Health & Safety Executive Council Advisory - Microwaved

[dr dave soul monsta]

MICROWAVED WATER - A 26-year old person decided to have a cup of coffee. He took a cup of water
and put it in the microwave to heat it up (something that he had done
numerous times before). It was not known how long he set the timer for, but
he wanted to bring the water to a boil. When the timer shut the oven off, he
removed the cup from the oven. As he looked into the cup, he noted that the
water was not boiling, but instantly the water in the cup "blew up" into his
face.

The cup remained intact until he threw it out of his hand but all the water
had flown out into his face due to the build up of energy. His whole face is
blistered and he has 1st and 2nd degree burns to his face which may leave
scarring. He also may have lost partial sight in his left eye.

While at the hospital, the doctor who was attending to him stated that this
is fairly common occurrence and water (alone) should never be heated in a
microwave oven. If water is heated in this manner, something should be
placed in the cup to diffuse the energy such as: a wooden stir stick, tea
bag, etc. It is however a much safer choice to boil the water in a tea
kettle.

General Electric's response:

Thanks for contacting us. I will be happy to assist you. The e-mail that you
received is correct. Microwaved water and other liquids do not always bubble
when they reach the boiling point. They can actually get superheated and not
bubble at all. The superheated liquid will bubble up out of the cup when it
is moved or when something like a spoon or tea bag put into it.

To prevent this from happening and causing injury, do not heat any liquid
for more than two minutes per cup. After heating, let the cup stand in the
microwave for thirty seconds before moving it or adding anything into it.


Check it out for your self

http://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/~jw/graphics/superheating.mpg



http://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/~jw/graphics/superheatingsmall.mov
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"I don't often agree with the RSPCA as i believe it is an animals duty to be on my plate at supper time"

[Norseman]

Thank you indeed dr. monsta, for this info.
Never heard that boiling water is not boiling.
Superheated!
Great post.
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I intend to live forever -- so far, so good.

[dr dave soul monsta]

We try to please as well as be informative ,
Beware the micro wave

just a quick extra when manufacturers advise leaving food to stand for 2 minutes after microwave cooking ,
This is Due to the fact the micro wave energy continues to cook for upto 2 minutes after the oven has stopped ,so if you eat somthing direct from the micro wave without leaving to stand you do indeed risk ingesting food that is still heating up and not to mention the active microwave energy !!

lets be careful out there
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"I don't often agree with the RSPCA as i believe it is an animals duty to be on my plate at supper time"

[Ancientmoron]

Thankyou for a most interesting and informative posting.
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The gloworm's always happy
You never find him glum
How can you be gloomy
When the sun shines out your bum.