The first time I used a microwave oven was in 1978. They were quite the novelty, so I remember. I was out in Upstate New York, visiting a friend who grew up near me Out West. Putting a cup of water in the microwave to heat it to brew tea - it didn't take me any time at all to realize the water heated that way doesn't quite work right for tea, and if you stick a tea bag or spoon in, sometimes it can do a fast boil right out of the cup onto your hand or splash your face. They can do harm, but I've never heard of anyone being bludgeoned by one before.