a number of these devices and found them generally inaccurate and unreliable. If used, they should be relied on only for a very approximate reading. The sophisticated testing devices used by public health authorities to measure oven leakage are far more accurate and are periodically tested and calibrated.

Tips on Safe Microwave Oven Operation
Follow the manufacturer's instruction manual for recommended operating procedures and safety precautions for your oven model.
Don't operate an oven if the door does not close firmly or is bent, warped, or otherwise damaged.
Never operate an oven if you have reason to believe it will continue to operate with the door open.
As an added safety precaution, don't stand directly against an oven (and don't allow children to do this) for long periods of time while it is operating.
Users should not heat water or liquids in the microwave oven for excessive amounts of time.

Answer 8

As long as you don't have a pace maker I wouldn't worry about it.