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Spotted: American startup PURETi has developed a surface treatment that can eliminate grime and odours from buildings while also reversing air pollution.

The company’s product uses a titanium dioxide coated vinyl to purify the surrounding air. When ultra-violet light hits the coating, the titanium dioxide gains energy which accelerates the oxidation (natural chemical breakdown) of harmful molecules, such as nitrogen oxide and sulphur oxide, greenhouse gases that cause grime and pollution. Relatively harmless nitrates and sulphates are released in the process.

PURETi’s product can be sprayed onto a variety of surfaces, including glass, metal, stone, concrete, paint and plastic and can be used indoors and out. According to the company, the coating helps save energy by keeping solar panels cleaner and roofs cooler. It also saves water by allowing less-frequent cleaning.

In addition to helping reduce air pollution, PURETi may also lower the cost of building ownership and maintenance by keeping surfaces cleaner for longer, and reducing the need to clean frequently. A single application of PURETi can last for five years. Indoors, the product also helps eliminate pet and cooking odours and scrubs the air free of smoke.