Designed for conventional asphalt roofing, 3M's new smog-reducing granules transform polluted air into water-soluble ions that can be easily washed away. This miraculous process is achieved through the use of a photocatalytic coating used on each granule. This coating is activated naturally by the sun's UV rays and will then bind with the chemical compounds found in smoggy air, eventually turning them into water-soluble ions.
While 3M did conduct its own testing of these smog-reducing granules, the company also sent a sample for external validation to Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. The lab then tested how effective the granules were in absorbing different gases and pollutants. According to the lab's research, an average-sized roof coated in these smog-reducing granules could remove as many pollutants as three trees.
Smog-Reducing Granules
3M Developed a Way to Clean the Air More Effectively Than Trees
Trend Themes
1. Smog-reducing Coatings - The development of coatings that can transform polluted air into water-soluble ions presents an opportunity for reducing smog in urban areas.
2. Photocatalytic Technology - The use of photocatalytic coatings activated by the sun's UV rays has the potential to mitigate air pollution by turning chemical compounds into harmless ions.
3. Sustainable Building Materials - The integration of smog-reducing granules into roofing materials can contribute to more environmentally friendly construction practices.
Industry Implications
1. Roofing - The roofing industry can adopt smog-reducing granules as a value-added feature, providing customers with cleaner air and improving their environmental footprint.
2. Air Purification - The air purification industry could explore the use of photocatalytic coatings to develop more effective and sustainable solutions for reducing air pollution.
3. Urban Planning - Incorporating smog-reducing technologies into urban infrastructure can help cities combat air pollution and create healthier living environments.