Exposure to high levels of microwave radiation can cause health problems due to extreme heat, such as cataracts or burns. Although most ovens of this type emit radiation that is too little to pose a hazard, it is worth making sure by testing any appliance that is older than nine years or that appears to be damaged. It is easy and inexpensive to perform this test at home, but remember that this is only an estimate.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Detect Emissions Directly
Step 1. Get a light bulb that reacts to microwaves
Some objects are susceptible to the frequencies of this type of radiation:
- A fluorescent tube (not a compact light bulb);
- A neon light bulb of the "NE-2" type, sold at electronics stores, which is powered and hooked up to a voltage divider, so that it can only glow slightly;
- An inexpensive, home-use microwave tester is often inaccurate, but is fine for a first check;
- A professional tester can cost several hundred euros; it is a necessary device for technicians and in situations where precision is essential.
Step 2. Make the room dark
If you have decided to use a light bulb, dim the lights so you can see it when it lights up. If you have decided to use a tester, skip this step.
Step 3. Put a full glass of water in the microwave
By starting an empty oven, you can expose the magnetron (the source of radiation) to high levels of power that can destroy or damage it. A simple glass of water (about 270-280ml) should reduce the risk, while leaving several unabsorbed microwaves available for testing.
This is especially important for older devices which may have a low quality protective magnetron cover
Step 4. Turn on the oven
Run it for a minute.
Step 5. Slowly move the object of your choice around the appliance
Keep the bulb or tester at least 5 cm from the surface of the oven, including the handle. Move the "detector" slowly (about 2-3 cm per minute) around the door seal and damaged areas.
- The power of the radiation decreases dramatically with increasing distance. Consider running the experiment at your usual distance from the oven - for example, run it from the edge of the kitchen counter.
- If the appliance stops before you're done, put the glass of water back in and continue "cooking" for another minute.
Step 6. Observe any reaction
If there is radiation emission, the fluorescent tube or neon bulb should emit some light. Electronic testers react in different ways, so consult the manual to interpret the results; if the device detects a data close to 5 mW / cm2 at the distance of 5 cm, you have reason to worry. All the methods described here are only quick tests, even those performed with an unprofessional tester. The results do not necessarily indicate that the oven is dangerous, but the necessary repairs are worthwhile.
Method 2 of 3: Using a Laptop with WiFi Connection
Step 1. Get two devices connected via WiFi
Some networks use more or less the same frequency as microwave ovens (around 2.4 GHz), so the protective coating should block the WiFi signal as well. To check that the oven retains radiation, you need a laptop that fits inside the appliance and another device connected to the home's WiFi network.
The instructions below assume you are using two laptops, but you can also choose two WiFi-enabled cell phones if you know how to "ping" each other
Step 2. Set the WiFi router to 2.4 GHz
If you don't know how to change the frequency, go to your router settings and look for the information related to "802, 11 mode" (usually found in the advanced settings section):
- The 802, 11b or 802, 11g values indicate that the network is set to a frequency of 2.4 GHz and that you can move on to the next step.
- Values 802, 11a or 802, 11ac indicate a network set to 5 GHz; some routers give you the option to go to another level, but if that's not your case, you can't use this method.
- The value 802, 11n indicates that it can operate on any frequency; look for the frequency settings section and bring it to 2.4 GHz.
Step 3. Unplug the microwave from the power outlet
Do not just turn off the appliance, but physically unplug the power cord: you are about to put the computer in the oven and the last thing you want is to accidentally "cook" it.
Step 4. Prepare the computer
Turn it on and connect it to your home WiFi network. Check the power saving settings or monitor settings to make sure it does not go into "stand-by" mode during the test.
Step 5. Find the IP address of the computer
You need this information to send a signal to the computer. Here's how to proceed:
- On a Windows computer: Open the control panel. Click on Network and Sharing Center… → View network activity and status → select your WiFi connection → click on the diagonal bar to expand the window (if necessary) → View the status of this connection → Details. Look for a number sequence listed next to "IPv4."
- On a Mac computer: open the system of preferences, click on Network; select WiFi from the left panel of the screen and find your IP address on the right.
Step 6. Put the computer in the microwave
Make sure you Not turn on the oven! You are just verifying that the protective screen is able to block the WiFi signal.
Step 7. Ping from another device
Open Command Prompt (on Windows) or Terminal (on Mac). Type ping, a space and then the IP address of the computer in the oven; for example, type ping 192.168.86.150.
Step 8. Wait for the answer
If you get it, the computer has successfully reacted to the "ping" through the microwave door; this means that the oven lets in some radiation. If you do not receive any response, the appliance screen has blocked the return signal; you are not absolutely sure that there are no anomalous emissions (since an oven in operation produces more powerful waves), but it is still a good start.
A certain level of radiation emission is permitted by law, an amount deemed safe. If the router is in the same room as the microwave or on the other side of the wall, a response to the ping signal does not necessarily indicate a dangerous radiation leak. As a rough estimate, consider that a router with a strong signal (-40 dBm) should be at least 6m from the microwave
Method 3 of 3: Repair a Radiation Emission
Step 1. Check the seal around the door
Leaks are usually caused by worn or damaged door elements. If you've found a radiation issue, inspect these common culprits:
- Slots at the level of the hinges;
- Worn or broken areas of the seal;
- Broken or dented door;
- Broken door hinges or door not closing properly;
- Damaged metal door mesh (especially if the hole is larger than 12 cm);
- Broken latch that does not turn off the microwave immediately when you open the door.
Step 2. Take the oven to a service center
A specialized technician has specific and more precise equipment at his disposal to perform tests; can tell you if the oven is safe to use or can recognize a problem that needs repair.
You could even persuade staff to hire you a professional tester for only a small commission; however, these tools must be calibrated and used with knowledge of the facts, so it is best to rely on a professional for accurate results
Step 3. Report a microwave releasing radiation
If the appliance "leaks", especially if it is new and perfectly intact, consider calling the manufacturer. This type of oven must pass a series of rigorous tests in order to be sold and used in the European Community, in addition to the fact that there are specific regulations regarding the guarantee to protect the consumer; in an extreme case, you can contact a consumer association.
Report the malfunctioning oven to the competent bodies, for example to the local ASL or the ARPA
Step 4. Understand the dangers
Microwave radiation is part of the same type of "radiation" as visible light and radio waves, it is not tumor-causing ionizing radiation or radioactivity radiation; the only risk associated with an abnormal emission from these ovens is the high heat, which is dangerous for the eyes (can cause cataracts) and testicles (temporary sterility). Extreme levels of microwave radiation can even cause burns. If you don't notice any symptoms and have stopped using a faulty oven, long-term damage is quite unlikely.
Advice
- Some websites recommend using a cell phone (putting it in the microwave and making it ring) to check for abnormal radiation from the oven. However, the spill protection is set specifically to the microwave frequency (2.4 GHz) and is therefore unable to avoid the passage of other frequencies. Cell phones work at very different frequencies, between 800 and 1900 Mhz, so there is no reason to expect the oven to be able to block them.
- If the oven is very old, recycle it. If you have decided to donate it or make it available for free to other people, leave a clear note stating that the oven could emit radiation; in this way, the person who receives it can decide whether to repair it or recycle it in turn.
Warnings
- Do not turn on the oven with the laptop inside.
- The methods described in this article are not 100% safe and do not replace the intervention of a competent technician who uses the appropriate instrumentation to detect emissions.
- Do not disassemble the microwave oven if you are not able. These appliances contain a very high potential difference magnetron (around 2000 V and 0.5 A), which can seriously injure you and even kill you if touched.
