Plants for indoor air quality

Posted by admin on September 7, 2009

In the late 1980s, a two-year research study was conducted by NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) to investigate ways to create healthy, breathable environments in outer space. They found that certain tropical plants, commonly used as houseplants, were rather effective in removing formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethane from the air and replacing it with oxygen that was breathable.

All plants provide some benefit to air quality, but their research showed that tropical plants (grown as houseplants in cooler climates) are particularly effective at processing gases and chemicals.

The result was a list of recommended plants for reducing toxic chemicals in indoor environments. Most of which are common houseplants that you should be able to find at your local nursery or garden center.

Chemicals such as formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide are harmful and deadly to human health, but plants can thrive on them as well as help remove those chemicals them from the air.

It’s better to get rid of air pollution naturally with plants than it would be to use chemical air fresheners, etc.

The EPA recommends placing two plants for each 100 square feet of floor space.

The following plants are excellent for helping improve indoor air quality and help against indoor air pollution. (Please note some of these may be toxic to animals or children if consumed, so do your research or keep out of the reach of animals, children)

English ivy
Gerbera daisies