Microwave ovens are common equipment in many households. The harmfulness of its use does not lie in electromagnetic waves, which has been discussed for a long time. But danger lurks elsewhere.
The discovery of the microwave oven was a revolutionary event and became a modern hit of equipment in many kitchens around the world. The first pieces appeared on the market in 1947, and everyone who could afford it wanted to own this modern novelty.
Over time, concerns arose as to whether its use is appropriate given the principle on which it works. It was about the effects of microwave radiation on human health and the quality of food prepared in it. Both problems, however, have been overcome by the achievements of modern times.
According to the World Health Organization WHO, there is no danger from microwaves in this regard when used correctly and it is not even associated with the feared spread of dangerous amounts of radioactivity. And compared to other types of heat treatment, the food does not lose its nutritional properties either, because it is a faster treatment with less evaporation of liquids. However, at the moment, the microwave has another “black dot” on its account, because scientists have revealed how it is very risky for human health.
What is the problem
Scientists from the Spanish biotechnological university Darwin Bioprospecting Excellence and the University of Valencia, under the leadership of CEO Manuel Porcaro, discovered that inside microwaves there is a world full of dangerous bacteria that are resistant both to the influence of electromagnetic radiation and to the high temperatures that occur many times during the operation of the appliance. day occur.
How the research was conducted
Microbiologist Alba Iglesias and her colleagues took samples from 30 microwave ovens, not only in homes, but also in offices and laboratories. They deliberately focused on different environments to find out what exactly is the reason for the emergence of an “ecosystem” of bacteria in microwave ovens that are able to survive in them for a long time. If it is about what they are used for, what specifically is heated in them, or is the main factor the microwave radiation itself.
Clear result
The experts mapped 747 different groups of bacteria, the most common of which were Firmicutes, Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria. They then compared the detected microbial colonies from microwaves from individual environments and it was clear that there were more bacteria in the laboratory pieces, which are harmless, while in those where food is heated, they pose a much greater danger to human health.
The largest number were microbes from human skin, which represent the harmless genera Bacillus, Micrococcus and Staphylococcus, but also bacteria that cause unwanted infectious diseases such as Pseudomonas, Enterobacter or Klebsiella. The results of the investigation are presented in a study published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology.
Maximum cleanliness in the first place
How to face this problem and protect your health? Manuel Porcar said: “Bacteria in home microwaves can be pathogenic, although no more so than those found elsewhere in the kitchen. We should clean the microwave just like any other surface in the kitchen, because our work shows that microwaves do not remove microbial contamination at all, which was somewhat unexpected.”
It is therefore necessary not to neglect the maximum maintenance of the microwave oven, after each use it should be properly washed not only with a damp cloth, but also treated with a strong disinfectant in order to prevent the growth of unwanted bacteria as much as possible. Otherwise, it is better to remove this appliance from the household.
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