Are microwave ovens dangerous?

A Web search of urban-legend purveyors reveals a treasure trove of rumors and myths related to microwave ovens. Have you heard the one about the elderly woman nuking her just-bathed pet in order to dry it? But other stories go beyond the bizarre and probably have you questioning how healthy it is to cook with one of these omnipresent appliances. One oft-told tale, for instance, details the perils of microwaving food in plastic containers.

Given the likelihood that you have a microwave in your home and with the freak-out potential of all this Internet innuendo, it's understandable that you might have questions about the alleged impact that microwaves have on your health. We've cut through the clutter for you below. After you get the lowdown, be sure to read our microwaves report. Also use our expert buying advice and Ratings of the latest models (available to subscribers) to find the right oven for your home.

Click on each item below for the answer.

Microwaves can leak radiation.

Microwave radiation can cause cancer.

Microwaves can affect pacemakers.

Microwave cooking sucks the nutrients out of food.

Heating water in a microwave could cause the liquid to violently erupt.

This quiz first appeared in the October 2006 issue of Consumer Reports on Health.

Comments

[Tony]

Yes you are right.....!

[Andrew]

Hi, I posted a link in the URL section above that makes some pretty extreme claims about the dangers of microwaves. Where can I find the evidence that disproves these claims, which clearly disagree with many of the claims made here? Thanks!
Just in case you didn't get it above for whatever reason, I will post the link again below:
http://www.laleva.cc/environment/microwave.html

[Tracy Wichmann]

LG Microwave Ovens have unreliable magnetrons. I bought a model LRM1230W in August 2004 and have had 3 magnetron failiures. It does not matter that the magnetron is guranteed for 10 years. LG will replace it but I must pay $40 to have it installed. I have now paid twice $40 = $80 to have magnetrons replaced. The last one failed in less than a year.

After endless hours on the phone with LG they finally accepted that fact that their magnetrons were unreliable and offered $50 towards a new unit. The only comparable LG microwave ovens available are much more expensive. I reasoned that it might not be a sound idea to invest any more money in an unreliable microwave. Hence I bought a GE oven.