In the 1980s, NASA conducted a series of studies on air quality and found that houseplants were among the best purifiers of indoor pollutants. The NASA Clean Air Study aimed to find simple and sustainable methods of cleaning and purifying the air on space stations. What they found? Well, research revealed that average house plants could remove as much as 87 percent of airborne pollutants within the span of one day!
What’s Polluting Your Home?
- Benzene → glues, furniture, paints, detergents
- Ammonia → aerosols and sprays
- Formaldehyde → wood furniture, building materials, household cleaners, carpets, personal care products, disinfectants
- Trichloroethylene → dry cleaning, oils, adhesives, paints, pesticides
- Xylene and Toluene → variety of household products—fingernail polish, glues, paints and paint thinners, rubber, wood stains
5 NASA-Approved Houseplants
#1 Peace Lily
Image: Family Tree Garden Center
Benzene, Ammonia, Formaldehyde, Trichloroethylene, Xylene and Toluene
Low lighting, weekly watering, seeds monthly
*Poisonous to dogs and cats.
#2 Florist’s Chrysanthemum
Image: Top 10 Home Remedies
Benzene, Ammonia, Formaldehyde, Trichloroethylene, Xylene and Toluene
Direct light, daily watering, seeds every two weeks
#3 English Ivy
Image: NBC News Today | Home
Benzene, Formaldehyde, Trichloroethylene, Xylene and Toluene
Partial shade, weekly watering, seeds monthly
#4 Flamingo Lily
Image: Container Gardenville
Ammonia, Trichloroethylene, Xylene and Toluene
Partial shade, weekly watering, seeds bi-monthly
#5 Broadleaf Lady Palm
Image: Far East Flora Garden Centre
Ammonia, Trichloroethylene, Xylene and Toluene
Partial shade, weekly watering, seeds one to two times a year
NASA Houseplant Recommendations:
- NASA recommends placing at least one potted plant per 100 square feet of indoor space. As an alternative, you can use a combination of air purifiers and house plants.
- Pot the house plant in a healthy soil mix, as beneficial microbes in the soil can also serve to remove benzene from the air.
Call Local AC for Air Quality Products and AC Repair in Broward County
The professionals at Local AC are here to help improve your South Florida home’s indoor air quality this spring. We have provided unrivaled HVAC service to residents of the South Florida counties of Broward and Miami-Dade for over 20 years. Contact us today at (844) 888-0938, or visit us online to get started right away. We are committed to keeping you cool!
