Microwave Leakage Can Cause:

*  Skin Cancer                                           * Temporary Sterility (men)

*  Birth Defects (women)                           * Cataracts

*  Dizzines and Headaches                    *Blood Disorders

        MICROWAVE Radiation Leakage

What is it? 

Microwave radiation is odorless and invisible and therefore hard to detect. Microwave oven radiation is present whenever a microwave oven is turned on. The microwave energy causes the water molecules in the food to vibrate rapidly. This rapid vibration produces heat which, in turn, cooks the food. It can also penetrate through living tissue which is why exposure is harmful to our health. Once you turn off the oven, the microwaves disappear but until then, you may be exposing yourself to dangerous levels of radiation leakage.

        Do Microwaves Leak?

A survey conducted among the Professional Service Associates, a group of microwave repair servicemen, indicated that over 56% of microwave ovens two years or older leaked levels of radiation 10% higher than the safety standards set by the FDA.   More often than not, a simple adjustment was all that was needed to stop the leakage.

        What Causes Microwave Ovens To Leak?

        Slamming the oven door, dirt or food particles caught in the door seals and hinges, or basic         wear and tear all cause the oven door to slightly seperate from the oven enclosure.  Once           this happens, invisible, but highly dangerous microwaves leak through the small space and           cause irreversible damage and injury to the user.

      How Dangerous are Microwaves to People?

The FDA has established microwave radiation exposure levels greater than 5mw/cm2 to be dangerous, but many medical experts disagree and think this level should be lowered. Independent studies have revealed levels much lower can cause:

• Skin Cancer                                                Headaches and Dizziness
• Cataracts                                                    Blood Disorders
• Birth Defects in Pregnant Women                Central Nervous System Damage
• Temporary Sterility in Men                          Cardiovascular Problems
• Interference with some Pacemakers             Increased Stress
• Decrease in Immune System Competency

Particularly vulnerable to excessive microwave radiation is the developing fetus. The lens of the eye and the testes are also vulnerable because of the body's inability to cool down these areas. There are Safety Tips for reducing the risks associated with microwave radiation.

How Can I Tell if My Microwave Oven Leaks?

There are inexpensive products available in most hardware stores used to test for hazardous leaks. One such product is the Detecto Card by Enzone. If you do have a dangerous leak, you should not use the microwave oven until it is properly repaired.

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