NASA’s research into which plants clean indoor air has been well reported, including by me. Their work was targeted at cleaning the air of space shuttles. In particular, the aim was to remove the suspected carcinogen and sensitizer formaldehyde.
Horticulture experts at the University of Georgia tested a number of ornamental indoor plants for their ability to remove harmful volatile organic chemicals ( VOCs) from indoor air. Some plants, they discovered, have the ability to effectively remove VOCs from the air. These changes not only improve physical health, but also someone’s well-being.
Five of the 28 species of common indoor ornamental plants did a stellar job for their ability to remove five volatile indoor pollutants. These include the purple waffle plant (Hemigraphis alternata), English ivy (Hedera helix), waxy leaved plant (Hoya carnosa) and Asparagus fern (Asparagus densiflorus).
The purple heart plant (Tradescantia pallida) was rated as the best for its ability to remove four of the VOCs.
–By Annie B. Bond
By Annie B. Bond, best-selling and award-winning author of five green living books, thousands of blogs, and all the tips in the Greenify Everything app. Called “The Godmother of Green” by Martha Stewart Sirius Radio.
