The NASA Clean Air Study[1] has been led by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in association with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA). Its results suggest that certain common indoor plants may provide a natural way of removing toxic agents such as benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene from the air, helping neutralize the effects of sick building syndrome. The first list of air-filtering plants was compiled by NASA as part of a clean air study published in 1989,[2][3][4] which researched ways to clean air in space stations. As well as absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, as all plants do, these plants also eliminate significant amounts of benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene. The second and third lists are from B. C. Wolverton's book[5] and paper[6] and focus on removal of specific chemicals. NASA researchers suggest efficient air cleaning is accomplished with at least one plant per 100 square feet of home or office space.

Other research has shown that micro-organisms in the potting mix (soil) of a potted plant remove benzene from the air, and that some plant species also contribute to removing benzene. One of the plants in this study is the Flamingo Flower. Most of the plants on the list evolved in tropical or subtropical environments. Due to their ability to flourish on reduced sunlight, their leaf composition allows them to photosynthesize well in household light. ^ a b c d e f g h i ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Pottorff, L. Plants "Clean" Air Inside Our Homes. Colorado State University & Denver County Extension Master Gardener. ^ Wolverton, B. C., et al. (1984). Foliage plants for removing indoor air pollutants from energy-efficient homes. Economic Botany 38(2), 224-28. ^ Wolverton, B. C., et al. A study of interior landscape plants for indoor air pollution abatement: an interim report. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q How to Grow Fresh Air ^ a b c Wolverton, B. C. and J. D. Wolverton.

(1993). Plants and soil microorganisms: removal of formaldehyde, xylene, and ammonia from the indoor environment. Journal of the Mississippi Academy of Sciences 38(2), 11-15. ^ a b Wolverton, B. C., et al. Interior landscape plants for indoor air pollution abatement: final report. ^ a b ASPCA ^ American Society for Horticultural Science. Indoor plants can reduce formaldehyde levels. salt air purifier reviewsplete plants removed approximately 80% of the formaldehyde within 4 hours. ac coil cleaner carControl chambers pumped with the same amount of formaldehyde, but not containing any plant parts, decreased by 7.3% during the day and 6.9% overnight within 5 hours..." air purifier exchangeIn reference to: Kim, J. K., et al. (2008). Efficiency of volatile formaldehyde removal by indoor plants: contribution of aerial plant parts versus the root zone.

Horticultural Science 133: 479-627.Kamal Meattle used three just three indoor plant species to increase oxygen, filter air, and boost general health at a a New Delhi business park. You too can use them to freshen your indoor space. Meattle's presentation at the TED 2009 conference details a large-scale success, using thousands of plants for hundreds of workers. In any living or working space, though, the three plants—Areca palm, Mother-in-law's Tongue, and a "Money Plant"—can be used to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, remove organic compounds, and generally filter and freshen the ambient air. A single person looks to need a minimum of 11 total plants, and certain climates with less sunlight could require a bit of hydroponic growing, but Meattle swears by the health, productivity, and atmosphere benefits. Check out the detailed slides from his TED talk:How to Grow Your Own Fresh Air - TED 2009 TalkClick to view Got your own plant combinations for better working or living air?

Give up your greenery tricks in the comments.How to Grow Your Own Fresh Air - TED 2009 [via Hacks Blog] There are a wide variety of toxic chemicals lurking in your home, and while you can take steps to minimize them, one the most prevalent chemicals in your home isn't easy to get rid of. Formaldehyde, a volatile organic compound that's emitted in low levels by a variety of household building products and furniture, may cause cancer in humans and has been known to trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions when present in high levels. A common component of glues that hold pressed-wood or particleboard furniture and cabinets together, it's also emitted by natural gas stoves, carpet glues, flooring glues, caulks, sealants, paints, furniture finishes, and the water- and stain-repellent finishes applied to upholstery and clothing. Although government regulations have reduced the amount of formaldehyde used in insulation and particleboard furniture, the sheer number of potential formaldehyde emitters found in the average home makes the chemical difficult to avoid.

The good news: you have a cheap, easy, green tool at your disposal to help get rid of it. Add these seven household plants that NASA scientists have discovered help remove formaldehyde and purify air to your home for a safer, cleaner atmosphere. Boston Ferns remove more formaldehyde than any other plant. They're also highly efficient at removing other indoor air pollutants, such as benzene and xylene—components of gasoline exhaust that can migrate indoors if you have an attached garage. The downside to these plants is that they can be finicky. You need to feed them weekly in seasons when they're growing, monthly during the winter, and they like to be watered regularly. Depending on the humidity and moisture levels in your home, you may need to water them or mist their leaves daily. Related: 10 Ways To Protect Your Pets From Household Toxins Palm trees seem particularly good at removing indoor air pollutants, specifically formaldehyde, and they're relatively easy to care for.

The best at formaldehyde removal is the Dwarf Date Palm, which is closest in appearance to the palm trees that remind you of warmer climates, but you'll also get clean air with a Bamboo Palm, Areca Palm, Lady Palm, or Parlor Palm. Palm trees like cooler temperatures, preferably in the 60 to 75°F range. 3. Rubber Plants and Janet Craigs If you've got a dim office that's just screaming for cleaner air and a little touch of nature, try a rubber plant or Janet Craig. Both will tolerate very little sun—although they may grow more slowly—and are at the top of the list for formaldehyde removers, which is particularly important in offices where most furniture is made from particleboard held together by formaldehyde-based glues. Janet Craigs will tolerate more abuse and neglect than rubber trees, but rubber trees are a little more aesthetically pleasing. Related: The Cleaning Ingredient That's Polluting Your Air Grown outdoors, English Ivy is an invasive species that can damage your home's exterior and tear off your gutters, but bring it inside, and it becomes an effective formaldehyde remover.

Thanks to its ability to climb structures, it's easy to grow as topiary and use as a decorative element in your living spaces. English Ivy likes part sun and part shade, so it's a good plant to try indoors and isn't as temperamental as Boston Ferns. Occasional watering and misting during the winter will keep it healthy. Related: This Woman Has More Than 300 Houseplants One of the few houseplants that will bloom indoors, the Peace Lily with its seashell-shaped spathes really will bring a touch of summer into a dreary winter. One of the best plants for removing formaldehyde, it also removes benzene and certain VOCs that are emitted by harsh cleaning products—making it another good office plant if your maintenance staff doesn't use green cleaners. It also prefers low-light conditions and has a high transpiration rate that will humidify your air. Just be aware that the leaves can be poisonous to pets and children. Related: 10 Houseplants You Hardly Ever Have To Water Though not high on the list of formaldehyde removers, this plant is a tough one to kill.

It tolerates a lot of neglect, is forgiving when over-watered, is relatively effective at removing many air pollutants, and it a great starter houseplant for people without much indoor-gardening experience. Golden Pothos are often mistakenly sold as philodendrons, which are related plants that are equally good at removing formaldehyde and are almost as forgiving to newbiw houseplant tenders. 7. Flowering Air Purifiers Florists' Mum and Gerbera Daisies are the best at removing formaldehyde, with tulips not far behind. However, nothing worth having comes easy as these flowering plants require more careful watering and feeing and prefer cool temperatures below 65°. If you're a really dedicated gardener, you can try rooting a new azalea plant in a container garden outside this season and move it indoors in the autumn, because azaleas can be bred to flower all winter, are great at removing formaldehyde, and don't have to be tossed out when their flowers fall off. You may unsubscribe at any time.