Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) is an important environmental health concern and one that’s often overlooked in our own homes. During the energy crisis of the 1970s, NASA was searching for a non-mechanical air purification system, so they conducted a clean air study using plants and activated charcoal. Researchers found that many common houseplants absorb airborne pollutants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are found in building materials, vinyl floors, paint, air fresheners and cleaning products. If you’re interested in a natural air purification system that removes carbon dioxide and releases oxygen, here are a few of the best plants for boosting your home’s IAQ.
Best Plants for Improving Indoor Air Quality
- Aloe vera effectively removes benzene, which is found in office equipment and electronics.
- Philodendrons have attractive waxy leaves, and they are excellent for removing formaldehyde found in particleboard and furnishings.
- Ferns are ideal for absorbing formaldehyde and boosting humidity levels. This is especially helpful during southern New Jersey’s long heating season.
- Peace lilies have attractive foliage and lovely red or white blooms. NASA found that spathiphyllum plants removed three of the most common VOCs with exceptional efficiency and reduced levels of several other toxins.
- Spider plants are tough and resilient, which makes them a popular houseplant. In the lab, they removed 95 percent of benzene, formaldehyde and xylene within 24 hours.
- Palms performed well for removing benzene and trichloroethylene, a common solvent and dry cleaning chemical.
Other plants that remove indoor pollutants and absorb mold spores include ficus, dracaena, ivy, snake plant and pothos.
Other Solutions
At McAllister, we specialize in managing indoor air quality problems. If plants aren’t enough, we can provide germicidal UV lamps, whole-house filtration systems and air cleaners manufactured by Carrier, Aprilaire and other brands.
To learn more about improving your IAQ, check out our air cleaners and filtration products. If you need additional information or would like to request an estimate, call us today at 877-216-3505.
