Kids can have a hot snack after school or even get their own dinners if they know how to use a microwave. For many kids, it’s an easier way of cooking that doesn’t involve open flames or hot surfaces. But a recent study from the University of Chicago Medicine found that a third of all scalding injuries that brought kids into their emergency department were caused by microwave-heated noodles. In 40% of cases, the kids were unsupervised when the accident happened.
So how can you keep your kids safe while they use the microwave?
Set boundaries
Kids under the age of 7 should not use a microwave without supervision. Consider your child’s height, too. Reaching up to get hot food out of a microwave can lead to spilled hot food.
It’s also important to be clear on the kinds of materials that can safely go into a microwave. Not all dishes are microwave safe. Especially if you have dishes with metallic trim, plastic containers that may melt or release fumes, or styrofoam disposables, make sure kids have a clear understanding of which kinds of dishes are allowed.
Can your children read? If not, they may not be able to follow instructions to heat their favorite foods. Popcorn is labeled “this side up” — great information for readers, but not so useful for non-readers.
Share knowledge
Once kids are old enough, you will need to make sure they can determine what kind of dishes can go into a microwave safely and how to use their microwave safely.
Let them know that microwaves use radiation — those really small microwaves — to bombard foods and excite their molecules. When the water molecules in the food get active, the food gets hot. Unlike an oven, a microwave heats foods from the inside out. Food can get very hot very fast. The dish the food is sitting on can also be very hot.
Talk about the length of time they should heat food, and make sure they can reach and successfully use potholders.
If they are preparing food without instructions, such as heating leftovers, consider having your kids process food in the microwave in repeated 30-second bursts, instead of setting a timer for a longer period.
If they’re fixing packaged foods, make sure they know to read the length of time and set the microwave for that time period correctly.
If your microwave has settings for specific foods, such as popcorn or a baked potato, make sure kids know which button to push — and remind them to keep an eye on the food. Those buttons are not precisely accurate for every instance of that food.
Good microwave habits
Since foods heat fast and unevenly in a microwave, it’s a good habit to let food wait for a minute or two before eating it. This allows the heat to even out or dissipate.
The other most important habit for microwave cooking is to clean the microwave after use. To avoid cross-contamination in the kitchen, use disposable cleaning wipes or a cleaning cloth reserved just for cleaning the microwave. When kids get in the habit of cleaning the microwave every time they use it, they will have a great habit for the rest of their lives.
FAQs
Set boundaries. Kids under the age of 7 should not use a microwave without supervision. Consider your child's height, too. Reaching up to get hot food out of a microwave can lead to spilled hot food.
What are the safety rules for microwaves? ›
Never operate the unit when it is empty or use it for storage. Do not operate an oven if the door does not close firmly or is bent, or if the seal, hinges, or latch are worn or broken. Never tamper with the safety interlock switches or the fuse. microwave automatically turns it off when the door is opened.
What are the main health risks of microwave radiation? ›
Microwaves are non-ionizing radiation, so they do not have the same risks as x-rays or other types of ionizing radiation. But, microwave radiation can heat body tissues the same way it heats food. Exposure to high levels of microwaves can cause skin burns or cataracts.
Can aluminum foil go in the microwave? ›
It is safe to use small amounts of aluminum foil to shield certain areas or edges of food that may overcook or become dry during microwaving. However, it is crucial to keep the foil at least one inch away from the sides of the microwave oven and avoid close contact with other metal objects or the interior walls.
Is a 10 year old microwave safe? ›
Old age. If your microwave is approaching the 10-year mark, consider replacing it with a new, energy-efficient unit. Odd smells. Odd odors, such as a burning smell, smoke, or sparks, are a sign something is amiss, and you should immediately turn off and unplug the microwave and call for a repair.
Is it OK to use a 20 year old microwave? ›
If you've looked after it well, there's no reason why a vintage microwave should be dangerous. However, it is possible that the screen or rubber seals around the door may have perished, allowing some radiation to leak out.
How do you know if it's microwave safe? ›
To know if a plastic container or plastic wrap is microwave safe, you should look on the packaging material for a “Microwave Safe” label. Plastic products with an imprinted microwave symbol can be used in the microwave. This symbol is mostly used on reusable plastic storage containers.
Why can't you stand next to a microwave? ›
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates radiation-emitting products such as microwave ovens, advises against standing directly in front of or up against the oven while it is operating. This will avoid harm from any possible leaks.
How do you know when a microwave is unsafe? ›
Issues like odor, smoke, and even electrical sparks are serious. if such things happen, switch it off immediately, unplug the appliance, and consider replacing it. Microwaves are meant to cook faster, so if you find your food is not properly heated or not cooked to the desired doneness, replacing it is a good idea.
What are the symptoms of microwave poisoning? ›
Soviet bloc countries reported that individuals exposed to microwaves frequently developed headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite, sleepiness, difficulty in concentration, poor memory, emotional instability, and labile cardiovascular function, and established stringent exposure standards.
Protection from microwave and EMF radiation
Perhaps the most important way to protect yourself from over-exposure to controlled frequencies is to never work with or near live equipment: the safest practice for controlled activities is to ensure that all radio/microwave emitters are switched off.
Can you put paper towels in the microwave? ›
Most paper towels are microwave-safe. In fact, you can use a paper towel to cover some foods so they don't spit during cooking or reheating. If you do use a paper towel while microwaving, it's best to use shorter intervals so you can check both the food and the paper more frequently.
Can I put parchment paper in the microwave? ›
Can you microwave parchment paper and wax paper? Yes! Heating up your favorite meals in the microwave just got even easier. You can use wax paper and parchment paper covers to prevent splatters and hold moisture in while microwave heating.
How many years is it safe to use a microwave? ›
With normal usage for an average family and good maintenance, a microwave often lasts for 7 to 8 years. If the microwave is used less frequently by a single person or a couple and is well-maintained, the lifespan can increase to up to 10 years.
Is a microwave a hazardous material? ›
If your microwave is inoperable and you've concluded repair or replacement of parts isn't feasible, it's time for recycling. The materials and components of a microwave can be considered hazardous waste or household hazardous waste depending on regulations in your area.
Is it safe to microwave toddlers food? ›
Although there are no studies or research to prove that food heated or cooked in a microwave is harmful to your baby, it is best to use it sparingly.
Is A microwave Safer Than An oven? ›
Microwaves are a safe, effective, and highly convenient cooking method. There is no evidence that they cause harm — and some evidence that they are even better than other cooking methods at preserving nutrients and preventing the formation of harmful compounds.
