Did You Know You Can Grow Clean Air?
Fact Sheet - IF15
Key Points:
· Certain houseplants were found to remove as much as
87% of indoor air pollutants within 24 hours.
· The NASA researchers suggest that for the plants to be
effective "air cleaners" it is necessary to use 1 - 6” potted plant
per 100 square feet interior space.
Foliage
plants are not only beautiful and fun but they are also the latest word in a
healthy environment. Research now shows
that houseplants play an important role in cleaning the air we breathe, both
indoors and out.
Plants
produce their own food through a process called photosynthesis. This means they
take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen. Photosynthesis
"cleans" our air by absorbing carbon dioxide and by taking in certain
other pollutants, as well.
A
team of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) researchers lead
by Dr. Bill Wolverton tested the effect of fifteen
house plants on three pollutants known to be present in spacecrafts. These same
three pollutants--benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene--are present in
homes and office buildings. They occur because they are emitted from
furnishings, office equipment and some building materials.
Under
controlled conditions, in the NASA study, certain houseplants were found to remove as much as 87% of indoor air
pollutants within 24 hours.
Until
recently, indoor air pollution was not considered a health threat; most homes
and public buildings leaked so much that air often was replaced every couple of
hours. But during the 1970's, after energy shortages occurred, more and more of
us began to insulate our houses and office buildings to conserve energy and
lower heating and cooling costs. As a result, indoor air might linger for five
hours or more allowing pollutants to accumulate.
Researchers
are just beginning to understand how indoor pollutants such as cigarette smoke,
for example, can harm humans. Effects range from skin and eye irritations to
headaches and allergies. Some of the pollutants may be carcinogenic. According
to the NASA study, the plants listed below proved effective in removing certain
indoor air pollutants.
The
NASA researchers suggest that for the plants to be effective "air
cleaners" it is necessary to use 1
- 6” potted plant per 100 square feet interior space. Indeed, it would appear
that plants have many useful qualities, including one of making our indoor air
cleaner to breath.
Thus, clean oxygenated air is healthier, clears your head
and increases brain function and clean fresh air in our home feels so much
better. Try it Today!
Pollutant Source
Plants that Remove
Pollutant
|
Benzene |
Inks, oils, paints,
plastics, rubber, dyes, detergents, gasoline, pharmaceutical,tobacco
smoke, synthetic fibers |
English Ivy, Dracaena marginata, Janet Craig, Warneckei,
Chrysanthemum, Gerbera Daisy, Peace lily |
|
Formaldehyde |
Foam insulation, plywood,
pressed-wood products, grocery bags, waxed paper, fire retardants, adhesive
binders in floor coverings, cigarette smoke, natural gas |
Azalea, Philodendron,
Spider plant, Golden Pothos, Bamboo palm, Rhapis Palm, Corn plant, Chrysanthemum, Mother-in-law's
tongue |
|
Trichloroethylene |
Primarily used in the metal
degreasing and dry cleaning industries; also in printing inks, paints, lacquers,
varnishes, adhesives |
Gerbera Daisy,
Chrysanthemum, Peace lily, Dracenaa Warneckei, Dracaena marginata |