§ Mr. Campbell-Savoursasked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) whether he is satisfied with the servicing arrangements for microwave ovens in the light of the report of A. E. Rooms, environmental health officer, in the city of Manchester;
(2) if he will improve the regulations concerning the inspection of microwave ovens, in the light of the recent discovery of five ovens which leaked in excess 124W of the 5mW/cm2 limit in the city of Manchester.
§ Mr. MayhewThe internationally accepted emission standard for microwave ovens is 5 milliwatts per square centimetre at 5 cm from the external surface of the appliance. It does not connote a possible risk at such an emission level, but rather it reflects design criteria which incorporate a safety factor.
All ovens on sale in the United Kingdom are designed to comply with BS 125W 5175 of 1976 which incorporates this emission standard. A survey carried out by HSE and NRPB has confirmed that this standard is being met. Nevertheless, after prolonged use a small percentage of older ovens may leak up to twice the amount specified in the standard, and this points to the need for regular servicing. However, the levels are unlikely to cause the exposure of persons to exceed 10 milliwatts per square centimetre, the personal exposure standard which is contained in the proposed European directive on the protection of the health of workers and the public against hazards from microwave radiation.
I shall be considering the need for legislation when the directive has been adopted.