New Sidewalk Pavers Can Clean Polluted Air

New Air Clean paving slabs use special technology to clean the air in polluted cities.

By Kathryn Hawkins. Posted on August 31 2010

Wikipedia Commons

In the city of Fulda, Germany—as with cities almost anywhere—the air pollution levels are not ideal. But a new technological innovation will (literally) clear the air.

The city is planning to place specially coated Air Clean paving slabs down the length of one of Fulda’s main streets. The slabs are covered with a material called titanium dioxide, which renders toxic fumes from nitrogen oxide harmless, using sunlight to speed up the natural process.

The slabs were developed by F. C. Nüdling Betonelemente, and have been tested for safety and effectiveness. They’ve already been trialed in Italy, with impressive results.

There’s a lot more science behind the technology that we won’t get into—though you’re welcome to have at it here—but suffice it to say, the Air Clean slabs seem to be a fantastic eco-friendly invention.

“All in all, it’s possible to say that Air Clean significantly improves the air quality within a short space of time, and thus helps protect the environment,” said Dr. Monika Herrchen, a scientist at the IME.

Filed under: Green, Science,