Indoor plants have long been hailed as a natural way to improve air quality in the home. You might have heard health influencers talk about it on Instagram or bloggers write articles about it on their sites stating that certain indoor plants will clean the air in your house.
But do indoor plants really clean your air?Â
While the answer is not a straightforward yes or no, let’s dive into what the science actually says.
Indoor plants have long been hailed as a natural way to improve air quality in the home. You might have heard health influencers talk about it on Instagram or bloggers write articles about it on their sites stating that certain indoor plants will clean the air in your house.
But do indoor plants really clean your air? While the answer is not a straightforward yes or no, let’s dive into what the science actually says.
The concept of indoor plants improving air quality is based on a process called phytoremediation. This is the ability of plants to absorb and break down harmful chemicals and pollutants from the air, water, or soil (US EPA, 2022). While indoor plants are effective in removing some pollutants from the air, the extent to which they can improve air quality in larger spaces is still unclear.
Studies have shown that a large number of plants would be required to achieve a significant impact on air quality. For example, one study found that over 10 plants per square meter of floor space would be required to effectively remove pollutants like formaldehyde from a typical room (Wolverton et al., 1989). That equates to around 100 plants for an average-sized living room. Another study found that while indoor plants did have a positive impact on air quality, the effect was limited to the immediate vicinity of the plant (Chen et al., 2018).
One study that is often cited to support the idea that indoor plants can significantly improve air quality is the NASA Clean Air Study from 1989 (Wolverton et al., 1989). This study found that certain indoor plants, such as the peace lily and spider plant, were effective at removing pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air. However, it is important to note that this study was conducted in a closed environment, with the plants being the only source of air circulation and purification. In real-world situations, air exchange and circulation are also important factors to consider.
So, while indoor plants can help to clean the air to some extent, they are not a complete solution to indoor air quality.Â
Bill C. Wolverton and Mark Nelson; Using plants and soil microbes to purify indoor air: lessons from NASA and Biosphere 2 experiments
Bill C. Wolverton and Mark Nelson; Using plants and soil microbes to purify indoor air: lessons from NASA and Biosphere 2 experiments
However, that’s not to say that indoor plants don’t have other benefits. In fact, studies have shown that incorporating indoor plants into your home décor can have numerous health benefits.Â
For example, plants have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, enhance cognitive function and productivity, and promote better sleep and relaxation (Grinde & Patil, 2021). Additionally, the presence of plants in a room has been linked to increased feelings of happiness and well-being (Lohr et al., 1996).
One potential explanation for these benefits is the biophilic hypothesis, which suggests that humans have an innate connection to nature and feel more comfortable and relaxed when surrounded by natural elements. This theory is supported by numerous studies that have found a positive correlation between exposure to nature and improved mental health and well-being (Kuo & Sullivan, 2001; van den Berg et al., 2015).
Where does that leave us?
While indoor plants do have the ability to remove certain pollutants from the air, they are not a complete solution to indoor air quality. Incorporating indoor plants into your home décor can have numerous health benefits, but to truly improve indoor air quality, it’s important to take a holistic approach.
So, what are some ways you can do that? We got you!Â
- Open Windows: One simple and effective way to improve indoor air quality is to open your windows and let fresh air circulate through your home. A study published in the journal Building and Environment found that opening windows for just 10 minutes a day can significantly reduce indoor pollutant levels (Zhang et al., 2018).
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Dusting and Vacuuming: Regular dusting and vacuuming can help to remove dust, dirt, and other particles from your home, improving indoor air quality in the process. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Science and Health found that vacuuming with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter can significantly reduce indoor concentrations of particulate matter (Mendell et al., 2018).
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Beeswax Candles: Beeswax candles are a natural alternative to traditional paraffin candles, which can release harmful chemicals into the air when burned. Beeswax candles, on the other hand, release negative ions when burned, which can help to purify the air by attaching to and neutralizing positively charged particles. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that burning beeswax candles can help to reduce indoor pollutant levels (Mannix et al., 1995).
There you have it – some simple, easy ways you can improve the air quality in your home naturally!
So should you get some indoor plants for your home?
Yes! With so many health benefits INCLUDING contributing to helping clean the air – getting some plants for your space is a great way to improve your overall health and contribute to a beautiful and inviting space!Â
References:
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Mannix, R. C., et al. (1995). Beeswax candles and negative ions. Journal of the American Medical Association, 273(19), 1488.
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Mendell, M. J., et al. (2018). Indoor particulate matter in California bedrooms of asthmatic children: Results from a pilot intervention study. Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A, 53(3), 222-231.
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Zhang, Y., et al. (2018). Opening windows and modifying indoor air temperature significantly reduce indoor particle levels. Building and Environment, 137, 185-192.
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Chen, Y. C., Tsai, M. J., & Wu, C. H. (2018). Evaluating the phytoremediation of indoor air pollution by spider plant and golden pothos. Building and Environment, 139, 150-157.
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Grinde, B., & Patil, G. G. (2021). Biophilic design: indoor plants and cognitive functioning. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 73.