The writing is on the wall for smog as the University of Sheffield unveils the world's first air-cleansing poem, a new work by award-winning writer Simon Armitage.
Simon, a Professor of poetry at the University, and Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Science Professor Tony Ryan, have collaborated to create a catalytic poem called In Praise of Air - printed on material containing a formula invented at the University which is capable of purifying its surroundings.
This cheap technology could also be applied to billboards and advertisements alongside congested roads to cut pollution. Professor Ryan, who came up with the idea of using treated materials to cleanse the air, said: "This is a fun collaboration between science and the arts to highlight a very serious issue of poor air quality in our towns and cities. The science behind this is an additive which delivers a real environmental benefit that could actually help cut disease and save lives."
"This poem alone will eradicate the nitrogen oxide pollution created by about 20 cars every day," he said
He added: "If every banner, flag or advertising poster in the country did this, we'd have much better air quality.
