Advanced measurements of microwave oven leakage

Reports of excessive leakage from apparently undamaged domestic microwave ovens have prompted an investigation by ARPANSA. For many years up to now, domestic microwave ovens were not considered to leak levels of microwave radiation that caused concern, consequently, they have not been regularly monitored. This paper reports the investigation of oven leakage, the issue of emission levels versus exposure levels and the application of specific absorption rate (SAR) measurements. Preliminary measurements indicate that under certain circumstances, microwave oven emission limits may not prevent the ARPANSA SAR limits from being exceeded. Copyright (2003) Australasian Radiation Protection Society Inc