Health & Lab Technology Microwave Water

Subject:  Microwave 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). I am not sure how long he set the
timer
for, but he told me 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 is 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.

If you pass this
on ... you could very well save someone from a lot of
pain and
suffering.

Pass on by Professor Joe

Published 4/10/06  ALT  MSN Group
Web Page: Health & Technology