How millennials are fighting to reduce air pollution

Amongst the numerous other evils prevailing in our world right now, one that will most likely cause rapid disruption is “Air Pollution”. On a planet where air pollution claims around 9 million deaths every year, we’re all dying a slow death, taking in polluted air, every second that we breathe.

But wait. We’re not here to rant about prevailing issues that haunt our existence. On the contrary, we come bearing good news. We are fortunate to have innovative people with a conscience around us, who are taking charge and are actively working to put a check on the quality of the air we take in. Read below to know more about the ways in which technology is helping to reduce air pollution.

1. Nasal Filters

In a world where breathing fresh air is a rare commodity, former students from IIT Delhi made an effort to create a nasal filter which is easy to use. Created by Tushar Vyas, Jatin Kevlani and Prateek Sharma along with their professors Ashwini K Agrawal, Manjeet Jassal and an alumnus Sanjeev Jain, this filter prevents dust and pollutants of any kind from entering the body through the nasal route. These nasal filters are use-and-throw devices that work without hampering breathing. 

The filters used are small, about 2 centimetres in size and do not require cleaning or washing. Called Nasofilters, they are economical and can be replaced every day. A one of its kind innovation, not only was it well received in the scientific community but it also received an award in 2017, from the President of India. 

2. Converting Diesel Exhaust into Ink

As revealed by a study conducted in 2018 by WHO, amongst the 20 most air-polluted cities, 14 are in India. To add to this, a significant contribution to air pollution is made by vehicles, via emissions. 

In order to curb vehicular emission and reduce air pollution, a Bangaluru-based start-up called Graviky Labs has worked on converting emissions from vehicles and generators into ink, before it enters into the environment. This device needs to be fitted into the tailpipes of generators and the like, which then captures carbon emission and converts it into industrial-grade ink. 

The particles of soot come together in a heat exchanger where the exhaust is cooled. Carbon is then isolated from the soot and converted into ink. This ink can be used for painting, writing, etc.

3. Smog Tower

In Xian, China, a smog tower has already been developed, which is now being utilized to clean around 10mn cubic meters of air on a daily basis. In short, this device is essentially an industrial size air purifier. These smog towers filter particulate matter in the air and thus, deliver clean air. 

India is not far behind. A few start-ups have been working on this technology to improve the quality of air. Kurin Systems, a start-up on similar framework has designed a smog tower which is 40*20 foot. It will have the capacity to clean around 32 mn cubic meters of air daily. These towers when curated and placed in heavy traffic areas and beyond the borders of the city, can help in bringing down the particulate matter in the wind flow, even before it enters the premises of the city.

4. Cloud Seeding

This is one technique that has already been used by countries like US, China, Israel, Germany and South Africa for years. Cloud seeding refers to the practice of causing artificial precipitation by dispersing salt like substances in the air through aircraft. 

Precipitation helps in bringing down the impurities suspended in the air and thus, improves the quality of air. Researchers from IIT-K along with the CPCB have been planning to conduct this within the confines of the city. This is a solution that can be developed and institutionalized quickly if pollution happens to cross certain levels. 

In a rapidly evolving era, technology has outpaced everything else. To bring about a revolution, it is crucial for us to stay at the forefront. We need to make the most of technology to reduce air pollution, wherever possible. In these critical times, where climate change is at its peak, it is our responsibility to make efforts for a cleaner and greener environment. Remember, every bit counts. Pick your swords up. It is time to fight for our primary right, the right to breathe fresh air!