What happens if radiation escapes

Take the example of Ramsar in north Iran, the most radioactive- inhabited place on the earth. People here receive an annual radiation- absorbed dose from background radiation up to millisieverts mSv.

In comparison, the average background radiation level on earth is pegged at about 2. Knowledge about the extremely high radiation levels in Ramsar should make it a scary proposition for its residents, but people have lived here for generations without any observable adverse effects. Why, in some parts in Kerala, there are high levels of natural radioactivity due to thorium-bearing rocks and soil.

Here too, life remains normal and unaffected. As a matter of fact, human bodies are themselves radioactive. This radioactivity comes from the food we eat, the water we drink and the air we breathe. Indeed, food, water and air contain naturally radioactive substances. Thus, human body contains radioactive isotopes like Carbon and Potassium, Radium, and Thorium Vegetables, pulses, fish, rice, milk — all contain radioactive substances. Radiation has existed for as long as the universe.

On earth, living creatures have evolved to learn, live and thrive amid radiation. Interestingly, life on earth began to flourish amid radiation levels that were much higher than they are present today.

Over these long geological periods, there has been a substantial reduction in natural background radiation, as significant amounts of radioactive isotopes and their products have decayed. Beyond natural radiation, we are exposed to the manmade variety.

Microwave ovens must be designed to meet the safety standards established by the FDA. The FDA establishes performance standards for microwave ovens. All microwave ovens must have a label stating that they meet these performance standards.

The FDA requires that all ovens have a label that explains how to use them safely. Microwave Ovens This webpage provides risks of microwave oven radiation, as well as information for consumers. Microwave Oven Radiation This webpage detailed information about radiation and microwave ovens.

Performance Standards for Microwave and Radio Frequency Emitting Products This webpage provides the standards for microwave emitting devices, including microwave ovens. The Health Physics Society is a group of scientists that research and make recommendations about ionizing and non-ionizing radiation topics. They also produce informational reports, fact sheets, and websites to help people better understand radiation.

The Society is established in the United States as an independent nonprofit scientific organization, and is not affiliated with any government, industrial organization or private entity.

Microwave Oven Q and A This webpage shows answers to frequently asked questions about microwave oven use and radiation. Since the first domestic Radar Range microwave was introduced , people around the world have been heating up their leftovers, popping their popcorn, and steaming their veggies with the appliance. Jorgensen and John Drengenberg, consumer safety director at Underwrites Laboratories UL , clear the misconceptions, point out the more prevalent hazards, and share tips on how to avoid dangerous mishaps with microwave ovens.

One of the most common fears around microwave ovens is radiophobia, or fear of radiation. Jorgensen says that this may be partially due to the fact that the oven produces a man-made type of radiation, said Jorgensen. The world of radiation, Jorgensen further explained, can be divided into two categories: non-ionizing and ionizing. Scientists used to think so. On the electromagnetic spectrum, ionizing radiation has short wavelengths. The shorter the wavelength, the higher the energy.

X-rays, for example, can have wavelengths that are one hundredth of the width of a human hair. Under certain doses and levels of exposure, ionizing radiation could break apart molecules in our body, such as DNA. However, microwaves fall under non-ionizing radiation, which have much longer wavelengths. If you leave food in the microwave oven for too long, or contents are drying out or boiling over, the nutrition value could decrease.

However, you can also make food too hot in an oven or on a grill, Jorgensen pointed out. Try no-heat cooking. On the other hand, metals will block the microwaves.

Additionally, metal handles on carton take-out boxes, twist ties, and aluminum foil can also create sparks if they graze the sides of the cavity.