Microwaves produce a lot of CO2 equivalent to nearly 7 million cars

Many studies have shown how radioactive microwaves not only harm the environment during heating food but this device can significantly reduce the nutritional value of your food and health, making it easy for you to suffer from health complications due to continuous microwave use.

Now, another study has found that radiation from microwaves can have serious environmental impacts.

"According to new findings from the study, microwave ovens across Europe could emit more CO2 equivalent to nearly 7 million cars released," said researchers from the University of Manchester in England.

The study also found that microwaves emit 7.7 million tons of CO2 equivalent each year in the European Union (EU). This is equivalent to the annual emissions of 6.8 million cars.

Microwave across the EU consumes about 9.4 terawatts of electricity per hour (TWh). This power consumption is equivalent to the annual power consumption of three major European gas power plants.

Microwave ovens account for the highest percentage of all ovens in the European Union (EU), with the figure reaching nearly 135 million by 2020. Even so, the extent of their impact on The environment is still unknown.

The study used LCA lifecycle assessment method to estimate the impact of microwave, taking into account the production, use and management of waste discharged from this device.

In total, the research team surveyed 12 different environmental factors, including climate change, natural resource depletion and ecological toxicity.

They found, for example, that microwave ovens used throughout the EU produce 7.7 million tons of CO2 equivalent per year. This is equivalent to the annual emissions of 6.8 million cars. The environmental hot spot found by the research lies in the materials used to manufacture microwaves. For example, the production process alone contributes more than 20% to the depletion of natural resources and climate change.

The study found that each microwave uses an average of 573 kilowatt hours per hour for eight years. That is equivalent to the power consumption of a 7 watt LED light bulb, leaving it on for nine consecutive years.

Due to its relatively low cost and ease of production, consumers are using more home appliances than ever before, including a microwave oven.

Alejandro Gallego-Schmid, of the University of Manchester, said: "Rapid and declining technology development is driving the purchase of household electronics in Europe."

See more:

1. In the future, protein-rich foods will be produced from electricity and CO2
2. CO2 emissions will be used as fuel for cars in the future
3. New technology to turn fossil fuels into products does not emit CO2