Scientists tell what microbes live in the microwave

A team of scientists from the University of Valencia and Darwin Bioprospecting Excellence SL in Spain analyzed the ecosystems living in microwave ovens. The researchers found that numerous microbes live there.

Cleaning the inside of a microwave oven is not enough to guarantee safety from dangerous microorganisms. And even a blast of microwaves is not enough to sterilize any unpleasant life forms that may be hiding there, ScienceAlert writes.

According to the study, many microscopic organisms are not exposed to the phase effect of intense electromagnetic radiation at all.

To isolate potential samples of microorganisms, the team of scientists examined the inner walls of 30 different microwave ovens: 10 from kitchens in a single-family home, 10 from shared home spaces (such as a company break room or university cafeteria), and 10 from molecular biology and microbiology laboratories used specifically for experiments.

Organisms called Brachybacterium, Micrococcus, Paracoccus, and Priestia were found in microwaves from all locations.

Kitchen microwaves, not surprisingly, had very similar microbial profiles to other kitchen surfaces and our food, the researchers note. Some species, such as Klebsiella, Enterococcus, and Aeromonas, can pose a health risk, but their presence and abundance in home microwaves is no more concerning than on other conventional kitchen surfaces.

According to the scientists, microwaves in individual households had the lowest biodiversity hiding inside, and all scored less than four on the proportional number of organisms index. They probably have fewer sources of contamination than shared microwave ovens.

Interestingly, the laboratory microwaves were the most diverse of the three groups. They did not contain the kitchen-style germs seen in their home counterparts because they are not used to heat food. However, the main factor determining laboratory microwave microbiomes is the extreme conditions created in them, as the heating processes for which they are used often require longer exposure times.

While the germs found in home microwaves weren't so hardcore, the study shows that bacteria with the genetic potential to withstand radiation, thermal shock, and desiccation can feel pretty comfortable.

Given that even friendly skin bugs survive the hot waves of the oven, it is best to regularly clean the microwave oven thoroughly with detergent, experts advise.

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