Horticulturists Dr. Stanley Kays, Dr. Bodie Pennisi and research associate D.S. Wang at the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Science are conducting ongoing research into the ability of houseplants to remove volatile organic compounds from the air.
“We’ve just begun to scratch the surface on indoor plants and their unique ability to clean indoor air,” says Pennisi. “What we’re uncovering is the mechanism plants use to clean the air. People appreciate the foliage but it’s the synergy between the microflora that live in the soil and the plant’s ability to absorb mold and toxins that has a positive impact in cleaning the air.”
According to a landmark NASA study, every 24 hours, indoor plants remove up to 87% of dangerous volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) found in common products like tobacco smoke, dry cleaning fluid, carpet glue, printer inks and other air pollutants. The study suggests at least one houseplant for every 100 square feet of living space for optimum effectiveness.
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