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There are two problems with this that I can see right off the bat. 1) There is already a large problem with excess nitrogen runoff due to fertilizers, which is
by cullenking 16y ago
There are two problems with this that I can see right off the bat.
1) There is already a large problem with excess nitrogen runoff due to fertilizers, which is causing massive algae blooms in oceans, destroying aquatic life. This would have a similar effect from my understanding
2) Titanium Dioxide is kinda nasty to manufacture, in that it uses large quantities of chlorine. Also, it has been classified as a potential carcinogen.
With those being said, as long as the net effect is a reduction in harmful pollutants or carcinogens, rather than an increase, it's a win-win. It's just a bit difficult to understand that without probably rolling it out widespread.
- MikeCapone 16y agoIndeed, it's not without problems. The question is, are those problems smaller than the problems we have now? Or is there another solution that has fewer downsides. I'm curious to know if NOx end up breaking down to nitrates after a while anyway? It might not actually add to the problem.
- cullenking 16y agoThat's a good point, and a bit of reading (not research, so take it with a grain of salt) says that atmospheric NOx breaksdown into nitrate particles + some nasties.
- Groxx 16y agore 2: ain't it wonderful that it's in nearly every white-paste-product out there? Toothpaste and sun screens in particular.
- cullenking 16y agoI trust my luck with the sun rather than sunscreen, I love the salt stick deodorant (works great, reapply as needed), and there is no better toothpaste than flouride free Toms of Maine :)
- sliverstorm 16y agoAre you just lucky enough to be un-sun-burnable? Or are you doing that hippie thing where you say 'ultraviolet radiation is natural! It can't be bad for me!'? Also, just a suggestion, I have discovered plain old rubbing alcohol is amazing as deodorant.
- cullenking 16y agoYeah, the salt stick is similar to alcohol in that it just kills the bacteria causing the issue. The stick is small and easy to reapply if needed, it's just smooth simple salt. No, I am not unburnable and definitely understand the dangers of excess UV radiation, but I can easily mitigate sunburn/extreme exposure by wearing long sleeves and a hat. I spend alot of time outdoors rock climbing and cycling. The few times I wear sunscreen are when I know I'll be unable to get in the shade or wear long sleeves (80 mile bike rides for the most part). I figure that moderate sun exposure while minimizing burns is probably more healthy than slathering on sunscreen.
- Groxx 16y agoI like the Toms stuff. Aquafresh burns, and most toothpastes leave me with a worse flavor in my mouth in the morning than Toms. I've always wondered why, but have been too disinterested to find out (and I suspect the answer is hotly debated). I might give the salt stick a try... suggestions for a n00b?
- sliverstorm 16y agoGet a small squirt bottle and rubbing alcohol, and call it a salt stick. Works great, not kidding! :)
- kadavy 16y agoThe salt stick was ineffective for me. I currently use Tom's deodorant instead.
- hapless 16y agoTitanium dioxide is only suspected to be a carcinogen when inhaled in considerable concentration. As it stands today, I wouldn't want to breathe concrete or tarmac dust in high concentration. Adding or refusing to add titanium dioxide will not alter my feelings on that. :)
- pasbesoin 16y agoI hadn't heard of this. Aren't many paints' pigmenting these days based on TiO2? Would sanding painted surfaces pose a risk?
- mseebach 16y ago> 1) There is already a large problem with excess nitrogen runoff due to fertilizers Well, the NOx from car emissions don't exactly disappear into thin air :) .. the trick isn't to get rid of NOx, it's to keep humans from breathing it.
- tcdent 16y agoRight, because Humans are the only living thing on this planet. Converting one pollutant into another that doesn't directly affect us is not the solution.
- mseebach 16y agoThe NOx is going in the environment anyway. This is trying to make it go there directly, instead of going via my lungs first.
- tcdent 16y agoMore info on the effects of Nitrogen pollution: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_zone_(ecology) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_zone_(ecology)
- dmlorenzetti 16y agoTitanium dioxide is also used on the inside surfaces of windows, for the same purpose. I don't know how widespread its use is, though. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titanium_dioxide#As_a_photocatalyst http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titanium_dioxide#As_a_photocata...
- deleted 16y ago[deleted]