The business of global warming is studies like this Microwaves are as damaging to the environment as cars

Microwaves are as damaging to the environment as cars

By The Sun

January 17, 2018 | 9:56pm

Modal Trigger

Getty Images/iStockphoto

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED BY:

Microwaves are as damaging to the environment as cars and users must be taught how to cook more efficiently, scientists say.

The ovens are responsible for 7.7 million tons of the ­carbon dioxide pumped out from the EU each year — the equivalent of 6.8 million cars.

Researchers say they are fueling global warming with consumers overcooking food to blame.

Microwaves account for the largest percentage of sales of all types of oven in the EU, with numbers set to reach 135 million by 2020.

But scientists at the University of Manchester — the first to assess the environmental impact — say efforts to cut energy consumption should focus on manufacturers offering better education on microwave use.

Study leader Dr. Alejandro Gallego-Schmid said: “You can see the fumes being pumped out of the exhaust of your vehicle but the pollution generated by your microwave is more distant.”

His team suggests consumers should be taught how to heat food on the correct power for the ­correct length of time.

Simon Bullock, from Friends of the Earth, added: “This report highlights the urgent need for microwaves and other household appliances to be used as efficiently as possible.”