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Plants can remove toxic chemicals from the air within hours, a study shows
With increasing global environmental concerns, air quality remains a priority issue, both outdoors and in our homes and offices. Recent studies from the Environmental Protection Agency suggest that air pollutants indoors are often two to five times higher than outdoors. These indoor air pollutants can lead to a variety of health problems, including allergies, respiratory illnesses, and even chronic diseases like cancer. Fortunately, research shows that nature may offer a solution to this growing problem. Plant-Powered Air Purification A team of scientists from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in Australia recently conducted a fascinating study into the potential of...
Plants can remove toxic chemicals from the air within hours, a study shows
With increasing global environmental concerns, air quality remains a priority issue, both outdoors and in our homes and offices. Recent studies from the Environmental Protection Agency suggest that air pollutants indoors are often two to five times higher than outdoors. These indoor air pollutants can lead to a variety of health problems, including allergies, respiratory illnesses, and even chronic diseases like cancer. Fortunately, research shows that nature may offer a solution to this growing problem.
Plant-powered air purification
A team of scientists from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in Australia recently published a fascinating study on the potential of houseplants to purify the air. The study, funded by crop growing company Ambius, found that certain plants within a vertical wall system are capable of absorbing harmful compounds from gasoline fumes. These toxins, called volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are commonly found in public spaces such as offices, hospitals, and classrooms.
On an average working day, the experimental setup showed that the plants were able to reduce the concentration of several notorious cancer-causing compounds to less than 20% of their original levels. The implications of this discovery for improving indoor air quality are enormous, potentially providing an environmentally friendly alternative to energy-intensive ventilation systems.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of plant cleaners
Although similar studies have been conducted previously on the ability of plants to absorb VOCs, most studies have examined the removal of individual chemical species under controlled conditions. In contrast, the UTS team exposed common household plants to gasoline fumes, a significant source of mixed VOCs. Plants used in this study included devil's ivy (Epipremnum aureum), arrowhead plants (Syngonium podophyllum), and spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum).
What's special about this study is the effectiveness and speed with which these plants were able to purify the air. UTS environmental scientist Fraser Torpy explains: “Not only can plants remove most pollutants from the air in just a few hours, they are also the most efficient at removing the most harmful petrol-related pollutants from the air.”
Effects on indoor air quality
The potential of vertical gardens to improve indoor air quality is significant, particularly in urban areas where indoor pollution from attached parking garages is a problem. The researchers found that the more concentrated the toxins were in the air, the faster and more efficiently the plants were able to remove the toxins. This showed that plants adapt to the conditions in which they grow.
However, it is important to understand the limitations of this method. Although these vertical gardening systems are effective, they require a significant number of potted plants attached to air pumps to significantly improve indoor air quality. A small, stand-alone collection of plants probably won't have the same impact. Nevertheless, just a few houseplants can lift your mood and contribute to your general well-being.
Future of green wall technologies
The pandemic has highlighted the importance of indoor air quality on a global scale. As a result, commercial interest in green wall technologies is likely to increase. However, Torpy and his co-authors caution that further research is needed to fully understand the potential of plants as air purifiers. This includes studying the long-term effects of pollutants on soil microbes and whether plants reach a saturation point. Future research could also evaluate the effectiveness of different plant species and air filters and examine how these factors affect indoor air quality.
In addition, researchers expressed interest in studying plants' ability to absorb chemicals outgassed from synthetic materials. These are the compounds that give your car that “new car smell,” which, despite its initial appeal, can be a significant source of interior pollution. The current study did not measure this aspect, but it could be a fruitful area for future investigation.
Wider health impacts of improved indoor air quality
The benefits of improved air quality are many. By reducing air pollutants, particularly potent carcinogenic benzene compounds, we can mitigate several health risks. As the National Cancer Institute documents, chronic exposure to these pollutants is associated with an increased risk of developing cancer, including leukemia.
In addition, cleaner air can have a positive impact on respiratory health. Conditions such as asthma, allergies and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be made worse by poor indoor air quality. Research published in the Journal of Environmental Management and the Science of The Total Environment has documented these relationships and underscored the critical role air quality plays in our overall health.
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It is worth noting that these benefits are not just limited to physical health. Improved air quality can also have a positive impact on mental health. Studies have linked exposure to air pollution to increased stress, depression and cognitive decline. Therefore, any efforts to improve indoor air quality could have far-reaching effects on our health and well-being.
The green future of interiors
While our understanding of the potential of houseplants to improve air quality continues to evolve, the promise shown in studies such as the UTS research offers a hopeful look to the future. Torpy and his team concluded that only through continued research can we fully understand how to most effectively use plants in our pursuit of cleaner indoor air.
The full UTS report is available online.
Recent findings shed light on a promising environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution to reduce indoor air pollution. By harnessing the air-purifying abilities of common houseplants and using green wall technologies, we can significantly improve the quality of the air we breathe indoors, bringing us one step closer to a healthier and more sustainable future.
Pet Safety and Houseplants
While houseplants can go a long way toward improving air quality and overall well-being, it's important to consider the safety of our furry friends. Certain houseplants can pose a danger to pets if ingested or even touched. The three plants highlighted in the UTS study - devil's ivy, arrowhead plants and spider plants - each have different levels of safety for pets.
1. Devil's ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
Commonly known as pothos, devil's ivy is actually poisonous to both cats and dogs. According to the ASPCA, ingestion may cause mouth irritation, severe burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, and tongue, excessive salivation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
2. Arrowhead Plants (Syngonium podophyllum)
Arrowhead plants are also harmful to pets. If consumed, these plants can cause symptoms similar to devil's ivy, including mouth irritation, excessive salivation, and vomiting. The ASPCA lists the arrowhead plant as toxic to dogs, cats and even horses.
3. Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum)
On the bright side, spider plants are generally considered safe for pets. According to the ASPCA, they are non-toxic to both dogs and cats. Despite their safety, it is still best to discourage pets from chewing these plants as it can cause mild digestive upset.
Remember to always consult a veterinarian if you suspect your pet has ingested a harmful plant. Although houseplants offer many benefits, it is important to ensure that they are compatible with all members of your household, including our four-legged companions.
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