3 like 0 dislike
in General Factchecking by Newbie (340 points)
Microwaves do not cause cancer because the radiation they emit is non-ionizing meaning it is not strong enough to damage any cells or DNA. An example of ionizing radiation that does cause cancer would be an X-ray such as the ones used at the doctors office. There is not much information, but there is ongoing research regarding the potential health risks caused by the radiation emitted from microwave use
by Newbie (230 points)
0 0
I agree with your claim, but I'm interested to see if non-ionizing radiation can't "damage" cells is there some other side effect or change that takes place due to exposure?

12 Answers

0 like 0 dislike
ago by (140 points)

"Microwaves causes cancer'' actually this is false and FDA says otherwise.The FDA stated that microwaves produce non ionizing radiation, which means they don't have the same effects as x rays or any other types of ionizing radiation. Also the microwave is covered up and traps all the radiation in, but be careful because high temperatures or high levels can cause serious damage to the skin. 

https://www.fda.gov › radiation-emitting-products › micr...

False
0 like 0 dislike
ago by Newbie (300 points)

According to the American Oncology Institute, Microwaves produce radiation which then makes molecules of water wobble and make heat and is great for heating up food rapidly. It's a proven myth that being close to a microwave will give someone radiation with new microwaves specifically being made to hold the radiation inside the microwave. Public data does not show any connection to microwaves causing cancer.

 Willis-Knighton Health argues Microwaves heat food through radio frequency radiation The radiation microwaves emit is a low-level radiation not linked to DNA damage at all. Gamma rays and UV radiation can cause DNA damage because they give off a high level of radiation. In the scenario that one was very close to the RF radiation of a microwave, it may result in some burn but no damage to DNA.

Sources:

https://www.wkhs.com/cancer/education-resources/cancer-center-health-library/medical-procedures-tests/can-i-get-cancer-from-my-microwave-oven

https://www.americanoncology.com/blogs/do-microwave-ovens-cause-cancer-unveiling-facts-and-busting-myths

False

Community Rules


• Be respectful
• Always list your sources and include links so readers can check them for themselves.
• Use primary sources when you can, and only go to credible secondary sources if necessary.
• Try to rely on more than one source, especially for big claims.
• Point out if sources you quote have interests that could affect how accurate their evidence is.
• Watch for bias in sources and let readers know if you find anything that might influence their perspective.
• Show all the important evidence, whether it supports or goes against the claim.
...