Microwave Oven Radiation Safety Radiation Safety Program Microwave Oven Radiation Safety Microwave ovens are extensively used in the workplace for applications varying from heating snacks and coffee water to elaborate sample preparation procedures in the research laboratories. Additionally we need to realize that radiation safety standards are in place to assure that properly operating ovens present no radiation risks.
Microwave radiation is a form of radiation that is related to visible light, X-rays and gamma rays.
However, microwave radiation effects and hazards should not be confused with the much more energetic X-ray and gamma ray radiations. Microwave radiation has the proper frequency to interact with the water molecule and cause the heating of materials. Microwave ovens are effective for heating food because the microwave radiation causes water molecules to vibrate and produce heating. The radiation risks to people from microwave ovens would result if excessive radiation were to escape or leak from the oven cavity. This leaking radiation could cause heating of human tissue resulting in burns if the radiation intensity is sufficient.