06 Feb EcoTip #21 – Houseplants for Fresh Air

To clean the air in your home or office, try a bamboo palm, peace lily or English ivy. These plants act as natural air filters in a room, removing up to 90 percent of VOC's (volatile organic compounds).

I found an interesting report from NASA on using plants to clean air and water: In the 1980s, NASA was working on developing a bio-regenerative life support system for permanent space station habitats.  They worked with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America at Stennis Space Center to discover how natural biological processes can clean air and water. One study found that houseplants along with activated carbon plant filters can remove trace ogranic pollutants from the air in energy-efficient buildings. “This plant system is one of the most promising means of alleviating the "sick building syndrome" associated with many new, energy-efficient buildings,” the Stennis Space Center reported.

Houseplants can remove dangerous toxins such as benzene, formaldahyde and trichloroethlene – all three are known to cause cancer and can be off-gassed from new materials in furnishings, paint and other materials commonly used in homes and offices.

In addition to the beauty and life houseplants provide in a room, they also add oxygen.  Regular watering provides humidity to make dry winter indoor air easier to breathe.

Best houseplants for cleaning the air:
Aloe Vera – useful for treating burns – also removes formaldahyde from the air
Areca Palm – one of the best plants for purifying the air
Chinese Evergreen – high oxygen emitter – removes formaldahyde, benzene and other toxins

For a longer list of plants and their care, check out:
Sustainable Baby Steps – Types of House Plants that Clean the Air

Related Link:
John C. Stennis Space Center Environmental Assurance Program