Induction hob is harmful to health according to studies and reviews from doctors

What is the process of induction?

To better understand the prerequisites for the emergence of such an opinion that an induction furnace can be dangerous for the human body, it is necessary to understand what the operating principle of the device is and what exactly can cause mistrust. First of all, you need to know that the electromagnetic induction mechanism has long been used in industry for melting and heating metals, and the first model for the home was proposed in 1987. The main feature of induction models is the absence of heating elements . If a gas stove makes water boil in a kettle by burning blue fuel, and an electric stove directs electricity to heat the burners, then the glass-ceramic surface of induction devices does not heat up. All energy goes directly into the dishes, which must be made of ferromagnetic alloys.

Instead of heating elements, inside the innovative models there are induction coils, to which alternating currents of medium frequency are supplied within the range of 20 kHz - 100 kHz. As a result, a magnetic field is created. Its vortex flows pass through the glass-ceramic panel and are transferred to a frying pan, saucepan or saucepan installed on top. As a result, in dishes made from materials with high heat loss coefficients, the resistance increases and magnetization reversal processes begin, which causes strong heating and the release of thermal energy. Thus, it is not the hob that heats up, but the dishes. The surface of the stove becomes hot even from the bottom of the heated kitchen utensil.

Important! Another feature of these cookers is that induction can affect the operation of other electronic devices.

Experts do not recommend placing ovens under the hob that are not intended for such a location - suitable models must be equipped with a forced cooling system.

Researchers' points of view

The growth in consumer demand for induction cookers has given impetus to conducting comprehensive studies aimed at obtaining data on the potential harm of household appliances of this type on human health. However, so far no one has been able to give a definite answer. For example, their effect on people suffering from various diseases, including cancer, remains unstudied. Scientists' opinions on this matter are divided.

Opinion FOR

The results of research by WHO scientists prove that the effect of induction on the human body is minimal. During testing, the following were revealed.

1. The electromagnetic field of the stove affects other equipment located nearby.
2. Already at a distance of about 3 dm from the surface of the slab, the level of EM radiation is zero. Theoretically, at such a distance, a person can be affected only if he spends a long time at the stove. At risk are pregnant women and children. To absolutely guarantee the safety of your health, you should not stand near the hobs for more than two hours at a time.
3. The radiation level increases when using cookware that is not intended for this type of stove (without a special ferromagnetic layer on the bottom), or when it is used incorrectly (the diameter of the bottom does not match the size of the burner, or the cookware has shifted).

Moving the pan from the burner increases the level of exposure of the stove to the person

Opinion AGAINST

Japan was the first to use induction cookers. Already in the early 2000s there was a real “induction boom”. And it was in this country that the first studies began to be conducted on the effect of such technology on the human body. One independent organization provided alarming data: electromagnetic radiation from this type of stove exceeds established international standards by 16 times. Of course, after such a statement, many authoritative organizations began to study this issue in detail.

Researchers from Switzerland (FOPH Health Center) tested stationary and compact models of induction cookers. When creating ideal conditions, that is, using suitable utensils that fit exactly onto the diameter of the burner. This is not always observed in real life, so other operational options have been explored. In the end, the results were as follows:

• 1 cm from the induction hob the norm is exceeded in any case;
• when the dishes are displaced relative to the center of the burner, the excess is observed already at a distance of 12 cm;
• when using unsuitable cookware, EM radiation exceeded the recommended values ​​already 20 cm from the stove;
• The radiation of portable options is higher than that of stationary ones.

Below is a graph of the effects of radiation on the human nervous system from the official FOPH website. The yellow line indicates the internationally established EM radiation guidelines. The blue color indicates the radiation from the portable stove. As you can see, it exceeds the recommended values.

In general, research proves that you can only be sure that the stove is safe under ideal operating conditions.

Read more: how to use an induction cooker correctly.

Dangers of exposure to household induction cookers

As a rule, it is precisely because of a number of requirements and restrictions imposed on the installation and use of induction cookers that potential buyers have concerns that such devices may be harmful to human health. Of greatest concern is the magnetic field generated by the device and the associated radiation.

Electromagnetic field

A wary attitude towards induction hobs is due to the well-established opinion that the electromagnetic field has a negative effect on the body and can increase fatigue, susceptibility to stress and depression. Opponents of induction cookers cite as evidence the fact that high-voltage lines create fields that are dangerous to human health, which is why there are regulations regulating the installation of power lines away from residential premises. However, unlike the high-frequency fields they create, the field generated by the hob is low- and medium-frequency. Moreover, most of the energy is absorbed by the stove itself.

On a note! It is also worth noting that many household appliances, including microwaves, smartphones and televisions, create a similar field during operation.

Radiation and Radiation

Some consumers believe that since food on an induction stove should be cooked in a special container, the properties of which are enhanced by manufacturers by pressing ferromagnetic plates into the bottom, some of the radiation enters the food and, consequently, the body. However, most pots and pans used in any kitchen have ferromagnetic properties. It’s easy to check this statement: if a magnet sticks to the bottom, then this is a cookware suitable for induction cookers.

Induction cooktops are not radioactive. During operation, the device creates electromagnetic fields that are absorbed by the device itself, and at a distance of only 30 cm from the stove, radio frequency radiation decreases to zero values .

Harm of induction cookers

Technological equipment has been used for kitchen appliances for about 25 years. But there is a certain caution among users regarding possible harm to human health. And these concerns are understandable; such equipment in the kitchen creates an electromagnetic field. Although its power is comparable to the power of the field from a tablet or smartphone. If you are at a distance of 30 cm from the hob, there is no harm from the induction cooker to the human body. When the cooking surface is activated, the cookware on the burner heats up. Problems may arise in people who have undergone heart surgery with implanted pacemakers or defibrillators.

Are induction cookers harmful?

In addition to heated or cooked food, there is an alternating magnetic field. Its power increases as the diameter of the pan decreases. Eddy currents are created, they are a source of a magnetic field opposite the direction of the field of the coils under the burners. If the size of the bottom and the cooking zone coincide, the overall magnetic field is extinguished. There are leakage currents; when touching the pan, a weak current is possible.

For cores with special devices in the body, you need to be careful when using an induction cooker. Electromagnetic radiation can unbalance the operation of devices. This is dangerous for a person whose normal life depends on implanted devices. It is recommended to be at a distance of 35-50 cm from the work surface when turning on the equipment.

Do the radiation from induction cookers harm the food we cook on them?

Some potential buyers of kitchen appliances have questions about the quality of the food itself after cooking. Those who doubt the absence of radiation in food are confident that it is of poor quality. In fact, there is no harm to human health from foods cooked on an induction cooker. There is no radiation in prepared food, this has been confirmed by scientific experiments. It has been proven that the force of an electromagnetic field cannot change the structure at the molecular level. The food does not pose a danger to the consumer.

Experts' opinions "for" and "against"

The growing popularity and spread of induction kitchen aids has led to an increase in the number of studies being conducted to evaluate the potential harm from such devices. However, the range of experiments conducted does not allow us to unambiguously describe the effect of induction cookers on human health. For example, there is no data whether the use of such devices increases the risk of complications in various diseases, including oncology. Therefore, you can find opposing assessments and reviews from doctors on whether it is safe to install an induction stove in the kitchen.

Research against

One of the first companies to conduct research and tests on induction cookers was the Japanese organization Takenori Ueda. Its employees found that at maximum power, the radiation from an induction cooker exceeds the limit set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) by 16 times, and this is the highest figure among all household appliances. However, it should be noted that the radiation standards established by the ICNIRP commission are 50 times higher than the level of excitability of nerve cells, that is, the value at which the effect on the human body becomes noticeable.

Swiss researchers from the Federal Center for Public Health (FOPH) found that higher levels of radiation are typical for portable models when compared with stationary ones. They tested several samples and found that when a portable induction cooker is operating, the radiation behaves in the following way:

• constantly exceeds the norm at a distance of 1 cm;
• when using unsuitable utensils - at a distance of 20 cm;
• when the bottom of the pan is displaced relative to the center of the burner - at a distance of 12 cm.

Advice! For those buyers who consider even such a probabilistic risk unjustified, a tabletop infrared cooker can be a good alternative.

Resolution in favor

During tests, scientists, including those working at the WHO (World Health Organization), concluded that, despite a small percentage of studies, induction cookers do not cause significant harm to health . Such conclusions were made based on the following patterns:

• the increase in radiation levels is affected by the use of inappropriate cookware, as well as its displacement relative to the center of the burner;
• at a distance of 30 cm from the stove, the radiation level drops to zero, that is, at such a distance the device can cause hypothetical harm only if they remain at the stove for a long time (more than 2 hours) to children, pregnant women and people of short stature;
• Induction may affect the operation of nearby electronic devices.

Important! The maximum safe stay time for the type of hob in question is 2 hours.

How to reduce harm from an induction cooker

To prevent negative effects on the body, scientists recommend following these rules:

1. Choose the right cookware. If metal utensils with a ferromagnetic bottom are provided, then this is what you should use. There must be special marks on the packaging or on the bottom of the dish about the possibility of its use.
2. The bottom of the pan should completely cover the burner. Then the release of energy will only be between them.
3. Do not use containers with bulging or damaged bottoms.
4. The distance of a person from the panel is recommended to be no closer than 20 cm, which will protect against radiation. Research has confirmed that at such a distance the magnetic field is zero.
5. Correct selection of equipment. It is better to choose wooden or plastic spoons and spatulas and avoid metal ones.

In this case, we can conclude that this technique does not create any real risk.
And all the talk about harm to human health is more a myth than a reality. And if you follow the recommendations for its operation, then the myths are completely dispelled. See also - Rating of the best induction hobs based on customer reviews

Operating principle

Before using an induction cooker, you need to know how it works. The induction coil is the primary winding. And the second is the kitchen utensils placed on the burner. When utensils are placed on a work surface, induction currents are created that heat the utensil. The glass surface is also heated only by the cooking utensils.

We continue to study the principle of operation of induction cookers. The ability to fully regulate the heating power is carried out in two ways: continuous and intermittent. In the latter case, the unit will turn off and on depending on the installed power. This regulation has a high speed of preparing homemade food, as noted by reviews.

Is it harmful to use?

In fact, the appearance of the first models of induction cookers was known 25 years ago. However, most consumers did not become owners of such a useful technical device. These statistics indicate that many are afraid to purchase a stove because they believe that the technology used at the heart of its operation can harm human health.

As a result, scientists have also become interested in the issue of harm caused by stoves. There have been many studies that have not confirmed the hypothesis that cooking hobs can have serious negative effects on people's health. In order not to be unfounded, they cited a number of convincing facts proving the correctness of the conclusion.

1. The resulting electromagnetic field is minimal - such an amount, other things being equal, will not cause harm to a person.
2. This type of kitchen equipment has an absorbing function, so the magnetic field does not affect humans.
3. The area of ​​influence of the electromagnetic field is limited only by the cookware present on the induction cooker.

A number of experiments were also carried out in which scientists measured the radiation emitted by the electromagnetic field. It is worth noting that at 30 cm from the stove this indicator was zero.

However, people with pacemakers, defibrillators and other similar devices should be careful when using such stoves. Since induction does create an electromagnetic field, it can significantly disrupt the operation of these devices.

Of course, most technical means have disadvantages, and an induction cooker is no exception. With the appearance of the desired new item in the house, its owners may have to change their cooking utensils. It should only be metal and attract magnets, since only such dishes can interact with the electromagnetic field generated by the coils. Also, it should not be larger in diameter than the burner itself. Read more about choosing cookware for induction cookers here.

Why is artificial electromagnetic radiation dangerous?

The natural geomagnetic background provided by the Earth and space ensures the circulation of air masses, the world's oceans, normal insolation and other planetary living conditions. Compared to it, the scale of man-made is tiny. But there is a nuance - the electromagnetic web produced by people acts directly on its users. Power cables, high voltage lines, television and radio equipment, computer and household appliances create a second background. For humans, it turns out to be more aggressive than natural. The body is under its influence around the clock: on the street, at home, during work and sleep. And the power of some sources can disrupt physiological processes, especially during close or direct contact.

Doctors and scientists note that an artificial electromagnetic background can change the activity of the brain, endocrine, reproductive, and cardiovascular systems - those areas where all biochemical processes occur at high speed. Exposure to excess radiation reduces immunity, can increase the risk of malignant tumors, disrupts the production of hormones, protein synthesis, intracellular metabolism, leads to overheating of tissues, and promotes the accumulation of free radicals and toxins.

The risk group most susceptible to the influence of electromagnetic fields includes:

• pregnant women;
• aged people;
• nervously and physically exhausted;
• people with genetic and congenital diseases;
• Small children.

The more diverse radiation sources are located near or inside places of residence and work, the more aggressive their combined impact on health. The insidiousness of artificial EMFs is that their damage to the body is not always obvious. Studying it sometimes requires years of observation.

What kind of cookware can I use?

cookware with ferromagnetic properties is suitable for induction cookers , or in simple words, it is cookware made of metal that can attract a magnet.
Such dishes include:

• enameled (steel or iron);
• utensils made of ferromagnetic stainless steel;
• cast iron cookware.

However, the most important part of such a dish is its bottom . And if the bottom of the cookware is made of ferromagnetic metal or there is at least a layer of such metal in the bottom, adjacent directly to the burner, such cookware is also suitable.

Important! The bottom of the cookware must be smooth and flat to ensure maximum tight contact with the burner.

In general, of course, it is better to use cookware specifically designed for cooking on an induction stove - this will significantly increase its efficiency. Such cookware is marked accordingly, indicating compatibility with an induction cooker.

How to reduce harm

So, these research conclusions are correct only if certain rules for operating such devices are observed.

1. Using cookware whose bottom best fits the diameter of the burner.
2. Do not place cookware with a damaged or bulging bottom on the stove, even if it heats up well and liquid does not spill out of it.
3. Cook on the stove, maintaining a distance of at least 30 cm, and do not touch the body with your body.
4. Use only utensils specifically designed for cooking on such panels. As a rule, it is marked by the manufacturer with a special icon on the bottom or packaging.
5. It is best not to use metal cutlery for stirring food while cooking.

Research results

Here are the results of studies conducted by the Swiss Federal Center for Health (FOPH).
Three models of induction cookers were chosen for the study - two stationary built-in and one portable. All of them complied with the European standard for non-ionizing radiation, which determines the standard of radiation at a distance of 30 cm from the hob. True, the standard was established with absolute observance of three basic rules for the operation of induction cookers:

• Use of high quality special cookware.
• Large diameter bottom of the pan.
• Place the cookware strictly in the center of the burner.

Therefore, to obtain more objective and complete results, the experimental conditions were expanded:

1. The radiation power was measured in a zone from 1 to 30 cm to the slab.
2. The influence on the radiation power of such factors as the small diameter of the bottom, incorrect centering and poor-quality material of the cookware was determined.
3. Data were analyzed on changes in radiation power in the case of switching on more than one heating zone.

As a result of numerous experiments, the following was found.
Radiation at a distance of 1 cm is always much higher than normal.

For special cookware (marked for compatibility with induction cookers). If the dishes were not placed in the center of the burner, or the diameter of the bottom was less than the diameter of the heating zone, then the excess of the norm was recorded up to a distance of 12 cm.

For cookware without appropriate markings and with experimental conditions identical to those described in the previous paragraph, excess of the norm was recorded up to a distance of 20 cm from the operating stove.

Also, research results have shown that the simultaneous operation of several

burners practically does not increase the power of the electromagnetic field.

Is it harmful to health?

Whether an induction cooker is harmful to human health should be examined in more detail.

Induction cookers require special cookware.

Undoubtedly, people with pacemakers are advised to limit the use of this miracle of technology. But do not exclude it and adhere to all safety rules (do not touch the vessels and use wooden utensils for cooking). It would not be superfluous to consult your treating cardiologist.

Only certain categories of people should minimize their presence near an induction cooker.

Manufacturers claim that an induction cooker is not harmful to health, since the waves have a low or medium frequency. Data is indicated that harm is caused by a mobile phone, which is also brought to the ear. Scientific studies have found that at a distance of 20 centimeters, the ionizing effect is zero. That is, the harm is rather philosophical. In addition, dishes restrict flow.

The harm from an induction cooker has not been scientifically proven, so feel free to use all modern developments.

According to doctors, harm to health occurs due to improper use. It has a negative effect on the central nervous system. This manifests itself as chronic fatigue, poor general health, insomnia and headaches.

Proper use of an induction cooker will have a positive effect on your health.

It is important to follow all operating instructions, as well as select the correct equipment for cooking (you cannot place a small saucepan on a large burner, you need to take into account the size). If the pan is damaged, it should not be used. When located directly near the equipment, you need to reduce the power indicator. Do not allow use by children under 12 years of age.

Keep children away from the induction cooker area.

The cause-and-effect relationship between the use of an induction cooker and the occurrence of diseases has not been scientifically proven. But for your own peace of mind, it is better to follow the safety tips. The operational capabilities of this equipment are high, which makes it a sought-after product and a favorite of many housewives.

Take care of your induction hob and it will last you a long time.

We must not forget about scientific and technological progress and the desire of mankind to simplify their life activities as much as possible. Models can be modified, and technologies are improved. Perhaps, even more progressive variations of induction cookers will soon appear, which so confidently discard gas and electric devices, making them unprofitable and ineffective.

Cookware sets for induction cookers: what should they be?

The dishes must have a magnetic bottom. Without this bottom it will not heat up. In order not to run into defective goods, you can check the future product by taking a magnet and attaching it to the bottom. The result will not be long in coming. If the magnet sticks, you can safely take such a product.

Such utensils are made from stainless steel, cast iron, and aluminum. You should not use other steels. A special bottom for such plates is inserted into them. The price of such dishes will significantly hit your wallet.

The best manufacturers designate the cookware with generally accepted signs and what stoves it is suitable for. They also tell you whether the dishes can be washed in the dishwasher, heating, and so on.

You need to pay attention to the diameter of the cookware set for induction cookers. If it is too small, then this cookware is only suitable for gas or electric. Before using an induction cooker, be sure to look at the bottom of the pan. It should be smooth and adjacent to the surface. Otherwise, cooking will not bring joy, and such a product will not serve housewives for a very long time.

When choosing cookware sets on the Internet, you need to pay attention to the description and product cards. They contain all the necessary information and the contact number of the manufacturer’s hotline. You need to choose stores that value their reputation. It is in this case that the entire percentage of “running into” marriage is reduced to a minimum.

The influence of household appliances on human health

The rapid development of science and technology has led to the fact that we began to exist in a continuous electromagnetic field. Man-made smog surrounds us at home, at work, in transport and even in nature. We cannot imagine modern life without cell phones, televisions, computers, washing machines, microwave ovens, electric stoves, refrigerators, electric irons, vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, etc.

Every electrically powered device emits electromagnetic waves. It has been reliably established that any field causes a response in our body. Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) has the greatest impact on the immune, nervous, endocrine and reproductive systems.

A large number of studies show that the nervous system is one of the most sensitive to the effects of EMR. Signs of disturbances are irritability, fussiness, fatigue, weakening of memory, sleep disturbance, and general tension. The nervous system of the embryo is especially sensitive.

Radio stations, television towers and power lines affect the body remotely, and mobile devices, computers, hair dryers and electric shavers are devices that are usually at close range from a person, and a mobile phone is in especially close contact with the head, so the EMR it creates affects on the brain. A hair dryer and an electric razor are also in close contact with the head during use, and these devices are used daily.

The effect of EMR on a person depends on the power of the radiation source and its distance from the person.

When purchasing electrical appliances, you should pay attention to their power, which may increase the electromagnetic background. Often, many of them have the same effectiveness as their less powerful counterparts.

Try not to turn on several electrical appliances at the same time. In addition to the load on the electrical network, this increases the impact of electromagnetic waves.

Use extension cords as a last resort, and avoid clusters of wires connected to powerful appliances, since wires wrapped in rings and knots enhance the electromagnetic field.

Pay particular attention to the frequency of use of household electrical appliances during pregnancy.

The use of mobile phones and tablets requires special attention, because they are closer to other equipment - at arm's length or less. When using and even carrying phones and other devices, their electromagnetic radiation has a local effect on the body. Many people use their phone as an alarm clock and place it next to them in bed or on the bedside table, but during sleep the body should be restored and not subject to additional stress.

We cannot completely avoid the effects of EMR, but it can be mitigated by introducing self-limitation on the time of contact with sources of electromagnetic fields, adhering to scientifically proven safe distances.

A change of activity, regular walks in the fresh air, physical education and sports, good rest and communication with nature will help restore the body's defenses and resist harmful effects on our health.

Manager

laboratory of physical factors

State Institution "Novopolotsk State Center for Geological Exploration"

Lyudmila Ivanovna Gromyko

Main advantages

Compared to older electric versions of such devices, the induction cooker is considered the number one technical tool in cooking, as it has a number of undeniable advantages. It is worth noting that cooking time is significantly shortened. But the advantages of the slab do not end there.

1. Waste less energy. There is no need to wait a long time for it to heat up, as is the case with conventional cast iron heating elements. You can cook as soon as the cookware hits the burner. In addition, some time after the end of cooking, the stove turns off on its own.
2. Safe cooking. This aspect should be the main one when the question arises about choosing such a technical device. Surely everyone knows what burns on a stove are - in this case this is excluded. Since only the cookware heats up during operation, the burner itself remains slightly warm. After removing the dishes, they cool completely within a few minutes.
3. Comfortable conditions. When using a stove, the air temperature in the room increases slightly: heat is transferred only to the dishes in the diameter corresponding to its bottom, and not to the surrounding air.
4. Practical to use. This panel is quite easy to care for. It will take a few minutes to wash the device. All you need is a well-soaped rag. In case of severe contamination, a glass ceramic cleaner and a scraper designed specifically for such a surface will help.

Depending on the model of the induction cooker, there are several additional modes. For example, the owner of such a device can calmly go about his business and prepare soup. When a certain time is set, the timer works and the stove turns off on its own.

Instructions for using an induction cooker

1. Place the pan in the center of the burner and turn on the power.
2. Select automatic or manual cooking mode.
3. Choose an action or dish that will be prepared, for example: soup, milk, stewing, frying, barbecue.
4. If necessary, during cooking you can increase or decrease the heating power.
5. In manual mode, you can set the end time of cooking using the “Timer” option. Also in this mode you can set the start time of cooking (delay cooking function). If you do not use this function, the burner will turn on automatically after a while.

Sources

• https://hitech-online.ru/tehnika-dlya-kuhni/kuhonnaya-plita/induktsionnaya-vred-dlya-zdorovya.html
• https://rem.ninja/kuhnya/tehnika/vred-induktsionnyh-plit.html
• https://eko-jizn.ru/?p=15441
• https://fb.ru/article/415714/vredna-li-induktsionnaya-plita-dlya-zdorovya-otzyivyi-vrachey-kak-polzovatsya-induktsionnoy-plitoy
• https://Tehnika.expert/dlya-kuxni/kuxonnaya-plita/indukcionnaya-vred-dlya-zdorovya.html
• https://nakuhne.guru/tehnika/varochnye-paneli/indukcionnaya-plita-eto-vred-ili-polza.html