Microwave ovens are common in kitchens and offices today. Scientists recently studied the tiny life forms living inside microwaves.
They found that even though microwaves produce strong radiation, many germs can survive inside them. Some bacteria, like Brachybacterium and Micrococcus, are found in all microwaves they tested.
In kitchens, microwaves had similar bacteria to other surfaces. Some bacteria found, like Klebsiella and Enterococcus, can be harmful, but they were not more common in microwaves than in other kitchen areas.
Household microwaves had fewer types of bacteria than shared spaces like break rooms. Laboratory microwaves had the most diversebacteria because they are used for heating experiments.
Some bacteria in laboratory microwaves are resistant to radiation. It’s important to clean your microwave regularly to keep it germ-free.
The study was published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology.
Vocabulary List:
Radiation /ˌreɪ.diˈeɪ.ʃən/ (noun): The emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or as moving subatomic particles.
Bacteria /bækˈtɪə.ri.ə/ (noun): Microscopic living organisms usually single-celled that can be found everywhere.
Survive /sərˈvaɪv/ (verb): To continue to live or exist especially in spite of danger or hardship.
Common /ˈkɒm.ən/ (adjective): Occurring found or done often; prevalent.
Diverse /daɪˈvɜːs/ (adjective): Showing a great deal of variety; very different.
Germ-free /dʒɜːm-friː/ (adjective): Free of germs or microorganisms.
