Microwaves cause cancer

Question

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

Comments

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?

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This fact check is very concise, however, I think it would make it even better if you added cited quotations from the source you found! I think that it would further strengthen your point if you also had more than one source.

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Your claim and header do not line up, which can be misleading. The source provided is trustworthy and informative.

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The description of your fact check is accurate and summarized your source well, but it would be better and more concise if the title matches your claim. Your claim title seemed to be completely opposite from the source's main idea, since the fact is that "microwaves do not cause cancer because the radiation they emit is non-ionizing". The source is reliable, it's not only published from the National Library of Medicine, but also written by professionals in the health and science area relating to radiations.

Answer 1

Mixed accuracy. While it's true that microwaves use non-ionizing radiation, this somewhat oversimplifies the current scientific understanding. The 2011 study by Yakymenko et al. suggests that long-term exposure to microwave radiation may have more complex effects than previously thought. Their research indicates potential cellular changes through indirect mechanisms, even without direct DNA damage. The distinction between ionizing and non-ionizing radiation is valid, but it doesn't tell the complete story about potential biological effects. Current safety standards have focused mainly on immediate thermal effects, and there's ongoing research examining possible impacts of long-term, low-intensity exposure. While properly functioning microwave ovens are generally considered safe for everyday use, more research would help us better understand any potential health considerations.

Source: "Long-term exposure to microwave radiation provokes cancer growth: evidences from radars and mobile communication systems" (Yakymenko et al., 2011)

Answer 2

Microwaves themselves do not cause cancer because they use non-ionizing radiation, which doesn't damage DNA or make food radioactive. There are indeed some other concerns, such as using the wrong containers or overheating starchy food. This helps us understand that the microwaves are not dangerous when used properly, but if they are used in a way that they shouldn't be, then they can be very harmful.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/do-microwaves-cause-cancer-5077367

Answer 3

Microwaves don't directly cause cancer. according to https://www.americanoncology.com/blogs/do-microwave-ovens-cause-cancer-unveiling-facts-and-busting-myths its not based by any studies but does say that "Microwave ovens have been a prevalent kitchen appliance for decades, and if there were a significant risk of cancer from their usage, it would likely be reflected in public health data." This article highlights that microwaves give off radiation which can be a cause of cancer, but the amount that microwaves gives off is not very much and it won't effect you if your making some breakfast. Another article I looked at was https://www.verywellhealth.com/do-microwaves-cause-cancer-5077367  and it was very similar saying that there is not any strong evidence to prove this claim but it does say that certain plastics in the have radiation chemicals in them that could potentially cause cancer, but is not something that should stop you from buying a microwave. The last source I choose washttps://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/what-to-microwave-ovens-health, this article talked about the different types of radiation and said that the radiation that is produced from microwaves "isn’t harmful." All 3 of these articles have came to the conclusion that microwave oven radiation doesn't cause cancer. 

Answer 4

A common narrative has recently emerged where people are questioning whether microwaves lead to cancer. However, despite mixed messages, the simple answer is that the claim is false. 

The National Library of Medicine put out an article regarding their research on this topic, in 2011. They came to the conclusion that short-term exposure is okay, but long-term exposure to excessive radiation can lead to it. It essentially has very little to do with the microwave and everything to do with the amount of radiation produced. Other electronics produce radiation as well, just nothing in comparison to the microwave. National Library of Medicine

The American Oncology Institute is another source producing credible information. Rather than focusing on whether it causes cancer or not, though, they highlighted the facts and myths on the topic. After many technical reports and lab results they came out and said that there is no concrete evidence supporting this claim. They also shut down two common myths; one being that standing near a microwave exposes you to excessive radiation… and two being that microwave food is radioactive. Neither are true. American Oncology Institute

Cancer Council solidified that the claim is false. “The internet is full of misinformation on the safety of microwaves, today we clear this up and explain why microwaves are safe to use,” said  the organization. First of all, different types of radiation have different levels of energy. Ionising radiation can contribute to cancer risk as they are associated with atomic bombs, but lucky for us, microwaves are in a completely separate category of radiation.  Microwaves, radio waves and visible light, are all examples of non-ionising radiation which is mostly safe. Because they use a safe type of non-ionizing radiation, that means microwaves are safe to use as well as heat up food. Cancer Counsil

Despite many thinking there is a correlation between microwaves and cancer, it has been proved through numerous sources that one is not linked to the other.