The air quality in most parts of the world is in rapid decline, so much so even, that in some areas, it is not safe to breathe without a mask. Dirty air contributes to millions of deaths worldwide annually. Italian start-up Anemotech has come with a new material that cleans the air without using any power, and which can be printed with any kind of picture. They call it, fittingly, The Breath.

As air passes through, The Breath was created to attract polluting molecules in its core layer. The activating nanomolecules traps the impurities inside its fabric structure and prevent them from being released back into the environment. The Breath’s technology is based on a three-layered system, with three active parts with different and complementary positions and roles.

The core layer is made of carbon mesh on a polyester substrate mixed with active nanomolecules. Its main function is adsorbing gassy pollutants, making the air cleaner and more breathable. The material absorbs pollutants such as VOCs, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, and ozone.

The back layer is composed by a fabric mesh based on a nanotechnology mix. It filters the air during its natural recirculation and traps and reduces its bacterial charge.

The front layer, finally, is also made of fabric mesh, and guarantees the transpiration and air flux through the fibres. The back and front layers can be printed with an automatized system that employs ecological, water-based inks.

The Breath can be used both inside and outside. Inside, it can be used in homes and offices, for example disguised as a poster. Outside, it can be used in billboards and placards, hiding scaffolding during architectural renovations, or as noise barrier.

The material made its debut in London at the beginning of this month, used as a billboard on Leicester Square. According to the Evening Standard, it is expected to reverse emissions of 13,000 cars in a 25-metre area.

Photos: thebreath.it / standard.co.uk