Adding nitrogen to concrete could significantly reduce global levels of potentially harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) created by the construction industry in developing towns and cities, according to a University of Birmingham study.
Researchers believe that concrete nitrogenation could contribute to a reduction in NOx emissions by 3.4-6.9 megatonnes (Mt) – representing 6-13% of industry-related emissions in 2021.
By 2050 the process could reduce NOx by a total of 131-384 Mt. It could represent the equivalent to 75-260 years potentially lost to premature death and reduced quality of life, estimated in terms of disability-adjusted life years (DALY).
NOx are highly reactive toxic air pollutants which can contribute to acid rain, ozone layer depletion and pose significant health threats, particularly in relation to respiratory disease, contributing to air pollution-related mortality.
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