There is little cause for concern about excess microwaves leaking from
ovens unless the door hinges, latch, or seals are damaged, or if the
oven was made before 1971. In FDA's experience, most ovens tested show
little or no detectable microwave leakage. If there is some problem
and you believe your oven might be leaking excessive microwaves, contact
the oven manufacturer, a microwave oven service organization, your state
health department, or the nearest FDA office. Some oven manufacturers
will arrange for your oven to be checked. Many states have programs
for inspecting ovens or they may be able to refer you to microwave oven
servicing organizations that are equipped to test ovens for excessive
emission. A limited number of ovens are also tested in homes by FDA
as part of its overall program to make sure that ovens meet the safety
standard.
A word of caution about the microwave testing devices being sold to
consumers: FDA has tested a number of these devices and found them generally
inaccurate and unreliable. If used, they should be relied on only for
a very approximate reading. The sophisticated testing devices used by
public health authorities to measure oven leakage are far more accurate
and are periodically tested.
