Microwave Ovens
Microwave ovens emit high electromagnetic fields (EMFs). These ovens are designed to heat food by creating enough microwave energy to vibrate molecules in the food until heat is produced. When microwave ovens are in use, magnetic fields extend out as far as 12 feet. The actual microwaves produced during operation are supposed to be contained in the oven by internal shielding, but leaks can occur. If you decide to use a microwave oven, the following suggestions will make using it safer:
• Maintain a distance of four to 12 feet from the microwave oven while it is in use. This is especially important for children, who might enjoy watching the food as it is cooking.
• Have your appliance professionally checked for microwave leakage on an annual basis. You can check it yourself on a more frequent basis with a less precise do-it — yourself tester. (One is available through Professional Equipment, a mail order catalog.) Any detectedleakage is unacceptable. Microwave leakage standards in the US are much less stringent than in some parts of Europe. Unfortunately, differences in the power supply prevent the use of European microwave ovens in North America.
• Do not use a microwave that appears to be malfunctioning. Signs of this would include sparks flying, funny noises, fires, or the unit turning on or cycling when the door is open. If any of these occur, evacuate the area immediately. Do not take time to try to unplug the unit. Instead, shut off the circuit breaker to the microwave. If you do not know which one it is, shut them all off. Only then is it safe to return to the room to unplug the microwave oven.
• The shielding on a microwave is delicate. A very small amount of damage can cause a complete shielding failure. Even a paper towel stuck in the door is enough to cause the microwave shielding to fail.
• Do not microwave food in plastic containers. Chemicals from the plastic can leach into the food. Some of these chemicals are known to disrupt the endocrine system.
Trash Compactors
Trash compactors are now commonplace in new homes. They can be convenient, but they can also be difficult to dean. When choosing a trash compactor, examine it carefully to be sure you will be able to reach into it easily for cleaning. Verify that accidental liquid spills inside the unit will be contained and not run under or behind the unit. You may want to have the trash compactor installed in such a way that it can be easily removed for cleaning.
Some trash compactors come with a deodorizer chamber. With the exceptions of baking soda and zeolyte, most deodorizers contain phenols, formaldehyde, or paradichloroben — zene, all of which should be avoided.
