The decrease in air quality in modern times with all the pollution is a concerning issue. It has a lot of adverse effects on the human body, especially the respiratory system. To overcome these issues, people are using purifiers and air conditioners. However, not everyone can afford to run these devices throughout the day. At the same time, some people are allergic to changes in the temperature of air conditioners. As a result, the rise of purifying air plants can be observed in the market. These plants come with a promise of cleaning the air. However, is this true or just a myth? Let’s examine the science of purifying indoor plants and whether they’re optimal.
The Science Behind Purifying Air Plants
The rise of indoor air purifying plants came from the NASA clean air study in 1989. This study demonstrates the ability of plants and soil to remove toxic substances from the air. Therefore, it has played a pivotal role in creating the hype of indoor plants. However, this study was conducted under scientific conditions, and the conditions differed from those in the real home. Still, this study’s results clearly indicate that some plants can purify the air.
- Benzene
- Formaldehyde
- Toluene
The Take Of Modern Science On Air Purifying Plants
Even though NASA’s study seems promising, recent research has stated otherwise. In real-life conditions, plants have some impact on air quality, but it is not significant. However, this is not the end of the hype about indoor plants, as with proper ventilation and air exchange routes, you can improve indoor air quality.
Common Air-Purifying Plants
Here is a list of the popular houseplants capable of purifying the air. Apart from science, these plants can add a lot of décor to your place, heightening the mood and aesthetics of the place.
- Spider Plant
- Snake Plant
- Peace Lily
- Aloe Vera
- Areca Palm
- Bamboo Palm
- English Ivy
- Rubber Plant
- Boston Fern
- Dracaena
Plants Can Do A Lot Of Things For You
As discussed earlier, plants add a lot of appeal to your place. They give us a sense of attachment to the flora of nature. This can result in many positive things for the people, especially those in the cities.
- Improve mood and reduce stress.
- Boost productivity and focus.
- Add humidity to dry air.
- Serve as natural décor
- Promote a sense of well-being.
4 Tips For Cleaner Indoor Air
In high AQI regions, indoor air purifying plants are insufficient to get clean air. You have to invest in other things or equipment. These include filters, purifiers, and air conditioners; without these investments, you will still face the issues of atmospheric impurities.
- Use HEPA filters and air purifiers.
- Open windows for better ventilation.
- Keep your home clean to reduce dust and allergens.
- Avoid synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals.
Final Thoughts On Purifying Air Plants
The rise of purifying indoor air plants has been fueled by NASA’s clean air study 1989, which showed plants can remove toxic substances from the air. However, recent research suggests that these plants have some impact on air quality in real-life conditions. Therefore, invest in filters, purifiers, air conditioners, and clean homes to improve indoor air quality.