Micro waved water

Hi, it appears that all of us have become quite busy and have little to say to each other after the initial enthusiasm...Am therefore using this blog to post some useful/interesting info. as and and when it finds way into my inbox.
"Micro waved water"
A 26-year old guy decided to have a cup of coffee. He took a cup ofwater 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 wantedto bring the water to a boil. When the timer shut the oven off, heremoved the cup from the oven. As he looked into the cup, he noted that the waterwas not boiling, but instantly the water in the cup 'blew up' into hisface.The cup remained intact until he threw it out of his hand but all thewater had flown out into his face due to the build up of energy. His wholeface is blistered and he has 1st and2nd degree burns to his face, which may leave scarring. He also mayhave lost partial sight in his left eye.

While at the hospital, the doctorwho was attending to him stated that this is fairly common occurrence andwater (alone) should never be heated in a microwave oven. If water is heatedin this manner, something should be placed in the cup to diffuse theenergy such as: a wooden stir stick, tea bag, etc. It is however a much safer choice to boil the water in a teakettle.

General Electric 's (GE) response:Thanks for contacting us. I will be happy to assist you. The e-mailthat you received is correct. Micro waved water and other liquids do notalways bubble when they reach the boiling point. They can actually getsuperheated and not bubble at all. The superheated liquid will bubble up out ofthe cup when it is moved or when something like a spoon or teabag is put intoit. To prevent this from happening and causing injury, do not heat anyliquid for more than two minutes per cup. After heating, let the cup standin the microwave for thirty seconds before moving it or adding anything intoit.
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