Clean air is the overriding goal of the economies of many cities and villages. However, its achievement is not facilitated by increased automobile traffic, fume emissions from furnaces and boiler houses, and the ever-increasing number of vehicles. The pollution caused by them has a negative impact not only on the environment, but also on the people living in it. So how to effectively fight smog? Bruk-Bet’s anti-smog slabs and pavers may prove helpful.
Anti-smog cube - what is it?
The concentration of gaseous pollutants in the surrounding environment caused by the development of motorization and industry is constantly increasing
The problem of smog in Poland has become particularly acute in recent years. The result is the country’s high ranking in the infamous rankings of the world’s most polluted regions. The European Environment Agency, meanwhile, points out that between 2013 and 2016 alone, 1,700 people died prematurely in Poland as a result of elevated NOx concentrations. The alarming concentrations of benzopyrene and other harmful substances have become an impetus for pro-environmental measures. Among them, an important point is the development of sustainable construction involving the introduction of pavement materials with an ecological impact. These include Bruk-Bet’s anti-smog sidewalks and parking lots.
Anti-smog sidewalks and parking lots are being built in an increasing number of cities in Poland, because this is where the problem of polluted air is most acute, and where the concentration of particulate matter is highest.
These phenomena are associated with increased concentrations of NOx nitrogen oxides, which are the starting compound for ozone, which is one of the main components of smog faced by residents of smaller cities and large metropolitan areas. Its impact on the human body intensifies respiratory diseases and negatively affects well-being. The phenomenon of anti-smog tiles and pavers is based on a suitable concrete mixture, part of which are anti-smog ingredients. We are talking about nanocrystalline titanium dioxide, referred to by the symbol TiO2. Its presence eliminates NOx oxides of nitrogen in the air up to as much as 30%, thus guaranteeing decidedly cleaner air. This data was formally confirmed at an independent research center during a 10-day measurement of NOx oxides in the air under continuous heavy traffic.
How the anti-smog cube works - properties of titanium dioxide
The active ingredient TiO2, or titanium dioxide, which exhibits photocatalytic properties, is responsible for the effect of the anti-smog cube. What does it consist of?
Under the influence of rainwater and natural sunlight, concrete slabs and pavers containing TiO2 in their composition undergo a process of oxidation, as a result of which harmful substances in the air are broken down. This process occurs throughout the life of the anti-smog pavements, as the titanium dioxide in the concrete mix does not wear off. TiO2 shows a reducing effect on harmful NOx oxides of nitrogen present in exhaust gases emitted by vehicle engines. Reduction of NOx oxides contained in the air is an important issue because, among other things, heavy automobile traffic increasing the concentration of smog nitrogen oxides negatively affects human health. The use of titanium dioxide cement on paving stones also guarantees the removal of organic pollutants covering concrete pavements of squares and engineering structures – it inhibits the growth of fungi, lichens and algae, and reduces the formation of dirt.
Such concrete has self-cleaning properties – an important feature when making representative buildings of high aesthetic value.
What are the advantages of an anti-smog cube?
Anti-smog cubes are all about clean air, which will benefit the health of both children and adults living in larger metropolitan areas. However, this does not mean that products of this type are only for urban areas. Improved air in less-prone areas is also equally important. Bruk-Bet anti-smog pavers and slabs are a good choice not only from a practical, but also from an aesthetic point of view. They guarantee a stylish finish to the area around the building. Materials of this type are produced to the individual order of the investor, who can choose from a variety of colors of the Color-Mix and Color palette. This gives great scope for the character of the property and makes it possible to realize even the most daring design visions.
Among the most frequently chosen solutions in the anti-smog variant are BEHATON® and HOLLAND paving blocks, as well as elements of the NOVATOR® CITY series, which often enhances traffic routes in public spaces such as parking lots, etc. The anti-smog properties of Bruk-Bet material are an added value to the entire list of advantages of the manufacturer’s pavers and slabs. In addition to ecological performance and self-cleaning capabilities, the solutions ensure maximum durability and resistance to other external factors, including loads, increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic or mechanical damage. Such materials are the way to go for solid sidewalks, plazas and driveways designed with sustainable construction in mind.
Bruk-Bet anti-smog sidewalks at High5ive office building
Skanska has built sidewalks made of Bruk-Bet anti-smog pavers over an area of almost 1,900sqm, around the third and fourth buildings of the High5ive office building under construction on Pawia Street in Krakow. The idea was also appreciated by the Warsaw Municipal Roads Authority, whose representatives announced that sidewalks made of “green concrete” will be built as part of the city’s infrastructure development plans. The photocatalytic effect, associated with the presence of TiO2 in the top layer of concrete, has been recognized. Public awareness is increasing enough that people are beginning to see these positive effects associated with concrete as well.
Anti-smog paving is not a fad or a catchy slogan in this era of the need to fight smog. It can be a viable way to improve air quality, and an even more functional patent for paving around a building. This is a product that, in addition to the basic properties of concrete – durability, resistance to external agents and surface stabilization – reduces the presence of harmful compounds from exhaust fumes and car engines. This makes it possible to clean the air and create friendly living conditions.
