Overview:

Concrete pavers enhanced with a photocatalyst that allows air pollutants NOx to be converted into hydrogen gases and harmless low dosed nitrate salts, and also contributes to the degradation of volatile organic compounds (VOC’s).

 

Product Description:

Columbia DBL manufactures a range of pavers, in which the top section of concrete is infused with titanium dioxide (TiO2) that works as a photocatalytic material, that when activated by sunlight converts nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) into nitrates, and has been shown to reduce specific VOC levels in outdoor environments.

The effect of the pavers and the use of TiO2 as a photocatalyst have been independently verified and will last the life of the paver.

A variety of air pollutants have known or suspected harmful effects on human health and the environment. The principal pollutants emitted by vehicles are carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) and particulates. NOx contributes to photochemical smog and can cause respiratory health problems.  The main sources of atmospheric nitrogen oxides are fuel combustion and industrial processes.

The photocatalyst is activated by sunlight and is appropriate for exterior residential, commercial, and industrial use, and limited interior use.

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ECOSPECIFIER ISSUES OF CONCERN / RED LIGHTS

Issues of Concern:

Titanium Dioxide:  In 2006 The IARC reclassified titanium dioxide as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). This issue relates to the inhalation of pure powdered and ultra-fine titanium dioxide dust during manufacture and is not considered a risk, as the Ti02 is not in a respirable form when bound into the product.

Accordingly the sanding, grinding and other occupational production activities of products containing titanium dioxide, may present issues if appropriate precautions are not taken. Precautions for workers such as reducing exposure to product in dust form and using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) mitigate potential issues to low risk in accordance with an ecospecifier Risk Assessment. Refer to Material Safety Data Sheet for further information.

ASSESSMENT COMPARISON

Standard concrete pavers

KEYWORDS / ALTERNATIVES

Air pollution, Air Purification, Titanium Dioxide (TiO2), photocatalyst, NOx, Pavers, tiles, resilient flooring

Availability:

South Africa

Other information:

Information last verified on 11/11/10.

Assessment Criteria Satisfied

ENERGY/GREENHOUSE

Potential less GHG/ODP down stream

RESOURCE DEPLETION & EFFICIENCY

Reduce material use Reduced transport energy Reuse potential Post-Industrial recycled content Post-consumer recycled content Abundant

HUMAN HEALTH

Reduced toxics or carcinogens Low/reduced offgassing

POLLUTION TO ENVIRONMENT

Reduced chemical toxicity through Life Cycle Low/no carcinogens through life-cycle Reduced smog-forming potential

OTHER VITAL SIGNS

Independent Verification Doc Manuf Claim Environmental info about product Environmental policy

© ecospecifier 2012