magnetron toxicity

[pete g]

hi all, been reading about magnetrons. some sources say there is a very toxic material used in the construction of magnetrons. this material is known as beryllium oxide. other sources say this substance is very expensive and would not be used in cheap microwave ovens. they say, aluminum oxide is used. who is right?

[Terry Carmen]

>  beryllium oxide

It's safe to handle unless you grind it up, in which case it's dangerous to inhale.

Not sure about which ovens use/don't use it, but as long as you're not damaging the tube, it's supposed to be inert.

Edited February 21, 2022 by Terry Carmen