Even if the mass is concentrated on the poisonous emissions of carbon dioxide, other dangers are hidden behind (it must be said) to our cars: nitrogen oxides, for example. deadly because they react to sunlight and form nitric acid, directly involved in the formation of ozone, smog and acid rain.
Exposure to these agents in traffic damages the respiratory tract, even seriously in the medium to long term.
Some tests are verifying a possible solution to the problem: that of 'purifying' road surfaces by acting directly on the asphalt and decreasing the concentration of nitrogen from 25% to 45%.
Researchers from the University of Technology in Eindhoven they repaved around 1000 square meters of the very busy Castorweg Road with special asphalt, treated with titanium dioxide: it is a photocatalytic material that removes nitrogen oxides from the air and converts them (with the help of the sun, this time beneficial) into non-hazardous nitrates, which disappear completely with a little rain.
“The purifying properties of the new road surface have already shown excellent results in the laboratory, but it was wonderful to confirm them outdoors and under normal use,” says Professor Jos Brouwers.
The potential applications are many, especially in places where the concentration of nitrogens exceeds the limit and are often subject to traffic closure. Another positive side is that the road surface thus treated does not develop weeds and remains clean for longer, also allowing savings in maintenance.
The implementation costs? Only 10% more expensive, but it is an increase soon compensated by the aforementioned savings and above all by the benefits on health and the economy of the healthcare system. What to say? Let's hope this solution makes its way soon :)
If you want to know more, here is the manufacturer's website: Struyk Verwo Infra
