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

"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...

Answer 2

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

Answer 3

This claim is false. Microwaves do not cause cancer. According to the Australian Cancer Council, the only non-ionizing radiation that causes cancer is ultraviolet (UV) light. Microwaves, the kitchen appliance, do not emit ultraviolet light. They emit microwaves, hence the name. In addition, microwaves in the United States are often made with a door mesh shield that prevents microwave leakage.

https://www.cancer.org.au/iheard/does-radiation-from-microwaves-cause-cancer

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

Answer 4

Micowaves are safe and don't cause cancer because they use non-ionizing radiation to heat food. This type of radiation lacks the energy to damage DNA or cause cancer. Microwaves heat food by water molecules to vibrate, creating heat friction. Unlike ionizing radiation, non-ionizing radiation can't strip electrons from atoms or harm DNA. Microwave ovens are also designed with metal shielding and mesh screen in the door to keep radiation from escaping. As long as the microwave is functioning properly, the radiation stays inside.

https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/resources-you-radiation-emitting-products/microwave-ovens#:~:text=The%20Food%20and%20Drug%20Administration,heat%20that%20cooks%20the%20food. 

Answer 5

This claim is false, microwaves do not cause cancer. The Canercouncle.org have stated that microwaves emit a "safe non-ionizing radiation". A non-ionising radiation which causes cancer is ultraviolet light which has more energy than radiation coming from microwaves. The U.S. Food and Drug administration regulates  microwaves to make sure that they meet safety standards. Other administraitions such as the American Cancer Society which highlights that ovens such as microwaves, are designed to prevent radiation radiation leakage. The common misconception of microwaves causing cancer is proved to be false. 

Sources: https://www.cancer.org.au/iheard/does-radiation-from-microwaves-cause-cancer 

https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/resources-you-radiation-emitting-products/microwave-ovens

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/radiation-exposure/radiofrequency-radiation.html

Answer 6

I would say that the claim that microwaves cause cancer is false. However, this is tricky to test because many other factors are involved, but no evidence affirms this claim. Microwaves use Non-ionizing radiation, which is a different form than X-rays, which makes the effects of radiation very small. An FDA-approved microwave also keeps all the energy that it creates inside the microwave, and there should be no leak. This topic is still being researched, but with the increases in technology and safety standards, it is known that regular use of microwaves will not cause or increase the likelihood of cancer.

FDA: https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/resources-you-radiation-emitting-products/microwave-ovens#:~:text=The%20Food%20and%20Drug%20Administration,heat%20that%20cooks%20the%20food

NIH: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21716201/

Answer 7

This claim is false. Microwaves are safe and do not cause cancer. While microwaves do produce non-ionizing radiation, this type of radiation is harmless to humans. Non-ionizing radiation doesn't have enough energy to remove electrons from atoms or molecules, unlike ionizing radiation such as X-rays and gamma rays, which are known to cause cancer. Because microwaves do not possess this higher energy, they are safe to use without concern for radiation exposure. The only form of non-ionizing radiation that is linked to cancer is UV light. UV radiation has more energy than microwaves, and this higher energy can contribute to skin cancer.

Sources:

https://newsdetective.org/22351/microwaves-cause-cancer

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

Answer 8

This is a myth with no real substance. The myth comes from the fact that microwaves use radiation, and while this is true, Microwaves use a safe form of radiation. According to the Cancer Council Organization, “ There are many different types of radiation that have different levels of energy. One type, called ionizing radiation can contribute to cancer risk with accumulated exposure over time, for example when exposed in nuclear accidents or via ‘atomic’ bombs. However, microwaves, radio waves and the light that we can see, are all examples of non-ionizing radiation which in the most part, is safe. Microwaves use a safe type of non-ionizing radiation. This means microwaves are safe to use and to heat up food without you worrying about radiation. The only non-ionizing radiation which causes cancer is ultraviolet (UV) light. UV radiation has more energy than radiation from microwaves.”

Furthermore, the radiation that microwaves emit can cause cancer, but only in huge doses. As an added protection, the main reason microwaves have doors is to keep the radiation from escaping. It’s another barrier to protect your cells from ionizing radiation, much like a lead vest protects the body from harmful radiation.

Sources:

1. “4 Myths and Truths about Microwaving Food.” Www.eehealth.org, 10 Nov. 2023, www.eehealth.org/blog/2023/11/microwaving-food-facts/.

2. “Does Radiation from Microwaves Cause Cancer?” Www.cancer.org.au, 20 Oct. 2023, www.cancer.org.au/iheard/does-radiation-from-microwaves-cause-cancer.

3. World Health Organization. “Ionizing Radiation and Health Effects.” Www.who.int, 27 July 2023, www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ionizing-radiation-and-health-effects.

4. American Cancer Society. “What Are X-Rays and Gamma Rays? | American Cancer Society.” Www.cancer.org, 10 Nov. 2022, www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/radiation-exposure/x-rays-gamma-rays/what-are-xrays-and-gamma-rays.html.

5.  “History of the Microwave Oven.” Whirlpool.com, Whirlpool, 18 May 2023, www.whirlpool.com/blog/kitchen/history-of-microwave.html.

Answer 9

You cannot get cancer from microwaves. Microwave ovens operate using non-ionizing radiation, which lacks the energy necessary to ionize atoms or molecules and cause DNA damage—one of the primary ways through which cancers can develop. This makes them different from ionizing radiation sources, such as X-rays and ultraviolet light, which have sufficient energy to potentially cause cancer.

https://www.cancer.org.au/iheard/does-radiation-from-microwaves-cause-cancer

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9409438/#:~:text=Microwaves%20are%20recognized%20as%20nonionizing%20radiation%2C%20with%20a%20broad%20frequency%20spectrum%20ranging%20from%20300%20MHz%20to%20300%20GHz.

Answer 10

Microwaves should not cause cancer. Microwaves use non-ionizing radiation which doesn't have the energy to knock electrons out of atoms, while x-rays, for example, use ionizing radiation. "Exposure to ionizing radiation can alter atoms and molecules and cause damage to cells in organic matter." Microwave manufacturing has also been regulated by the FDA since 1971. Microwaves are made to not operate while the door is open and to be leakproof ensuring any radiation is contained within the microwave. While some studies such as the NIH state that "Long-term exposure to microwave radiation provokes cancer growth," other studies claim that "current evidence does not link microwave usage to an increased risk of cancer." Microwaves are designed to be safe for use and if they were truly unsafe, they would be called back and not allowed. If used correctly, microwaves shouldn't pose a threat, however, it is always best to stay updated with recent studies and information to be safe. 

FDA

NIH

AOI

Mayo Clinic