SMOG EATER
Is it the answer?

NCT: ENVIRONMENTAL QUAITY

SUB CATAGORY: POLLUTION

ISTF Project # 07-1732EQ was developed in response to the 2007-2008 Internet Science and Technology Fair.

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Problem Statement

The problem here is that Smog is endangering the lives of inhabitants of industrial areas. Smog releases dangerous chemicals into the air, polluting and ravaging the environment. People who inhale smog are faced with deadly diseases such as tuberculosis. Smog causes acid rain to form, which could prove devastating to property and nature. In fact, according to smog specialist Larry west, “well over half of all people living in 10 of the United States’ 11 most populous states—more than 158 million Americans—live in areas where the smog is so bad that pollution levels routinely exceed safety standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, according to a study by the Center for American Progress and the Center for Progressive Reform that examines state enforcement of clean air laws.”

Smog is most definitely a dangerous factor in our world today. It is a problem that needs to be dealt with. The largest causes of smog are 1. Factories and 2. Cars.

What is Titanium Dioxide?

Titanium dioxide is a photo catalyst. A photo catalyst oxidizes air quality contaminants making them harmless which helps purify the atmosphere. When a photo catalyst oxidizes with air quality contaminants, water and carbon dioxide form. These compounds are harmless to the environment. The most effective photo catalyst is titanium dioxide. When titanium dioxide is exposed to light, it jumps up from the surface and two highly reactive substances are formed. These two substances, hydroxide radicals (OH) and superoxide anions (O 2 -1), allow the oxidation of airborne VOCs and toxic organic matter into carbon dioxide and water at room temperature with UV or near-UV light source. It doesn’t need special energy; it just uses clean energy in ordinary life. Thus titanium dioxide is ideal for uses in city environments to deal with smog and air pollution where it is the worst.