Improving air quality in your house and removing possible airborne pollutants can create a happier home - and air-purifying plants have the potential to help with this.
While ventilation and good air circulation throughout your home are crucial, adding in certain types of houseplants could also aid in balancing CO₂ levels and removing air pollutants.
Modern homes are more sealed up to help keep the heat in, but it also means houses aren’t as passively ventilated. This requires us to take a more manual approach to purifying the air in our houses and ensure your indoor spaces get plenty of fresh air.
Why is air quality important?
Air quality is determined by its concentrations of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide, as well as volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
When levels of these harmful gases and pollutants exceed a certain level, they can lower the air quality of indoor spaces.
This is linked to a range of health issues, including respiratory problems and can aggravate existing conditions such as asthma.
Can houseplants help improve air quality?
While it’s generally agreed that plants can have a positive effect on air quality, it is debatable to what degree they work.
David Domoney, Everest Ambassador, Chartered Horticulturist and plant expert says, “it is well known that some plants can help improve indoor air quality. They absorb pollutants through their leaves and roots, filtering out harmful compounds and releasing clean oxygen. This natural process helps reduce levels of carbon dioxide, increase humidity, and eliminate significant amounts of airborne pollutants, thereby improving the overall air quality within indoor environments.”
A NASA environmental scientist originally published a study on this topic back in 1989. He was investigating indoor air pollution and found that certain varieties of plants have the potential to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air.
The Royal Horticultural Society investigated the impact of plants on indoor air quality as well. The lead researcher said: ‘plants have been found to reduce the concentration of harmful pollutants to a healthier concentration, if the environmental conditions are correct’. These environmental conditions referred to the light levels, with increased indoor light increasing a plant’s potential to absorb CO₂.
The Innovation Institute for Sustainable Maritime Architecture Research and Technology also looked at how plants aid in improving indoor air quality as we are spending more of our time indoors. Their findings also established that plants can play a clear role in helping to regulate indoor environments and remove pollutants from the air around us.
However, other studies found that the level of air purification which houseplants can offer is probably minimal - unless you fill a space with plants from top to bottom. The Faculty of Agriculture from Ferdowsi University set about testing exactly this using ‘green walls’ and found them to be effective in the right configuration.
While it’s likely that houseplants cannot make a significant impact to air quality alone, they can still potentially help by working in tandem with other ventilation features. These include trickle vents and windows with a ventilation position.
How do plants remove pollutants from the air?
“Plants contribute to indoor air quality improvement through a few of their natural processes.” says David Domoney, providing more insight into the pollutant-removing qualities of plants. “They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis, enhancing air quality and providing oxygen-rich environments.”
“Some are capable of removing pollutants like benzene found in detergents, paints and furniture wax, formaldehyde from fuel-burning appliances, and even trichloroethylene released from paints, varnishes and adhesives. These pollutants from the air go through a process known as phytoremediation. Just one houseplant can help to make a difference.” Certain plants have also been found to help reduce levels of xylene found in some cleaning products and adhesives, as well as ammonia which can be found in trace amounts within fabric stain removers, cleaning products and fertilisers.
David also touched on the additional benefits that houseplants have been found to have. “Plants can also increase humidity through transpiration, which can benefit respiratory health by reducing dry air that can irritate the lungs. The presence of plants can also reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance concentration and productivity by creating a more natural, soothing environment. This holistic approach to purifying indoor air not only improves physical health but also contributes to psychological well-being.”
Can indoor plants help you sleep better?
Plants can improve sleep quality by purifying the air and increasing oxygen levels, helping to enhance the bedroom environment for better rest.
Some plants can also release calming scents that can help reduce stress and anxiety while promoting more restful sleep. For example, lavender is known for its relaxing properties, whilst some houseplants increase oxygen levels at night, potentially improving air quality and promoting deeper sleep.
This natural improvement in air quality and the calming effect of certain plants contribute to a more conducive sleep environment.