Air-purifying paint developed to absorb pollutants and odours has been found to kill certain strains of coronavirus in under 15 minutes, a study concluded.
Paint manufacturer Airlite claims that every square metre of surface covered in their product provides the same scale of air-cleaning capacity as a tall tree.
Previous tests showed that the paints have anti-bacterial and anti-mould properties.
Now, experts at UCL-based Virology Research Services have tested Airlite’s Purelight Interior and Sunlight Exterior paint formulations against coronavirus strain NL63.
From this, virologist Chiara Mencarelli and colleagues reported that the paints nullify more than 99 per cent of the viral particles that landed on their surfaces.
While it has not yet been tested, the paint should prove equally effective against the strain of coronavirus responsible for the current pandemic, Airlite claimed.
At present, the paints — which come as powder and need special application — have only been used by a small group of property management and construction firms.
However, a more traditional version is expected to hit the shelves of local DIY stores in the first quarter of 2021 — and will likely retail at premium paint prices of around £30–80 for 2.5 litres, depending on whether it is an internal or external application.
Special, air-purifying paint developed to absorb pollutants and odours (pictured) has been found to kill certain strains of coronavirus in under 15 minutes, a study concluded
According to Airlite, the paint promotes the creation of ions — charged particles — by sunlight, helping to form an ‘ionised shield’ on the surface in question.
When a viral particle comes into contact with this, hydroxide ions steal hydrogen from the former’s lipid-protein shell, as to become water, breaking the virus apart.
‘Previously, paint was solely decorative, but now, it can play an active role in your health,’ said Airlite’s UK managing director, Chris Leighton.
‘We had already proven Airlite’s effectiveness in killing viruses and now UCL has found it is just as powerful at destroying coronavirus NL63.’
‘Especially in urban areas where pollution is at its highest, Airlite provides an escape from dirty air,’ Mr Leighton continued.
‘This helps prevent respiratory problems arising and gives homes and workspaces the security and cleanliness that haven’t been available from paints before now.’
‘What’s more, it’s a one-time solution. Instead of buying a bulky air-purifier, paying for its upkeep and putting HEPA filters into landfill — Airlite can do all of that for you, whilst also helping to combat viruses such as the coronavirus,’ Mr Leighton added.
Airlite have been developing and refine their paint formulation since 2013.
According to Airlite, the paint promotes the creation of ions — charged particles — by sunlight, helping to form an ‘ionised shield’ on the surface in question
When a viral particle comes into contact with this, hydroxide ions steal hydrogen from the former’s lipid-protein shell, as to become water, breaking the virus apart
‘Previously, paint was solely decorative, but now, it can play an active role in your health,’ said Airlite’s UK managing director, Chris Leighton. ‘We had already proven Airlite’s effectiveness in killing viruses and now UCL has found it is just as powerful at destroying coronavirus NL63’
At present, government restrictions have prohibited tests of the paint’s ability to combat SARS-CoV-2 — the strain of coronavirus behind the current pandemic — but it has proved effective against another strain, NL63, as well as enterovirus and ‘flu.
The company have said that the paint’s method of breaking down the viruses’ protein shell should work equally well on the COVID-19 strain.
‘We are very confident of our paint’s effectiveness against COVID-19. We know the technology works — and it has proven to be effective against a virus of the same family,’ commented Mr Leighton.
‘And with 180 colours, it also makes your walls look good,’ he quipped.
Airlite’s paints have already been adopted as the preferred paint of property group Grosvenor Britain & Ireland, following successful tests of the product’s air-cleansing properties in both a Belgravia apartment and the firm’s headquarters in Mayfair
Airlite’s paints have already been adopted as the preferred paint of property group Grosvenor Britain & Ireland, following successful tests of the product’s air-cleansing properties in both a Belgravia apartment and the firm’s headquarters in Mayfair.
Tests began 18 months ago, before the pandemic.
In the apartment block, the paints were said to have reduced the presence of volatile organic compounds in the air by a factor of 120.
Meanwhile, a comparison of neighbouring offices in Mayfair — one painted in ‘normal’ paint, the other Airlite — reportedly lowered levels of nitrogen dioxide by 64 per cent, from 54 to 19 parts per billion, over a week in October 2019.
Raised levels of nitrogen dioxide are known to be associated with an increase in respiratory-related health issues.
‘Adopting this ground-breaking product will help us to drive the environmental performance of our buildings and air quality for those who live and work in Mayfair and Belgravia,’ said Grosvenor’s sustainability & innovation director, Tor Burrows.
‘Its ability to also kill bacteria and strains of influenza is a game-changing advancement for the wellbeing of all those in our places.’
Similarly, construction firm Bouygues UK has also adopted Airlite paints as their preferred brand, after their tests showed that the coatings reduced nitrogen dioxide emissions by more than 90 per cent in classrooms and university residences.
Revealed: MailOnline dissects the impact greenhouse gases have on the planet – and what is being done to stop air pollution
Emissions
Carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the biggest contributors to global warming. After the gas is released into the atmosphere it stays there, making it difficult for heat to escape – and warming up the planet in the process.
It is primarily released from burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas, as well as cement production.
The average monthly concentration of CO2 in the Earth’s atmosphere, as of April 2019, is 413 parts per million (ppm). Before the Industrial Revolution, the concentration was just 280 ppm.
CO2 concentration has fluctuated over the last 800,000 years between 180 to 280ppm, but has been vastly accelerated by pollution caused by humans.
Nitrogen dioxide
The gas nitrogen dioxide (NO2) comes from burning fossil fuels, car exhaust emissions and the use of nitrogen-based fertilisers used in agriculture.
Although there is far less NO2 in the atmosphere than CO2, it is between 200 and 300 times more effective at trapping heat.
Sulfur dioxide
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) also primarily comes from fossil fuel burning, but can also be released from car exhausts.
SO2 can react with water, oxygen and other chemicals in the atmosphere to cause acid rain.
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an indirect greenhouse gas as it reacts with hydroxyl radicals, removing them. Hydroxyl radicals reduce the lifetime of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
Particulates
What is particulate matter?
Particulate matter refers to tiny parts of solids or liquid materials in the air.
Some are visible, such as dust, whereas others cannot be seen by the naked eye.
Materials such as metals, microplastics, soil and chemicals can be in particulate matter.
Particulate matter (or PM) is described in micrometres. The two main ones mentioned in reports and studies are PM10 (less than 10 micrometres) and PM2.5 (less than 2.5 micrometres).
Air pollution comes from burning fossil fuels, cars, cement making and agriculture
Scientists measure the rate of particulates in the air by cubic metre.
Particulate matter is sent into the air by a number of processes including burning fossil fuels, driving cars and steel making.
Why are particulates dangerous?
Particulates are dangerous because those less than 10 micrometres in diameter can get deep into your lungs, or even pass into your bloodstream. Particulates are found in higher concentrations in urban areas, particularly along main roads.
Health impact
What sort of health problems can pollution cause?
According to the World Health Organization, a third of deaths from stroke, lung cancer and heart disease can be linked to air pollution.
Some of the effects of air pollution on the body are not understood, but pollution may increase inflammation which narrows the arteries leading to heart attacks or strokes.
As well as this, almost one in 10 lung cancer cases in the UK are caused by air pollution.
Particulates find their way into the lungs and get lodged there, causing inflammation and damage. As well as this, some chemicals in particulates that make their way into the body can cause cancer.
Deaths from pollution
Around seven million people die prematurely because of air pollution every year. Pollution can cause a number of issues including asthma attacks, strokes, various cancers and cardiovascular problems.
Asthma triggers
Air pollution can cause problems for asthma sufferers for a number of reasons. Pollutants in traffic fumes can irritate the airways, and particulates can get into your lungs and throat and make these areas inflamed.
Problems in pregnancy
Women exposed to air pollution before getting pregnant are nearly 20 per cent more likely to have babies with birth defects, research suggested in January 2018.
Living within 3.1 miles (5km) of a highly-polluted area one month before conceiving makes women more likely to give birth to babies with defects such as cleft palates or lips, a study by University of Cincinnati found.
For every 0.01mg/m3 increase in fine air particles, birth defects rise by 19 per cent, the research adds.
Previous research suggests this causes birth defects as a result of women suffering inflammation and ‘internal stress’.
What is being done to tackle air pollution?
Paris agreement on climate change
The Paris Agreement, which was first signed in 2015, is an international agreement to control and limit climate change.
It hopes to hold the increase in the global average temperature to below 2°C (3.6ºF) ‘and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C (2.7°F)’.
Carbon neutral by 2050
The UK government has announced plans to make the country carbon neutral by 2050.
They plan to do this by planting more trees and by installing ‘carbon capture’ technology at the source of the pollution.
Some critics are worried that this first option will be used by the government to export its carbon offsetting to other countries.
International carbon credits let nations continue emitting carbon while paying for trees to be planted elsewhere, balancing out their emissions.
No new petrol or diesel vehicles by 2040
In 2017, the UK government announced the sale of new petrol and diesel cars would be banned by 2040.
However, MPs on the climate change committee have urged the government to bring the ban forward to 2030, as by then they will have an equivalent range and price.
The Paris Agreement, which was first signed in 2015, is an international agreement to control and limit climate change. Pictured: air pollution over Paris in 2019.
Norway’s electric car subsidies
The speedy electrification of Norway’s automotive fleet is attributed mainly to generous state subsidies. Electric cars are almost entirely exempt from the heavy taxes imposed on petrol and diesel cars, which makes them competitively priced.
A VW Golf with a standard combustion engine costs nearly 334,000 kroner (34,500 euros, $38,600), while its electric cousin the e-Golf costs 326,000 kroner thanks to a lower tax quotient.
Criticisms of inaction on climate change
The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) has said there is a ‘shocking’ lack of Government preparation for the risks to the country from climate change.
The committee assessed 33 areas where the risks of climate change had to be addressed – from flood resilience of properties to impacts on farmland and supply chains – and found no real progress in any of them.
The UK is not prepared for 2°C of warming, the level at which countries have pledged to curb temperature rises, let alone a 4°C rise, which is possible if greenhouse gases are not cut globally, the committee said.
It added that cities need more green spaces to stop the urban ‘heat island’ effect, and to prevent floods by soaking up heavy rainfall.
<!—->Advertisement
