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Preliminary measurements of electromagnetic radiation fields near microwave ovens

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Solem DL, Remark DG, Moore RL, Crawford RE, Rechen HJL · 1969

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1969 testing found microwave ovens leaked over 700 mW/cm² when doors opened, with easily defeated safety systems.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

This 1969 study tested microwave ovens from five manufacturers to measure radiation leakage when safety systems failed. Researchers found extremely high power densities of over 700 mW/cm² at 30 cm from open-door ovens, and discovered that most safety interlocks could be easily defeated. The findings revealed significant radiation exposure risks from malfunctioning microwave ovens.

Why This Matters

This early research reveals a sobering reality about microwave oven safety that remains relevant today. The power densities measured - over 700 mW/cm² near an open oven - are extraordinarily high, thousands of times greater than typical cell phone exposures. What's particularly concerning is how easily the safety systems could be bypassed, with one oven allowing manipulation without any tools. The study also highlighted measurement inconsistencies between different radiation detection instruments, showing variations up to 12-fold. This demonstrates the challenges in accurately assessing EMF exposures, a problem that persists in modern EMF research. While today's ovens have improved safety standards, this foundational work underscores why proper shielding and functioning door seals remain critical for protecting users from intense microwave radiation.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Solem DL, Remark DG, Moore RL, Crawford RE, Rechen HJL (1969). Preliminary measurements of electromagnetic radiation fields near microwave ovens.
Show BibTeX
@article{preliminary_measurements_of_electromagnetic_radiation_fields_near_microwave_oven_g6432,
  author = {Solem DL and Remark DG and Moore RL and Crawford RE and Rechen HJL},
  title = {Preliminary measurements of electromagnetic radiation fields near microwave ovens},
  year = {1969},
  
  
}

Quick Questions About This Study

Researchers measured power densities exceeding 700 mW/cm² at 30 centimeters from ovens with doors open. This represents extremely high radiation exposure, thousands of times greater than typical wireless device emissions.
Yes, most ovens relied solely on spring-powered switches that could be defeated. One model allowed manipulation of the interlock system without any tools, enabling microwave generation with the door open.
Power densities of 10 mW/cm² were detected at 120 centimeters (about 4 feet) from the ovens. This shows microwave radiation can extend well beyond the immediate vicinity of the appliance.
Three commercially-available instruments showed poor agreement, with far-field measurements varying by up to a factor of 12 (10.8dB). Near-field measurements showed even greater discrepancies in both amplitude and location.
Simulated door seal failures on each tested oven resulted in observable microwave radiation leakage. This demonstrated that door seals are critical safety components for containing the intense microwave energy.