Poland tests anti-smog sound 'cannon' to reduce pollution

 Anti-pollution cannon.

Many areas in Poland are facing high levels of smog and smog when people use coal heating systems. To reduce harmful smog, some localities have tested a device called a 'cannon', consisting of an upside-down metal cone mounted on top of another metal barrel. The device can make a loud sound every 6 seconds to push harmful particles higher into the atmosphere.

The researchers think that, by creating sound waves 'cannon' will help reduce the concentration of harmful PM2.5 and PM10 particles in the air. 

Scientist Dominik Grybos, of the Academy of Mining and Metallurgy in Krakow explains: "Here we use a shock wave created by igniting a mixture of acetylene and air. This longitudinal wave mixes and repels. polluted air upwards".

According to Dr. Dominik, if the cannon is used for about an hour, pollution will be reduced by 15-30% within 3 km of the cannon. Estimated cost for an hour of using the 'cannon' is around 250 euros.

Supporting the idea of ​​scientists to reduce environmental pollution, town resident Jolanta Wolkowicz shared: "The fog is very dense here. We can't even go out because the smoke is so much! So if we can help reduce pollution, we support them to experiment. We hardly have any trouble because the sound is just like firecrackers'.

Poland is one of the most polluted countries in Europe. According to data from the World Health Organization, of the 50 most polluted towns in Europe (calculated by PM2.5 index, or viral dust), Poland accounts for 36 cities. In 2020 the Polish government launched the 'Stop Smog' campaign and enacted regulations banning poor quality coal from households. However, for now Poland is still suffering from a high level of smog and foggy winter.