Does Microwaving Food Cause Cancer?

Some people say that microwaving food causes cancer, or makes food "radioactive." This claim shows up often online, and it gets linked most of all to microwaving in plastic containers. This page explains what the evidence shows.

Microwave ovens do not make food radioactive. They do not contaminate it either. The FDA says microwave energy is changed to heat as it is absorbed by food, and does not make food "radioactive" or "contaminated." Microwaves lack enough energy to alter atoms or damage cells the way x-rays do.

Federal standards also cap how much microwave energy can leak from an oven. The FDA says the limit is far below the level known to harm people.

"Radiation" is a word that triggers fear. That makes sense for things like x-rays or nuclear exposure. But there are two very different types:

• Ionizing radiation, like x-rays and gamma rays, has enough energy to damage DNA and cause cancer, according to NCI.
• Non-ionizing radiation, like microwaves, does not carry that kind of energy. The FDA says microwaves make water molecules vibrate, which creates the heat that cooks food. NCI says visible light and the energy from cell phones have not been found to cause cancer in people.

The word "radiation" alone does not tell you whether something is dangerous. What matters is the type.

The FDA says most microwave-related injuries are heat burns from containers or superheated liquids, not radiation. It recommends following the manufacturer's instructions and checking the oven door for damage before use.

Cancer Research UK says some chemicals can get into food from plastics when heated, including in a microwave, but there is no evidence that this causes cancer. Using glass or ceramic instead is a personal choice.

Fear-based health claims often spread because they are simple, dramatic, and easy to share. Here, a separate question about plastics gets blurred together with the fear of microwave radiation. The two are different questions.

To lower your cancer risk, talk with your care team about your own risk factors and keep up with recommended cancer screenings.

If you are worried about a specific chemical exposure, like from certain plastics, ask your doctor what the actual evidence shows. You can also ask what screening and prevention steps make sense for your age and health history.

• FDA — Microwave Oven Radiation
• National Cancer Institute — Common Cancer Myths and Misconceptions