Indoor air quality has become a significant concern in recent years, particularly with increasing research showing links between poor air quality and health issues such as asthma. While various mechanisms can filter and purify indoor air, one often overlooked solution is the use of certain indoor plants. These natural air purifiers not only add aesthetic appeal to your spaces, but also have been shown to significantly enhance air quality, reducing pollutants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benzene, and formaldehyde.
The Role of Plants in Improving Indoor Air Quality
Having greenery in your indoor space does more than just create a soothing, nature-inspired ambiance. These living organisms have a remarkable capacity to cleanse the air of harmful substances, known as pollutants. They accomplish this through a process known as phytoremediation, where they absorb harmful substances through their leaves and roots.
In 1989, NASA conducted a groundbreaking study that revealed the air purifying abilities of indoor plants. The study found that some plants can eliminate up to 87% of air pollutants within 24 hours. These pollutants include formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, all of which are commonly present in homes, emitted by furniture, carpets, and electronic devices.
However, the efficiency of air purification varies from plant to plant, with some possessing a higher capacity to remove harmful substances than others. The following are some of the most effective indoor plants for improving air quality.
Spider Plant: A Champion in Formaldehyde Absorption
The Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is a resilient houseplant, known not only for its easy care but also for its outstanding air purifying abilities. It has a high rate of photosynthesis, which means it can absorb more than just carbon dioxide. According to research, Spider Plants are especially potent in absorbing formaldehyde, a common indoor pollutant.
Formaldehyde, commonly found in pressed-wood products, certain insulations, and tobacco smoke, is a potent VOC that can cause numerous health issues. Prolonged or high exposure can lead to respiratory problems, skin irritation, and even cancer.
Having a Spider Plant or two around your home can significantly reduce these formaldehyde levels, contributing to better air quality and lung health.
Aloe Vera: A Remedy for Benzene and Formaldehyde
Aloe Vera is renowned for its healing properties, particularly for skin burns and wounds. Yet, this plant’s impact on indoor air quality is equally significant. Aloe Vera has shown an excellent ability to absorb benzene and formaldehyde, two common and harmful VOCs.
Benzene, found in a range of household items such as plastic, resins, synthetic fibers, rubber, dyes, detergents, and certain pharmaceuticals, is a known carcinogen. Long-term exposure can lead to harmful effects on the bone marrow and decrease in red blood cells, potentially leading to anemia.
Incorporating Aloe Vera plants into your home can assist in reducing these potentially harmful effects, demonstrating that this plant’s benefits extend beyond its well-known topical uses.
English Ivy: A Combatant Against Airborne Fecal Matter and Mold
English Ivy, or Hedera helix, is another remarkable air purifier. This plant is particularly adept at reducing airborne fecal particles, making it an excellent choice for homes with pets. Moreover, English Ivy can absorb formaldehyde, improving overall indoor air quality.
In addition to its pollutant-absorbing qualities, English Ivy is also a potent natural fungicide. This property makes it particularly useful in damp areas, as it can help combat mold growth, which can be problematic for individuals suffering from asthma and allergies.
However, care should be taken with this plant, as it can be harmful if ingested by pets or children. Despite this, with proper care and placement, English Ivy can significantly contribute to improving your indoor air quality.
Peace Lily: A Potent Purifier of Benzene, Trichloroethylene, and More
The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) is not only a beautiful plant that can brighten up any living space, but it also boasts an impressive ability to purify air. According to NASA’s study, the Peace Lily is effective at removing benzene, trichloroethylene, and more from the air.
Trichloroethylene can be found in a number of household items, such as cleaning products, adhesives, paint removers, and more. Exposure to this chemical can lead to a range of health issues, including headaches, lung irritation, dizziness, and in severe cases, even coma.
Peace Lilies also help to increase humidity levels, making them beneficial for those living in dry climates or suffering from dry skin or respiratory issues.
Proper care of these houseplants is crucial to ensure they can effectively purify the air. This includes adequate watering, appropriate sunlight exposure, and regular cleaning of their leaves to remove dust. With these simple measures, you can greatly enhance your indoor air quality, improve your lung health, and bring a touch of nature into your home.
Remember, while indoor plants can contribute significantly to improving air quality, they should be used as a complement to, not a substitute for, adequate ventilation and traditional air purification systems.
Snake Plant: An Exceptional Night-Time Oxygen Supplier
The Snake Plant, or Sansevieria trifasciata, is a popular indoor plant for many reasons. Apart from being easy to care for, it’s also an efficient air purifier. Snake Plants are particularly well-known for their ability to filter out formaldehyde and benzene. They also excel in reducing xylene, toluene, and nitrogen oxides, making them a powerful addition to your home for improving indoor air quality.
Formaldehyde and benzene, as mentioned before, are common VOCs found in many household items and are known to cause various health issues. Snake Plants’ excellent purifying abilities can help mitigate these risks, contributing to enhanced lung health.
Another notable feature of the Snake Plant is its ability to produce oxygen at night, unlike most plants which only do so during the day. This unique trait can improve the oxygen levels in your home while you sleep, which can lead to better quality sleep and overall health.
Before bringing this plant home, remember that while Snake Plants are generally safe, they can be mildly toxic if ingested. Therefore, make sure to keep them out of reach from pets and young children. With the right care and precautions, Snake Plants can be a beneficial addition to your indoor plant collection.
Boston Fern: A Natural Humidifier and Air Purifier
Boston Ferns are not only known for their lush appearance but also their excellent air purifying capabilities. According to numerous studies cited on Pubmed Google and Google Scholar, this plant can effectively remove formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air.
These plants are also effective in removing heavy metals such as mercury and arsenic from the soil, making them an excellent choice for improving indoor air quality.
In addition to its air purifying attributes, the Boston Fern also acts as a natural humidifier, releasing moisture into the air. This can be particularly beneficial in dry climates or for individuals suffering from dry skin and respiratory issues.
However, this plant requires a bit more care compared to others on this list. It thrives in humid conditions and needs to be watered regularly. Therefore, it might not be the best choice for those who are not able to dedicate time to plant care.
In conclusion, there are a plethora of indoor plants that can significantly enhance your indoor air quality. From the Spider Plant’s formaldehyde absorption abilities to the Snake Plant’s unique nighttime oxygen production, these natural purifiers can contribute to healthier and cleaner air in your home.
While these plants offer numerous benefits, it’s important to remember that they should not replace proper ventilation and traditional air purification systems. Nevertheless, as demonstrated by various research studies, indoor plants can certainly supplement these systems, making your home a healthier place to live.
As a final note, care should be taken when choosing and positioning indoor plants, especially if pets or young children are present in the house. Always do your research and consider consulting with a local nursery or plant expert to make the best choice for your home and family.
