Period: D
Topic: Technology/Science
Current Event Posting #1
Title: Could Pollution-eating Concrete Clean Up Our Urban Jungles
Writer: Matt Ford
Publication Name: CNN
Date of Publication: 8/6/10
Length: 742
A. In many urban cities air pollution is a big problem. However scientists at Eindhoven University in the Netherlands have recently created a paving material that is capable of decreasing air pollution by ridding of hazardous material in the air. This material has been proven to reduce nitrogen oxide (compound released in vehicle exhaust) by 35-40%. The pavement is coated with titanium dioxide, it removes the nitrogen oxides and uses sunlight to convert it into a harmless nitrate that can be washed away by the rain. Titanium Dioxide is also used to coat surfaces that are hard to clean. So it also has the advantage of breaking down algae and dirt so the surface stays clean.
B. In conclusion, this new technology may drastically reduce the amount of air pollution in some of our US cities and could lead to better public health. The concrete would be a good solution for populated urban cities like New York, San Francisco, etc. The material is slightly more expensive than normal concrete but it doesn't require a lot of maintenance and the installment is included in the overall cost.
This seems like a really good idea. The only concerns that I have are regarding effectiveness. Is there any statistical data that proves this technology actually works? Other than that I fell like this new type of concrete could really help US cities limit pollution.
ReplyDeleteWow, this is a creative suggestion for dealing with air pollution. I never would have thought that our streets and sidewalks could be part of the solution for dealing with air pollution. If this idea was to be fuller backed up, I think we might start to see some change. It would be subtle, but it would be something. It is creative ideas like this that sometimes make the biggest impact.
ReplyDeleteI think that if there is the experimental data to show that this substance and its products are safe for the environment and does not have any adverse effects, then the government should mandate states use this material. Perhaps it could even save money in the long run.
ReplyDelete