Scientists Find Radiation-Resistant Microbes in Microwaves: Could Be Deadly

It is important to take good care of the appliance

Microwave ovens have become a familiar appliance in many people's kitchens. Moreover, microwaves are widely used in catering establishments. However, few people think about the hidden dangers of such a convenient device. Scientists from Spain have made an alarming discovery.

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Researchers from Spanish startup Darwin Bioprospecting Excellence SL have identified radiation-resistant microbes living inside microwave ovens. The team says it is worrying that some of these strains could be deadly to humans.

“Some types of bacteria found in household microwave ovens, such as Klebsiella, Enterococcus and Aeromonas, may pose a risk to human health,” warns one of the study's authors, Daniel Torrent.

Previous studies have found microbes living in unexpected places – from marine oil spills to abandoned industrial sites. And even inside the International Space Station!

But until now, it was unknown exactly which microbes might be found inside microwave ovens.

In the study, the team collected microbial samples from 30 microwave ovens: 10 from individual household kitchens, 10 from shared household spaces (cafeterias), and 10 from research labs.

The samples revealed 747 different genera of microbes within 25 bacterial phyla. However, these strains varied significantly by location.

“Household microwaves have a more ‘human-made’ microbiome, similar to the microbiome found on kitchen surfaces, while laboratory microwaves contain bacteria that are more resistant to radiation,” Torrent said.

In individual household kitchens, the main microbial genera were Acinetobacter, Bhargavaea, Brevibacterium, Brevundimonas, Dermacoccus, Klebsiella, Pantoea, Pseudoxanthomonas and Rhizobium.

Meanwhile, microbes such as Arthrobacter, Enterobacter, Janibacter, Methylobacterium, Neobacillus, Nocardioides, Novosphingobium, Paenibacillus, Peribacillus, Planococcus, Rothia, Sporosarcina and Terribacillus were detected only in shared microwave ovens.

What's worrying is that some of these microbes — Klebsiella, Enterococcus and Aeromonas — may be dangerous to humans.

Klebsiella species can cause a range of hospital-acquired infections, including pneumonia, bloodstream infections, wound or surgical site infections, and meningitis, the Daily Mail reports.

Enterococci, meanwhile, can cause a range of illnesses, including urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections and wound infections.

Finally, Aeromonas has been linked to gastrointestinal infections, kidney disease and meningitis.

Based on their findings, the researchers are urging people to deep clean their microwaves regularly: «We recommend regularly disinfecting microwaves with a diluted bleach solution or disinfectant spray. It is also important to wipe the interior surfaces with a damp cloth after each use to remove any residue and clean up any spills immediately to prevent bacterial growth.»