Indoor air quality has been a growing concern over the years. Modern energy-efficient homes are tightly sealed, trapping chemicals, pollutants, and allergens with no ventilation to expel them. One of the common indoor pollutants is volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They are emitted from various products used in building and maintaining homes such as paints, solvents, cleaning agents, carpets, and vinyl floors. Health effects from VOCs exposure can include allergic reactions, headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and even some severe conditions like cancer or central nervous system damage.
One of the ways to combat this indoor pollution is through the strategic use of indoor plants. It’s not a new concept – NASA started using plants to purify the air in space stations in the 1980s. Today, science continues to recognize the power of plants to proactively reduce VOCs indoors.
Plants not only absorb CO2 and release oxygen but also take in various pollutants, including VOCs, transforming them into food for their growth. Below is a closer look at these air-purifying heroes and how they help to limit the concentration of VOCs in indoor air.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
The Spider Plant is one of the most common household plants known for its resilience and adaptability. According to a study by Wolverton and Johnson (1989), the Spider Plant is invaluable in the absorption of formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene, all of which are VOCs. These plants are also non-toxic, making them safe to have around pets and small children.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace Lilies are a popular choice for indoor plants. Their beautiful evergreen leaves and blossoms provide aesthetic enhancement while working as effective air cleansers. A study by the University of Technology, Sydney discovered that Peace Lilies reduced the levels of all VOCs tested, including benzene, by 75 percent. They are also adept at removing alcohol, acetone, trichloroethylene, and ammonia from the air.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata)
The Snake Plant, also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, is a low maintenance indoor plant. It absorbs airbone toxins and releases oxygen at night, making it an excellent choice for bedrooms. A 1993 NASA study revealed that this plant could remove 4 of the 5 main toxins involved in the effects of sick building syndrome. These include formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, benzene, and xylene.
Golden Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)
The Golden Pothos, characterized by its cascading vines and heart-shaped leaves, is another remarkable indoor plant that combats VOCs. A 2009 study published in the American Journal of Plant Sciences confirmed its effectiveness in reducing indoor VOC levels. It’s particularly potent on benzene and acetone, two common VOCs.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera, known for its healing properties, also aids in keeping your home free from benzene and formaldehyde. It absorbs these harmful chemicals commonly found in cleaning products and personal care products, according to a study conducted by Cross, Holder, and Katz (2013).
English Ivy (Hedera Helix)
English Ivy is more than just an aesthetic vine. A 2005 experiment by the American Society for Horticultural Science indicated that this plant has air-purifying properties. It was particularly effective at removing formaldehyde, which is present in many household products.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata)
Boston Ferns are not only visually pleasing; they are also excellent humidifiers and can help to remove harmful VOCs, specifically formaldehyde, and xylene from your indoor air. These VOCs are common in fuels, detergents, and plastic materials.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese Evergreen is another plant to consider. Aside from its low-light and low-water requirements, it’s reported to filter out several air pollutants, including benzene and formaldehyde.
Strategically placing these plants throughout your indoor spaces can help in proactively reducing VOC levels. However, one must properly care for them, ensuring they get the right light, water, and temperature, to maintain their VOC-removal abilities.
It’s essential to remember that while plants can help reduce the VOC levels in your home, they are not a standalone solution. Supplement their benefits with other measures like adequate ventilation, conscientious choice of materials and products, and frequent cleaning.
The silent work of plants in cleaning our air does not make headlines daily. Yet, it’s an essential armamentarium in our fight against indoor air pollution. By harnessing their power, we can improve our indoor air quality, reduce our exposure to harmful VOCs, and offer ourselves and our families healthier, cleaner indoor environments. Explore these plants that proactively reduce VOCs indoors and make the choice for healthier, cleaner indoor air.
