Optimal Method for Cleansing Indoor Air

Indoor environments in homes or offices can contain harmful toxins from cleaning chemicals or furniture emissions. Fortunately, there is a simple and affordable solution to purify the air and safeguard your health. Instead of relying on expensive air purifiers, consider harnessing the power of plants.

Not only do plants offer aesthetic appeal and provide mental health benefits like stress reduction and improved concentration, but they also excel at cleaning the air. Recent studies have revealed that plants can effectively combat various pollutants, including toxic chemicals and even viruses like COVID-19.

Here is essential information you should be aware of...

Whether you choose a croton, dumb cane, king of hearts, or warneckeii, indoor plants have the ability to absorb toxins and purify the air.

While this may not be groundbreaking news for some, recent research has demonstrated that plants can also eliminate harmful gasoline fumes that infiltrate our living spaces and neutralize pathogenic bacteria and viruses, such as COVID-19.

Overview

Annually, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that seven million people worldwide die prematurely due to illnesses caused by air pollution.¹ In the United States, air pollution is responsible for 100,000 deaths per year.² Surprisingly, nearly half of these deaths are linked to indoor air pollution rather than outdoor pollution, as indoor air can be more contaminated than outdoor air. With individuals spending 90% of their time indoors, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warn that the health risks from indoor air pollution may surpass those from outdoor pollution.³

Indoor environments harbor various pollutants released by household items like furniture, carpets, curtains, and building materials. Of particular concern are volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are chemicals from household products that vaporize into gases. Indoor levels of these pollutants can be up to five times higher than outdoor levels.

Common sources of these chemicals include paints, varnishes, floor waxes, polishes, air fresheners, glues, and various cleaning and disinfecting products. These harmful substances can impact individuals of all ages, leading to conditions such as asthma, lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes in adults, while also being associated with dementia in seniors.⁴

To maintain good health, reducing exposure to these toxins is crucial, and indoor plants can play a significant role in this regard.

Indoor Plants' Role in Environmental Cleanup

The potential of plants to clean the environment was initially discovered in the 1960s by BC "Bill" Wolverton, an environmental scientist who demonstrated that swamp plants could eliminate the herbicide Agent Orange.

Following this discovery, Wolverton joined NASA's Stennis Space Center to explore how plants could clean various toxins, including 107 VOCs, within the Skylab space station.

His research revealed that plants can draw pollutants from the air into the soil and roots, where microorganisms neutralize toxins, pathogenic bacteria, and viruses. This soil-based process is crucial for effective air purification, highlighting the importance of proper air circulation around plant roots. Wolverton documented his findings in his 1996 book, Eco-friendly Houseplants: 50 Indoor Plants That Purify the Air.

Ongoing research into the air-purifying capabilities of indoor plants has shown promising results, with recent studies in 2023 indicating even greater efficacy than previously thought.

Indoor Plants' Hydrogen Peroxide Production

Researchers in Canada have recently discovered that indoor plants release hydrogen peroxide into the air.

Hydrogen peroxide, a chemical consisting of water with an extra oxygen molecule (H2O2), is commonly used as an antiseptic due to its germ-killing properties. While its direct application to the skin is now discouraged, hydrogen peroxide is utilized for cleaning, disinfecting, and stain removal purposes within households.

Indoor plants have been found to emit H2O2 into the atmosphere, showcasing their potential to combat bacteria, fungi, and viruses effectively.

Combatting COVID-19

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Victoria, British Columbia, revealed that indoor plants release hydrogen peroxide through transpired water vapor.

Among the plants tested, African violet, devil's ivy, and American rubber plant were identified as top hydrogen peroxide producers, with variations attributed to leaf surface area and plant structure.

The study suggests that plants serve as a natural solution for improving air quality and defending against infectious diseases like airborne COVID-19 in indoor settings. Plants not only neutralize pathogens in the soil but also directly attack them in the air.

Dr. Simon Williams, a sociologist from Swansea University, emphasized the significance of these findings in promoting indoor air quality and reducing viral spread through simple measures like increasing indoor plant presence.

Additionally, for individuals residing near busy roads or in close proximity to parking areas, the positive effects of indoor plants continue.

Effective Removal of Gasoline Fumes

Recent research by scientists at the University of Technology, Sydney, Australia, highlighted the significant capacity of indoor plants to eliminate toxic gasoline fumes, including benzene, a known carcinogen.

This study is vital given the prevalence of toxic compounds in buildings near roadways or parking facilities, which pose health risks upon inhalation. Indoor plants, particularly those incorporated in green walls, proved highly efficient in removing up to 97% of toxic pollutants from the surrounding air within eight hours.

Impressive Results

Associate Professor Fraser Torpy commended the study's outcomes, emphasizing the exceptional pollutant removal capabilities of indoor plants, particularly in addressing petrol-related compounds efficiently.

The study revealed that plants adapt to environmental conditions, showcasing enhanced toxin removal efficiency with increased toxin concentrations in the air. The findings underscore the significant impact of indoor plants on improving air quality and overall health.

Choosing the Right Indoor Plants

While all plants possess toxin-neutralizing properties, concerns regarding specific toxins in indoor environments have led to the development of a 'pollutant absorption system' based on NASA's research.

By categorizing indoor plants according to their pollution-absorbing abilities, individuals can make informed choices regarding plant selection to address specific pollutants commonly found indoors.

Dr. Chris Thorogood from Oxford University highlighted the natural air-purifying qualities of plants, emphasizing their efficacy in filtering indoor pollutants.

The implementation of the pollutant absorption system aims to raise awareness about the health benefits of indoor plants and facilitate informed plant selection based on individual needs.

Given the multitude of toxins present indoors, the pollutant absorption system targets five common pollutants, along with their prevalent sources of exposure.

Utilizing the Pollutant Absorption System

The pollutant absorption system is freely available for adoption by retailers to label houseplants based on their pollutant-absorbing properties. Individuals can access information on 41 plant varieties, ranging from aloe vera to the ZZ plant, to identify plants capable of removing specific toxins.

Noteworthy performers include the lady palm/bamboo palm and peace lily, which can eliminate all five toxins, while devil's ivy/pothos, snake plant, and Janet Craig effectively remove four of the five toxins.

Dom Butler, founder of Plant Drop, highlighted the transformative impact of the e-commerce tool in facilitating informed plant purchases based on individual lifestyles and environmental considerations.

Enhancing air circulation around plant roots and soil is crucial for maximizing the detoxification potential of indoor plants. Innovative products such as the AIRY pot and AIRY box, designed to increase airflow to plant roots, are available online to further enhance indoor air quality.