Experts warn of silent danger of “microwaves” in the office, suggest safer ways to use them

Experts warn of silent danger of “microwaves” in the office, suggest safer ways to use them

Experts warn against hidden dangers when using a microwave at work. If you are not careful, it can be dangerous to your body. They also recommend ways to use it more safely.

The smell of reheated fish may seem like the biggest problem in an office kitchen, but what many people don’t realize is that microwaves hide a much more serious danger. Experts are warning against break rooms, especially microwaves. Which may seem harmless, but can actually make you sick.

“By 2pm, food particles from breakfast and lunch can build up and form a layer of invisible microbes. During this time, the heat and humidity in a microwave can become a breeding ground for bacteria, putting the person heating the เล่นบาคาร่า UFABET เว็บตรง ค่าคอมสูง food at greater risk of food-borne illness,” says Sarah Jeffries, an emergency first aid instructor. 

A 2012 study sampled nearly 5,000 locations in offices with more than 3,000 employees and found that the dirtiest areas were break rooms and office kitchens.

“People often think that the bathroom is the germiest place,” Dr. Charles Gerba, a professor of virology at the University of Arizona, told Forbes.

“There have been a lot of studies on desk space, but break rooms have been overlooked. Break rooms are typically a hotspot for germs in the workplace because people eat lunch there,” he said. “You’re dealing with a restaurant that’s not regulated in many ways.”

Additionally, a 2024 study found that microwaves in shared spaces, such as office break rooms, were more likely to harbor bacteria commonly found on human skin, such as staphylococcus.

Other bacteria commonly found in office microwaves include Salmonella and E. coli. While all of these germs should be destroyed at high temperatures, uneven heating. A notorious problem with microwaves, can leave parts of your food undercooked and potentially dangerous.

To help reduce health risks, Jeffries recommends following these guidelines when using a microwave in the office.

• Avoid reheating food after 2 p.m.  If you can eat during the day, do so otherwise. Opt for a snack or meal that does not require reheating.
• Covering food  Covering food with a heat-resistant cover or paper towel can reduce food splatter. Be sure to use a microwave-safe container.
• Stir and rotate food during reheating.  Stir your food throughout during reheating to avoid cold spots where bacteria can grow. If your microwave does not have a turntable, stop and rotate the container manually from time to time.
• Check the temperature to be correct.  Your food should have an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C), which is the USDA recommended temperature to kill most harmful bacteria.
• Wipe down before use.  Wiping down your microwave, including door handles, buttons, and interior walls, with a disinfectant wipe will help kill germs and may make you look better to your coworkers.
• Avoid risky foods.  Be careful when reheating raw or partially cooked foods, such as seafood or eggs, as incomplete reheating can allow bacteria to grow.
• Post reminder signs  . Finally, even if you don’t want to seem like a picky eater, you can encourage your office to have a regular cleaning schedule or post reminder signs to remind coworkers of the best practices.

As Jeffries puts it, “Most people think that office microwaves are harmless, but without proper cleaning and safe food heating methods, microwaves can become a hidden health hazard.”