Microwave oven pollutes the environment like cars

Scientists at the University of Manchester (UK) conducted the first comprehensive study of the impact of habitat, according to Phys.org.

They use lifecycle assessment (LCA) - including the stages of production, use, and management when becoming waste - to consider the impact of microwaves.

The team investigated 12 different environmental factors, such as climate change, natural resource depletion and ecological toxicity . They found that microwave ovens used throughout Europe emit 7.7 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year, on par with the annual emissions of 6.8 million cars.

Microwave ovens across Europe consume 9.4 TWh of electricity per year.(Photo: Wikimedia).

In addition, the triggers also include materials used to make microwave ovens, final production and waste management processes. For example, the production process alone contributes more than 20% to climate change and exhaustion of natural resources.

In total, microwave ovens across Europe consume about 9.4 TWh of electricity each year, equivalent to the annual power output of three large gas power plants. On average, a single microwave oven uses a 573 kWh power during its lifetime of 8 years.

Waste is also a big problem. In 2005, Europe had about 184,000 tons of waste electrical and electronic equipment (EE) generated from the discarded microwave. By 2025, this number is expected to increase to 195,000 tons.

"The rapid development of technology and the reduction in product prices are pushing for the purchase of electrical and electronic equipment in Europe. Consumers now tend to buy new equipment before the old equipment is " - Alejandro Gallego-Schmid - member of the research team - said.

According to research groups, we need to improve consumer awareness and behavior to use microwaves more effectively. For example, reduce the power consumption of a microwave by adjusting the cooking time to match the type of food.