We know air pollution is bad for our health, but we are only beginning to learn about the particularly harmful effects on our children. New information suggests that two million people in London are regularly exposed to illegal levels of air pollution; something that we should be looking at changing now, for the benefit of future generations.
This has led to an increased scientific interest in the effects of air pollution on children.
A recent study published in the Lancet medical journal monitored over 2,000 children in four London boroughs and found that over a five-year period, the children were exposed to an average of 40.7 micrograms of NOā per cubic metre of air, which was equivalent to a reduction in lung volume of approximately 5 per cent.
This is particularly concerning because a failure to attain optimal lung growth is associated with poor health in adulthood.
This means that we all have a responsibility to the children in our care to prevent them from the potentially deadly effects of air pollution, no matter how large or small, we can all make an impact.
IKO PLC has developed a flat roofing solution that can start this prevention process in the form of IKO Carrara which acts as an āair purifierā which can clean the pollutants from two to three diesel cars per year per 500mĀ², just by being installed on a flat roof.
IKO Carrara is an ecological roofing membrane with a white mineral finish which is coated with a special type of titanium dioxide (TiO2). UV rays from the sun trigger the process of converting harmful nitrogen and sulphur oxides (NOx and SOx) in the atmosphere into harmless and environmentally neutral substances.
In addition to these air cleansing properties, IKO Carrara also works to cool the roof as well as the building, lowering surface temperatures by as much as 30Ā°C and in turn, reducing the āUrban Heat Islandā effect, common in large cities during the summer months.
It also offers superior fire protection, so you can be reassured that IKO Carrara will keep your school and other buildings safe.
Made from recycled materials including regenerated bitumen from old roof coverings and obsolete stock, specifying IKO Carrara is also a sustainable decision.
With a 35 year lifespan, you wonāt need to worry about replacing your roof but when it is time for replacement, IKO Carrara is fully recyclable.
Our expert Technical Teams will be able to help you with the design, application and installation of IKO Carrara and can even help with applying for CIF or grant funding.
