Abstract
Consumer exposures to microwave ovens have received considerable attention; however, there was only one report found in the literature concerning occupational exposure of oven repairmen. In repair and testing such ovens, the workmen must remove the casings and jump the safety interlocks. The workers are required to place their faces and bodies close to the energized magnetron. The medical evaluation of eight such repairmen is discussed in relation to the potential biologic side effects of such radiation, which include cataracts and thermal damage to the skin and deeper structures. Environmental evaluations revealed microwave levels in excess of 10 mw/cm2, at the repairman's face and body. A simple, effective, and inexpensive control measure, using copper mesh screening, is described. This control reduces the worker's exposure to a level well below 10 mw/cm2 and allows him to continue visually observing for malfunctions in and around the magnetron.
