A wealth of research has been dedicated to the study of indoor air quality, underscoring the inherent need for cleaner air within our living or working spaces. One surprising yet potent solution to this problem arises from nature itself — houseplants. Scientists have discovered, some houseplants have an outstanding ability to remove toxins from the air.
Stated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air pollutants are amongst the top five environmental health risks we face today. Common indoor toxins include benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and ammonia. While invisible to the naked eye, these toxins emerge from everyday sources such as furniture, cleaning products, computers, printers, building materials, and even rugs or carpets. Consequently, they pose a silent threat to our health, contributing to allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory conditions.
NASA’s 1989 Clean Air Study, a pioneering piece of research in this area, demonstrated the capacity of certain houseplants to remove toxins from enclosed spaces. Although the study was initially designed to determine ways to cleanse the air in the space station, the results extrapolated to our homes, offices and other indoor environments.
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): These hardy, resilient plants are known for their long, arching leaves and small white flowers. NASA’s Clean Air Study found that the Spider Plant excels at purifying the air from formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. This makes it particularly useful for homes with new furniture or in newly painted rooms.
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata): Also referred to as ‘mother-in-law’s tongue’, the snake plant is highly efficient in removing toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and ammonia from the air. Snake plants also have the unique ability to absorb carbon dioxide at night, releasing oxygen, making them an excellent addition to bedrooms.
3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): This beautiful plant is not just aesthetically pleasing but also packs a punch when it comes to air purification. It helps reduce levels of formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene. It also excels at removing acetone, often found in electronics and certain cleaners.
4. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica): The large, shiny leaves of the Rubber Plant suck up toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and trichloroethylene, leading to an immediate improvement in indoor air quality.
5. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii): Known for their ability to grow under fluorescent light, these plants are favorites in office settings. Bamboo palms are effective at cleaning the air from formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.
6. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): This plant thrives in humid environments, making them a good fit for bathrooms or laundry rooms. NASA’s study showed that Boston Ferns are proficient in removing formaldehyde and xylene from the air.
7. English Ivy (Hedera helix): In addition to being a vigorous and aggressive climber, English Ivy is particularly effective at purifying airborne mould particles, an attribute particularly useful in damp indoor areas.
8. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller): Noted for its medicinal properties, aloe vera also effectively purifies the air. It absorbs airborne compounds from paint or cleaning agents, mitigating their impact.
9. Japanese royal fern (Osmunda japonica): With its ability to remove formaldehyde, xylene, and ammonia, this plant proves an excellent choice in spaces with new furniture, printers, or computers.
10. Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina): Perfect for living rooms and offices, the Weeping Fig is an indoor tree that cleans the air of formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.
To maximize the benefits of houseplants for indoor air purification, consider the plant’s placement, its watering needs, and the requirement of sunlight. Additionally, be aware that some plants may be toxic to pets. Lastly, remember that while houseplants can indeed enhance indoor air quality, they should be considered only a part of a comprehensive strategy for creating a healthier indoor environment. This approach should also encompass regular cleaning, and a consistent supply of fresh outdoor air, among other things.
In summary, integrating these toxin-removing houseplants into your indoor environment can help improve air quality, creating healthier living and working spaces. Not only do these plants offer an economical, all-natural solution to indoor air pollution, but they also add a unique, aesthetically pleasing touch to any indoor décor. Evidently, the proverbial phrase ‘green thumb’ offers rewards that extend well beyond the realm of the garden, reaching into the very air we breathe.
Although houseplants aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution to indoor air pollution, their contribution to a cleaner and more breathable indoor environment cannot be underestimated. And it’s not just about air quality. The psychological benefits of sharing your space with living greenery — stress reduction, increased productivity and creativity, among others — further testify to the value of houseplants for both body and mind.
So, whether you’re sprucing up your office space, decorating your home, or looking for a simple way to enhance your health and wellbeing, consider introducing one (or more) of these green heroes into your life. With a breath of fresh, clean air, your lungs (and your aesthetic sensibilities) will thank you.
