HUH.?..Never Stand in Front of a Micrwave Oven while it is running??!!??

I think it would be lack of knowledge or old wives tales. I have always stood in front of the microwave when heating things up. Nothing has happened so far. She may be fearful of a lot of things or just over cautious. There are freak accidents with any appliance, maybe this is her concern.

I studied about it recently, and by the way, my mother was the same way. The "micro" waves, are the type of waves that evaporate water, and that is how they heat up your food, and why a lot of things generally dry out, or catch fire, if you leave them in too long. And, so if you were in a microwave, you would be in big danger, because we are made up of about 80% water...there is more to it than that, but that is what I remember most. So, it is best, always, to not stand in the way of the radiation, because you never know what might happen. Those things are dangerous and have a way of being unpredictable.

Generally because some people believe that it is possible for there to be microwave leakage while it is operating, i.e. through the front door. I am not sure but believe this has been proven to be inaccurate.

Wow I didn't know this. I am always standing in front of the microwave while it is running. I always do my cooking on the microwave but I've never heard about this promise. Thanks God seen this discussion. Next time, I wont stand in front of the microwave when it is running hehehe.

Uncle Cecil, who knows all, tells all: http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mmicromesh.html But I've read somewhere that some radiation DOES leak out and that prolonged exposure to small amounts of radiation (ie: during the course of several years) could have adverse effects. So, unless you have some really important reason to do so, I wouldn't stand in front of the microwave oven, just in case.

The other danger with microwave ovens comes from EMF's, which are still a subject of great debate. These are electromagnetic fields generated by electrical devices. There's a ton of stuff on the web about them. Most people know about EMF's when it comes to high voltage powerlines and such, but the most common sourse of this kind of radiation is found in appliances around the house such as your computer (eek!), electric can openers, cell phones and microwave ovens. It doesn't seem to be too awfully dangerous, but ya never know.

I have never been told that standing in front of a microwave is bad for us and our health. I see people doing it all the time at work and my family and friends do it as well so I guess we were just not educated in this area. I can see the point about it being bad for a person since something could go wrong and hurt you, especially if you put metal in it. You certainly would not want to microwave to explode on you or have a fire start.

It is not healthy to stand too close as it is running. They don't know that reason, except that it is better to stay back a few feet. So your mother in law is quoting what she heard, and there isn't a reason given yet. Blessings, M&M

I really don't know Askalley as I have never heard of that one before. Did you ever ask her what she ment by it? I have to say it would be interresting to know why she said that, as I sometimes do stand in front of it.

Do you know I've heard this too. I think it's something to do with microwaves escaping the microwave, and being dangerous to humans. I'm not sure how true this is though.

Your mother was correct. It is because of radiation. I am not sure how far you are supposed to stand but is is a distance away. I never did let my kids stand close to it either.

wow thats the first ive ever heard of that....so thats whats wrong with some people today lol jk