Air pollution is a blend of particles and gases that can spread harmful concentrations both outside and indoors. Its effects can range from higher disease risks to rising temperatures. Soot, smoke, mold, pollen, methane, and carbon dioxide are a just few examples of common pollutants. The burning of fossil fuels and the release of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are causing the Earth to become warmer. As we want to cope up with this environmental issue, it is now necessary to do something with the pollutants emitted. For this purpose, the thing we can use is AIR INK. It’s a recent concept that started from India. India-based company Graviky Labs is actively contributing to a reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions by capturing carbon emissions from vehicles and exhausts before they enter earth’s atmosphere.
Initial results of the AIR INK system have been impressive as “1.6 billion micrograms of particulate matter [have been] captured, which equates to clean 1.6 trillion litres of outdoor air.” Soot particles released in diesel engines are particularly hazardous for humans and their health because they are extremely tiny.
What is also noteworthy, is what the carbon emissions captured by the KAALINK system are being used for. Graviky Labs have “Repurposed pollutants into tools for art” and have developed AIR-INK. Having been tested over the past three years, AIR-INK “Is the first ink made entirely out of air pollution” and can be used by environmentally conscious citizens and artists worldwide to draw, write, paint or create. They claim that “The pollutants which could have been in the lungs of millions of people are now beautifully resting as art.”
Improving human health by combating air pollution caused by motor engines is the need of the day. “Over the last 150 years, mankind has depended on burning fossil fuels directly or indirectly for their energy needs. Soot is the major biproduct of the burning of fossil fuels. Research has shown that many premature deaths are directly related to soot in the environment. Particle exposure leads to around 20,000 premature deaths in America each year. Data also shows that soot annually causes almost 300,000 asthma attacks and 2 million lost workdays due to respiratory problems.”
International news agencies have already taken note of AIR-INK. Whether or not this is the most creative way to save the planet. “The benefits of this medium reduced air pollution, recycling the carbon for printing, painting and art needs and realizing the soot as a viable resource with creative benefits.” But using it as an ink is not a permanent solution to save planet. what you think about it?
Nimra Hamayoun
Dept. of Environmental sciences, GCWUS
The Earth Needs Love
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