I understand there is some radiation at play with microwave ovens, and I still get a little nervous every time I use it. Perhaps it is time I finally informed myself about the risks.

• Firstly, is a microwave oven radioactive?
• I know for a time there seemed to be a scare about 'standing in front of the microwave' leading to problems. Is this still thought to be true?
• What happens if the microwave somehow accidentally opens without turning 'off'? Does this blast the space with deadly radiation?
• How come the damn things aren't encased in lead??
• It seems to me there is a lot of energy in there somewhere... Do they ever explode? If a microwave starts to go faulty, should you throw it out or are they generally safe?

Cheers and thanks for your time!

I avoid using it. As for me radiation could be everywhere.

With such a wintry world, everything is worth fearing. I do not consider microwaves to be radioactive. I think this is a great way to quickly prepare food, or reheat it, especially when you're in a hurry.

i think yes!

U guess this is just a stereotype???

Microwaves themselves are not radioactive. They use a form of non-ionizing radiation to heat food, which is very different from ionizing radiation, like the kind produced by radioactive materials for Microwaves For Hotel. Non-ionizing radiation, such as the microwaves in your oven, doesn't have enough energy to remove electrons from atoms or damage DNA in the way that ionizing radiation does.