Air Purification Champions: Plants That Clean Your Indoor Environment
Indoor air quality is often 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air, according to the EPA. Fortunately, nature provides us with powerful allies in the fight against indoor air pollution. NASA's groundbreaking Clean Air Study identified specific plants that excel at removing harmful toxins from our indoor environments.
The NASA Clean Air Study
In the late 1980s, NASA conducted extensive research to find ways to clean air in space stations. The study revealed that certain houseplants could remove up to 87% of air toxins within 24 hours. These findings have profound implications for creating healthier indoor environments on Earth.
Top Air-Purifying Plants
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Removes: Formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, toluene
Special ability: Releases oxygen at night, making it perfect for bedrooms and 24/7 air cleaning.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Removes: Ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene
Special ability: Increases humidity levels while purifying air, perfect for dry office environments.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Removes: Carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, xylene
Special ability: Extremely effective at removing carbon monoxide, crucial for urban environments.
Common Indoor Air Pollutants
Understanding what we're fighting helps us choose the right plants:
- Formaldehyde: Found in furniture, carpets, and cleaning products
- Benzene: Present in plastics, synthetic fibers, and detergents
- Xylene: Common in paints, adhesives, and printing inks
- Ammonia: Found in cleaning products and computer equipment
- Trichloroethylene: Present in adhesives, spot removers, and rug cleaners
Maximizing Air Purification
To optimize air cleaning benefits:
- Use 1 plant per 100 square feet of space
- Choose plants with large leaf surfaces for maximum air contact
- Keep plants healthy with proper care and lighting
- Clean leaves regularly to maintain photosynthesis efficiency
- Combine different species for comprehensive pollutant removal
Health Benefits Beyond Air Cleaning
Air-purifying plants provide additional wellness benefits including stress reduction, improved concentration, better sleep quality, and enhanced overall mood. Studies show that employees in offices with plants report fewer headaches, less fatigue, and improved respiratory health.