Within the four walls of our modern kitchens lies a device that is so widespread and yet so little known: the microwave oven. Considered by many to be an everyday ally for heating up dishes in the blink of an eye, a recent scientific study reveals surprising findings about the microbes that could be taking up residence in them.
A team of researchers from the University of Valencia in Spain, in collaboration with Darwin Bioprospecting Excellence SL, conducted an in-depth study that shed light on the presence of microbes in these appliances. The results highlighted the resistance of some of these microorganisms to extreme conditions, challenging our perceptions of the cleanliness of microwave ovens.
The study consisted of taking samples from the inside of 30 microwaves from different locations: private homes, shared spaces such as company or university break rooms, as well as biological laboratories. The aim was to analyze the diversity of microorganisms present in these appliances.
The results revealed a wide variety of microbial species, some of which were associated with humans. Household microwaves had the lowest diversity of microbes, likely due to fewer sources of contamination compared to public spaces or laboratories.
Species such as Klebsiella and Enterococcus, which may pose health risks, were present but in non-alarming quantities. In contrast, microwaves from biological laboratories contained the greatest diversity of microbes, due to the specific conditions in which these devices are used.
Among the species identified, the study highlighted the presence of microorganisms resistant to extreme conditions such as radiation and intense heat. These resistance abilities are mainly observed in microbes such as Deinococcus and Hymenobacter, known for their adaptability to hostile environments.
Although microbes in household microwaves are not as robust as those in laboratories, the importance of regular cleaning of these devices is highlighted. The researchers emphasize that microorganisms that can thrive in microwaves could survive in suboptimal environments, emphasizing the need to maintain their cleanliness consistently.
In light of these findings, it is essential to recommend regular cleaning of microwaves with detergents, especially in spaces with higher contamination, such as shared kitchens or laboratories, in order to eliminate any potential risk related to the presence of microorganisms. This study reminds us that vigilance and hygiene in our daily practices are essential to ensure a healthy and safe environment.