Microwave ovens, the green debate

Posted 2009

With the UK population becoming more aware of 'green' issues, and their carbon / environmental footprint, how 'green' is the microwave oven? In terms of energy usage, it's super efficient, using a third of the energy of a conventional oven.

Therefore, if you want to save money, and be a friend to the environmental, cook your meals with a microwave oven.

But, let's take the rose tinted glasses off, is there a downside to microwave ovens? Well, researchers believe it's one of the most commonly dumped appliances, littering landfill sites up and down the country.

Then there is the concern about 'microwaves' themselves, and whether they damage the health of people. You'll find a similar health concern with mobile phones.

The Soviet Union banned microwave ovens in 1976, due to their concerns of the health implications.

While no research has indicated a health issue, when the microwave oven is operating, skeptic's argue, that the research is too short sighted, and needs a longer termed approach to the effects on health.

The 'Health Canada' website has created a page about microwave ovens and their effects on food safety. Rather than investigating the effects of the operating appliance, they look into the effects of the microwaving process.

Microwave ovens use a form of radiofrequency electromagnetic energy, and some evidence (printed in - Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture) has shown it can destroy the nutrients and vitamins inherent in food.

And questions whether toxic materials are released in the cooking process, which could increase the possibility of people getting cancer.

A book written by Dr. Lita Lee, has expressed similar concerns, and believes the electromagnetic fields produced by microwaves are responsible for thirty percent of childhood cancers.

The advise was not to stand near a microwave oven when it is operating, and to especially keep children away from them.

A general criticism of microwaves, is that they promote an unhealthy lifestyle. Most of the ready meals developed for them prove unhealthy, and are in no way a valid substitute for a well cooked home made meal.

Overall, it depends whether you wish to listen to the concerned voices. Whilst it's obvious that microwave ovens will lower your electricity bill, there are indications that they can negatively effect your health when operating, and produce and promote an unhealthy lifestyle.