The general fuss over radiation might be the reason why people fear that using a microwave can make you or your food radioactive. The truth is that household microwaves use a non-ionizing radiation, a low-frequency radiation that does not have enough energy to knock an electron off an atom or break apart an atom's nucleus.
Radioactivity aside, no one can completely shield themselves from radiation. Humans are exposed to radiation nearly every second of every day – from the natural radiation of rocks to the cosmic rays of space.
The Food and Drug Administration states that although no studies have shown the effects of exposure to the low levels of microwaves, the microwave machine "does not make food 'radioactive' or 'contaminated.'" Instead, microwaves stir up water molecules in the food just enough to get them moving really quickly, heating your meal.
