I routinely store my unripe bananas near the microwave oven, on a Banana Hanger. I've noticed more times than not, the bananas appear to ripen faster while next to the microwave, than when I store them in the pantry, still on the Banana Hanger. I wonder if the microwave oven may have something to do with the speed in which the bananas ripen. Could the cause possibly be radiation leakage, or some other type of exposure? I am at a loss.

I'm guessing it has more to do with a slight difference in temperature. Most likely the open air of the heated kitchen area is a few degrees warmer than in the un heated pantry.

Yes wise men, I too would presume it is due to the higher temp in the kitchen, you presumably are using the microwave while the bananas are next to it?

Next time take:-
TWO bananas & put next to Microwave..
TWO bananas & put next to kettle (move it away from Mircrowave!)..
TWO bananas & put next to oven..
TWO away from any heat source in the kitchen..

and TWO in the pantry...

Wait, See, Post what happens...

Then eat all the bananas at one sitting & tell me if you puke!