Are microwaves safe?

[SparklyScourer]

This is going to sound ridiculous I’m sure...

But I was in work and someone was talking to me so I ended up being stood right next to the microwave that was on the whole time (under 10mins but it felt a long time!). I did feel a bit worried because I don’t like being near them anyway.

Mixed results come up on google.. I’m 18 weeks?

Seriously?

I'm sure you'll be absolutely fine.

Sitting next to one for hours every day, isn't something I'd rush to do, but standing next to one for a few minutes is no worry.

Sorry but 😂😂

Stop googling :)

Provided that you were not inside the microwave there is no risk,

I don't even know what to say to this

You will be fine.
The microwaves are contained within the metal box of the microwave oven which acts a a faraday cage.

Microwaves are not radiation as in radioactivity, they are electromagnetic radiation, so they are totally contained within the faraday cage and you’re fine 👍

No not safe at all! You will give birth to a radio active baby.

First baby by any chance?

of course you will be fine

Microwaves are safe, there is a possibility of a older one “leaking” radiation but it’s unlikely.

Drape a damp teatowl over the microwave front. If it gets hot it’s leaking if it’s cold it’s safe.

In all seriousness, just be on the lookout for any superpowers after the baby is born.

Yes, it sounds ridiculous 🤣

Believe it or not I’m usually very rational. And yes I did google which did make me question it! @kursk @battleaxe thank you for your input.

@eurochick....

And @Anatidae thanks this is all I was expecting to hear haha

First baby?

Ah, I think it's ok to ask these things guys! Safe place and all that.

OP i had a little wobble using my induction hob in trimester 1! It's normal to worry about things even when we know we're being a little OTT about them. My husband is a physicist and has often told the barmy health nuts about how microwaves are very safe and don't make your food or you radioactive using studies to prove it! It's all contained in a very safe box. Just make sure it doesn't have a massive hole in it that you're pressed against and you'll be ok!

I think we're more at risk of the nuclear tests being done by N Korea tbh.... :)

It’s not my first pregnancy for those who are asking but this will hopefully be my first living child.

@CL1982 thank you! Haha I do know how I sound but the whole reason I came to MN after a google wobble was for this response, you have restored my faith plus that’s really interesting that your husband has to reassure people about that!

As usual @Anatidae gives a wonderful and logical scientific response! Love your posts!

It’s very much appreciated!

My Aunt and Uncle are very weird about me standing next to a microwave when it's on. They go into a panic!

She's a nurse and he does spy intelligence shit for a living...

Yes bumsy haha so it’s not just me it is other usually sensible people! I think there was a bad batch of mumsnetters on here yesterday (apart from the helpful ones!)

You’re welcome ;)

People need to be able to ask these questions without getting shot down - there are no stupid questions! People do genuinely worry about stuff and should be able to get a straight answer without being mocked.

Googling faraday cages will send you down an enjoyable rabbit hole ... well worth an hour or so.

@Anatidae OMG those things were bloody bonkers 😂