Air pollution is often perceived as an exterior problem resulting from car emissions, industrial smoke or wildfire smoke. But, the toxicity of our interiors — homes, offices, and other indoor spaces where we spend much of our day-to-day lives — is a considerably overlooked aspect of air pollution. With technological devices, cleaning products, synthetic upholstery, carpets, and building materials all releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere, it’s no wonder that indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
For those who spend significant parts of the day in an office environment, it’s particularly important to be aware of air quality. Poor indoor air can lead to symptoms like eye, nose and throat irritations, headaches, fatigue and can even have long-term health effects. This calls for effective, naturopathic interventions to improve air quality. That’s where office air-purifying plants come into the picture.
A study by NASA known as the Clean Air Study discovered that certain houseplants possess the ability to cleanse air of harmful toxins and carcinogens. It was this research that laid the groundwork for indoor air purification through plants, providing people with an inexpensive and decorative way to breathe healthier air, particularly in enclosed spaces like offices.
An assortment of plants with diverse sizes, colors, shapes, and bloom cycles can filter a wide range of pollutants while also enhancing office aesthetics. Here are some effective air-purifying plants recommended for office environments.
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
This is an indoor favourite due to its adaptability to low light conditions and irregular watering. NASA’s study found that spider plants could eliminate approximately 90% of formaldehyde — a common VOC — from the air.
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata)
Also known as the mother-in-law’s tongue, snake plants are extremely low-maintenance and resilient. They absorb toxins such as formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, and nitrogen monoxide, all the while releasing oxygen, even during the night. Their ability to thrive with little light makes them an ideal choice for office settings.
3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies can remove toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide, all of which can lead to sick building syndrome when found in high levels. This plant also boosts humidity by up to 5%, reducing dry air symptoms such as a cough and sore throat, speciality in air-conditioned office spaces.
4. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata)
Known for its lush, feathery fronds, the Boston Fern acts as a natural humidifier and can also eliminate formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. It requires frequent misting and watering, making it suitable for a dedicated plant caregiver in the office.
5. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea Seifrizii)
Bamboo palms can combat formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide. Their preference for shady indoor conditions and moisture makes them perfect for a low-light office environment.
It’s crucial to consider factors such as light, watering needs, potential allergens, and maintenance when choosing the right plants for your office. It’s also recommended to have at least one plant every 100 square feet for efficient air detoxification, considering the typical amount of pollutants in office air.
Apart from purifying air, these plants also offer other holistic benefits that can enhance the office experience. Green spaces have been shown to boost productivity, reduce stress, stimulate creativity and improve overall wellbeing. They also act as natural noise absorbents, making for a calmer, quieter office.
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In conclusion, the necessity for cleaner indoor air in offices is undeniable. With a host of toxins and VOCs compromising air quality and potentially influencing health, incorporating air-purifying plants into office spaces presents an effective, natural and aesthetically pleasing solution. Not only do these plants play a role in detoxifying working environments, but they also contribute to attracting and retaining happily, healthy employees who can then bring their optimal selves to work. As we continue to design smarter offices, plants may well prove to be more than decorative, but crucial, fixtures in our workspaces.
