We heard that a bowl of Epsom salts placed near a microwave or TV reduces microwave emissions, and these cause the crystals to turn to powder over time. This sounds like an urban myth, but we tried it.

To our surprise, the salts turned to powder within a week or two. Why does this occur? Are microwaves really involved?

Arlene Dowling, Australia

(Image: grz3gorz, stock.xchng)