A study based on a NASA experiment in 1989 found that indoor plants can help get rid of cancer-causing organic compounds in the air. Research after this has also discovered that soil microorganisms in the potted plants can play a role in cleaning indoor air.
Due to this research, some scientists believe that houseplants can be natural air purifiers. However, the research doesn’t say how many plants are needed in order to help clean the room. The bigger and leafier the plant, the more it works, and some experts say that you need two decent sized plants in order to improve just 100 square feet of space.
How Do Plants Clean the Air?
Plants absorb particles to form the air when they take in carbon dioxide. This is then turned into oxygen through photosynthesis. Some of the gases that plants absorb, in addition to carbon dioxide, include volatile organic compounds, benzene, and formaldehyde. The microorganisms in the potting soil are also responsible for some of the cleaning effect.
Which Plants to Use?
For those that have a black thumb, there are some plants that are hard to kill that can still offer some clean air benefits. These plants include garden mum, dracaena, peace lily, Boston fern, snake plant, and bamboo. Each plant has favorable conditions and you can do a little bit of research to see how much sunlight and water it needs.
Why Is Indoor Air Quality Important?
Many people spend about 90% of their time indoors, and indoor air quality can often be worse than outside areas. Furnishings, upholstery, building materials, and cleaning products can emit a number of toxic compounds, and outdoor air contaminants like pollen, bacteria, and mold can also find their way into buildings. Many homes can have poor ventilated spaces, making indoor air quality even worse. While plants are one natural way to improve indoor air quality, there are other measures that can be taken so you can rest easy knowing the air in your home is safe. There aren’t any studies that show how indoor plants can increase the air quality in a home, so it’s a good idea to have other air purifying measures in place.
Your Indoor Air Quality Specialists
Contact Collins Comfort Masters serving Gilbert, Tempe, Chandler and Mesa, Arizona, for an indoor air quality system that can suit your needs. Let our team of experts decide if you could benefit from air filtration systems and air decontaminating UV lamps. See if dehumidifiers and humidifiers can not only bring better air quality but more comfort as well. We also offer AC & heating and plumbing services!