House Plants as Air Purifiers: Absorb Formaldehyde, Benzene and Other Toxic Chemicals
If you suffer from multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), sick building syndrome (SBS), allergies, asthma, COPD or any other respiratory condition, you may own or be thinking of buying an air purifier to purify the air in your home and relieve your symptoms.
Modern air purifiers are certainly extremely efficient at removing troublesome chemicals from the air with their HEPA, carbon and zeolite filters. But, they do have their drawbacks. They can be expensive to buy, the filters need replacing periodically, they can be noisy, and they add to your electricity bills.
There is an alternative however that many of you may not have considered.. house plants! That's right, research has demonstrated that certain plants are highly effective natural air purifiers. Not only that but they are cheaper to buy than their manmade counterparts, don't require filter changes, are silent, use no electricity, are much more attractive, and may even contribute to our happiness!
Two major studies in this area were conducted by NASA (the US space agency) and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) and went by the names 'The NASA Clean Air Study' and 'Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement', respectively. The NASA Clean Air Study being the umbrella paper which was published in its final form in 1989. The two organizations brought complementary expertize to the endevour, with the technological might of NASA and 'boots on the ground' experience of ALCA.
Indoor air pollution is now recognised as a major threat to human health and well-being and this study concentrated on methods for reducing this pollution in the home, focusing on formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene.
Indoor air pollution can come from many sources, ironically pesticides used to kill plants (as 'weeds') being one example! Vapors easily enter the home, through open windows, HVAC vents etc., posing a serious and persistent health risk. Data presented in 2017 was damning enough to lead the state of California to officially list Roundup, the leading home use pesticide's active ingredient as a carcinogen in a landmark court ruling. Yet, clearly this is a problem that is not going away until more hazardous chemicals are removed from common household products.
Air Purifiers: House Plants Versus Technology
Pictured above is a modern and highly effective electronic air filter from Blueair. This "Air Purifier for Large Rooms & Homes" is capable of cleaning 3385 sq. ft of pollutants using state of the art HEPASilent technology - impressive.
However, you may well be surprised what plants alone are capable of!
Let's see what our leafy, green friends can do based on the 'The NASA Clean Air Study':
Formaldehyde
A ubiquitous chemical in the modern home. It is used in the construction of buildings in the form of urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI) and is also present in considerable quantities in particle board and pressed wood used so often in fitted furniture (e.g. kitchen cupboards and counters, bedroom wardrobes/closets) as well as the ever-popular flat pack furniture from modern home furnishing superstores. Other sources of formaldehyde include household cleaning products, fire retardants in soft furnishings, carpet backings and many consumer paper products treated with urea-formaldehyde resins, including grocery bags, waxed papers, facial tissues and paper towels.
Formaldehyde irritates the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, throat and respiratory system and is known to exacerbate asthma and trigger attacks. It can also cause headaches and trigger symptoms in those with MCS.
Best Formaldehyde Removing Plants*: bamboo palm, dracaena 'Janet Craig', mother-in-law's tongue, dracaena marginalia, peace lily, green spider plant, and golden pathos.
Benzene
Found in considerable amounts in tobacco smoke, commonly used as a solvent, and found in many common items such as paints, inks, oils, plastics, rubber, household cleaning products and petrol/gasoline.
Chronic exposure to even relatively low levels of benzene is associated with headaches, loss of appetite, drowsiness, nervousness, psychological disturbances and diseases of the blood system, including anaemia and bone marrow diseases.
Best Benzene-Removing Plants*: Gerber daisy, pot mum, peace lily, bamboo palm, dracaena warneckei, english ivy and mother-in-law's tongue.
*In order of effectiveness according to the NASA/ALCA research
Trichloroethylene
A widely used industrial solvent that is often found in printing inks, paints, lacquers, varnishes and adhesives.
Trichloroethylene is a central nervous system depressant and acts like alcohol on acute exposure causing headache, dizziness, and confusion and progressing with increasing exposure to unconsciousness. It is also known to cause liver and kidney problems with prolonged expsoure and is now knwon to be cancer causing.
Best Trichloroethylene Removing Plants*: gerbera daisy, dracaena marginata, peace lily (spathiphyllum), dracaena 'Janet Craig' and bamboo palm
*Again, in order of effectiveness
Another toxic chemical found in indoor air - and this one is lethal and odorless(!) - but yet again, can be absorbed effectively by certain plants, say NASA:
Carbon Monoxide
Mainly produced from sources of combustion such as open fires, gas stoves, central heating boilers etc. All gas appliances in the home should be routinely checked for carbon monoxide output. Carbon monoxide (CO) is also present in high concentrations in cigarette smoke.
Low level exposure causes dizziness and headaches while more acute exposure can lead to death since CO prevents the delivery of oxygen to the body's cells.
Best Carbon Monoxide Removing Plants*: bamboo palm, spider plant, golden pathos, dracaena janet craig, dracaena marginata, snake plant, peace lily, chrysanthemum, English ivy and heartleaf philodendron.
*Again, in order of effectiveness
How Many Plants are Needed?
NASA and the ALCA estimated that one 6 inch plant was needed per 100 square feet of interior space to effectively remove the chemicals above and potentially many others. This equates to only 2 or 3 plants for most rooms in an average home (although living spaces are obviously now more 'open plan' than in 1989). It was also found, not surprisingly that the plants are most effective at removing chemicals from the air when they are in optimal conditions for their health and growth.
...so, keep your plants healthy with plenty of water, food and sunlight - and they will help to keep you healthy - scientifically proven by NASA!
Conclusion
Well, who would have thought just how effective house plants really can be as 'air purifiers'? In the 21st Century we're now more aware due to climate change and news reports on other aspects of Earth's bioshpere. But back in 1989 when The NASA Clean Air Study was published, nobody other than ecologists and farmers would have believed it.
We think it's safe to say that a combination of nature - complemented by the latest air purifying technology - is a sensible way to go. That way if there are brownouts / blackouts, or you simply love nature or wish to save on utility bills, your beloved house plants won't just look great - they'll be keeping your home's air pure and your family safe and healthy. A huge win, any way you choose to look at it..
If you found this post helpful, consider sharing your thoughts with us, a friend, or support group. That alone will help you feel better. For more articles on living well with invisible illness, explore the rest of The Environmental Illness Resource.
Reference: Wolverton BC Douglas WL and Bounds K (1989) A study of interior landscape plants for indoor air pollution abatement Science Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/2060/19930072988
Learn more from Dr. B.C. Wolverton:
How To Grow Fresh Air: 50 Houseplants That Purify Your Home Or Office
5 comments
Hola Julian,
Lo siento, yo hablas un poco Espanol, pero no mas!
Gracias for your comment and question. Unfortunately, I didnt’t know the answer off the top of my head – so I asked ChatGPT to take a look. It has some good news for you! Below is its full answer to your / my question, specifically relating to dental office waiting rooms and corridors. I hope it helps:
Air-Purifying Ability of the Listed Plants
1. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens):
The Areca Palm is one of the top plants highlighted by the NASA Clean Air Study for its ability to remove indoor air toxins, especially formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. It also produces a significant amount of oxygen and increases humidity, making it a good choice for indoor spaces like waiting rooms.
Source: Blooming Haus
2. Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata, aka Snake Plant):
This plant is also on NASA’s list. It is particularly effective at removing formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. It’s unique in that it continues to produce oxygen at night, which is rare among houseplants.
Source: Blooming Haus
3. Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum, also called Devil’s Ivy or Pothos):
Money Plant is another NASA-approved air purifier. It’s effective at removing formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene. It’s easy to care for and thrives in low light, making it suitable for waiting rooms.
Source: Blooming Haus
4. Miami Plant:
There’s no widely recognized houseplant called “Miami plant.” If your reader meant a different plant (perhaps a local nickname), please clarify the scientific or common name.
I am a Prosthodontist passionate about nature and plants. A few years ago, we were able to introduce a series of plants into the clinic. These plants will help us improve the internal environment (clean air and create a sense of comfort) in areas such as hallways and waiting rooms, since we are NOT ALLOWED to have them inside the offices.
I would like to know if you have any information about the effects or actions of these ornamental plants, such as areca, mother-in-law’s hand, Miami, or money plant, etc. Could they absorb the virus? Should I REMOVE them due to the increased risk? I would like your help to explain why I should leave them or remove them.
Sincerely, Julian
[Ed: Translated from Spanish via Google Translate]
Hi Linda,
Many thanks for making this point, it’s something I really should have mentioned in the original blog post (brain fog!). I’m so sorry to read of your ordeal. Being from the UK I can’t begin to imagine what constant hurricanes are like – we’ve only had ONE in my entire life – and that was in the 80s/90s when I was a kid. I should have thought about mold as so many people with environmental illness are sensitive to mold, so if this is a problem for you, air purifying plants would certainly not be the best option! On the other hand some people with multiple chemical sensitivity are unable to find an electronic air purifier which is effective and which doesn’t itself cause symptoms, so every invisible illness victim has problems specific to them. It’s a matter of trial and error really, as most things are for those of us with environmental and / or invisible illness. Plants are just another option for those NOT affected by mold.
Have you tried using sand or pebbles in the plant pots to stop mold growth on the soil and any problems? Just a thought. You might hate me for saying this – I’m a plant lover too so would understand completely – but, how about plastic plants? You can get a huge variety from the likes of IKEA or Amazon et al. and they are actually very life-like these days. I have a few, along with loads of real plants in my own place, in spots where it’s hard to reach – to water and feed real ones. What do you think? I truly hope that doesn’t annoy you, eek!
As for mold treatment in general, I will be posting a dedicated article on that very soon (hopefully tomorrow in fact), so stay posted. I hope you and your family (assume kids are grown up now?) have found you some effective treatments, therapies, and a safe home environment now? I really hope so. Do let me know and I will post about mold treatment and therapies ASAP!
Kindest wishes and best of health,
Maff
Hi Maff,
This is a really fascinating read and it brought a little joy to my day. But with, ya know.. a but.. I suffer from the most horrible mold related illness, so my love of plants has come to a screeching halt. In my 30s and 40s I would have my house full of all types of house plants and loved giant yukkas in every room and hallway I could fit them in.. much to the chagrin of my husband (the kids loved them and our retriever peed on them hehe!). This blog has made me real emotional, happy to read such interesting stuff but so sad as now in my 50s I cannot have any plants indoors at all. Ya know.. since the soil might have mold. I lost so many things i would enjoy having around but we are in the south and following a flood in hurricane season in my late 40s our house survived.. but mold started being a real problem. We only realized after I had been sick for 6 momths and I had done lots of googling. Doctors were no help, sure you get that all the time also?? So I have gone through lots of air purifiers.. just got one of those new Medicair ones (fab!). Is the Blueair brand a good one? (my husband and I looked at those) and do you have any other tips for managing and treating mold illness.. i am at the end of my rope and in bed a lot but totally lost?? Thank you for your wonderful website and much love and prayers to you.. you are an angel!
Informative article!! There were things included in the article that i didn’t knew before. Even basil plant is a very good air purifier. As it exhale oxygen even at night unlike other plants. Keeping it indoor is very beneficial.