All natural air purifiers

Do you have a plant in your home or office? If so, then you may have an air cleaner too. In NASA’s search for ways to clean the atmosphere in future space stations, they found there are many common houseplants that may reduce indoor air pollution.

Most of us remember how basic photosynthesis works. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Did you know that plants also absorb other pollutants, like ozone, nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxides? Plants also collect dust, pollen and other matter on their leaves reducing the number of these particles floating around in the air. Michigan State University Extension shares “one study found that urban trees in the United States can remove 711,000 metric tons of air pollution annually”. http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/benefits_of_plants_life_as_we_know_it_live_it_and_pay_for_it.

Since growing a small forest in the living room is not a possibility, I turned to NASA’s research to learn more about what they studied and which plants might be the most beneficial in a home or office environment. They studied the effects of a number of plants on the levels of benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde.

Benzene is a common solvent present in many basic items, such as paints, oils, plastics and rubber. It has been known to irritate the skin and eyes, cause respiratory issues, liver and kidney damage and even psychological disturbances.

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is most commonly used industrially, but is also found in printing inks, paints, varnishes and adhesives. The National Cancer Institute considers TCE a potential carcinogen.

Formaldehyde is found in almost all indoor environments. Consumer paper products, such as grocery bags, wax paper, facial tissues and paper towels, as well as many cleaning products, contain this compound. It is also in floor covering and carpet backing. Formaldehyde can cause allergic contact dermatitis, irritation to the respiratory tract, and headaches.

NASA determined that certain houseplants have the potential to improve indoor air quality. And, interestingly enough, “the plant root-soil zone appears to be the most effective area for removing volatile organic chemicals”. The NASA study is posted online at: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19930073077.pdf.

For a complete list of the plants tested, please see the NASA link above. Here is a partial list: English ivy, spider plant, golden pothos, peace lily, Chinese evergreen, bamboo palm, and several dracaena and philodendron species.

With winter in full swing, we are trying to reduce drafts in our home and conserve energy. However, as we increase insulation to retain heat, we are also trapping many of these air pollutants indoors.

This winter keep “sick building syndrome” away from your home or office by stopping by your local nursery and picking up some of these natural air cleaners. Also, healthy plants will be more efficient at cleaning the air. University of Missouri Extension has a helpful houseplant care guide here: https://extension2.missouri.edu/g6510.

Kelley Rawlsky has an M.S. in horticulture and is the director of Bringing People and Plants Together, an organization dedicated to bringing horticulture education and therapy to the community. For more information: PeopleAndPlantsTogether@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook.

Originally published in Broomfield Enterprise - Jan 7, 2018