Indoor air pollution is a growing concern for many people, and with good reason. The air inside our homes can contain a variety of pollutants, from dust and mold to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from furniture, cleaning products, and even household items like air fresheners. The good news is that there are a number of house plants that can help clean the air and make our homes healthier places to live.
NASA Clean Air Study
In 1989, NASA conducted a study to determine the best ways to remove VOCs from the air in space stations. The study found that certain house plants were extremely effective at removing VOCs, and even went on to recommend a number of plants for use in space stations. Some of the plants that performed the best in the NASA study include:
Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema modestum)
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
How Plants Clean the Air
Plants clean the air in a number of ways. First, they absorb VOCs through their leaves and roots. Second, they release oxygen through a process called photosynthesis, which helps to dilute the pollutants in the air. Finally, some plants have microorganisms in the soil that help to break down pollutants.
Benefits of House Plants
Not only do house plants help to clean the air, they also have a number of other benefits. For example:
- They increase humidity levels, which can be especially helpful in dry climates.
- They can help to reduce stress and promote feelings of calm and well-being.
- They can improve indoor air quality by removing pollutants and increasing oxygen levels.
Choosing the Right Plants for Your Home
When choosing house plants for your home, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Consider the size of your space. Larger plants can be more effective at cleaning the air, but they also take up more space.
- Consider the lighting conditions in your home. Some plants require bright, direct sunlight, while others do better in low light conditions.
- Consider the amount of care each plant requires. Some plants are very low maintenance, while others require more time and attention.
Conclusion
House plants can be a simple and effective way to improve indoor air quality and make our homes healthier places to live. Whether you choose a peace lily, a spider plant, or another one of the plants recommended by NASA, you can be sure that you're making a positive impact on the air in your home. So why not add a few plants to your home today and start enjoying the benefits of cleaner air? Also, if you'd like some helpful tips on how to decorate your home with plants check out: How to design your house with plants.
NASA's Clean Air Study
We've also included a table below from the initial 1989 study so you can see which plants filter certain air pollutants!
