The pursuit for clean and healthy air is on the rise, with air quality decreasing day by day. Our daily lives are full of harmful toxins and pollutants, so there is an immense need to find practical yet effective methods to purify the air. Nature itself provides us with one incredible solution in the form of air-purifying plants.
Not only are plants a refreshing and relaxing sight, but they are also an effective way to get rid of pollutants in the environment. The Clean Air Study by NASA especially highlights the benefits of using plants as a means to improve the quality of the air and make it more healthy. Let’s discover more about this research and see how we can make use of it in our lives.
The NASA Clean Air Study on Air-Purifying Plants
So what exactly is NASA Clean Air Study? Well, it was initiated long ago, in the late 1980’s, by the renowned US space agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The aim was to explore ways to provide healthier air to astronauts in space stations and reduce the threat of pollution in confined areas.
The idea to use certain plants to remove pollutants from the space station was initiated. Several indoor plants were evaluated on their efficiency in cleaning the air of toxins and contaminants such as ammonia, benzene, and formaldehyde. All the pollutants are commonly found in indoor spaces and are released through items like paints, carpets, and cleaning supplies. What is remarkable is that not only are these plants effective at doing the job, but they showed significant potential even in terrestrial environments.
The Power of Air-Purifying Plants
Thus the findings of the study suggest that plants have significant abilities when it comes to improving the quality of air by absorbing harmful toxins. It makes them a natural filter that can be used in indoor or confined spaces to ensure the environment stays fresh and clean.
So you might be wondering which remarkable plants were identified as being some of the best at air-purifying? Let’s have a look!
Top Air-Purifying Plants
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Aloe vera is well known for its soothing properties and its use in skincare. However, it is also ideal when it comes to being an air purifier, as it is effective and gets rid of formaldehyde and benzene.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plant is a simple-to-maintain plant for indoor space that is great at removing xylene along with formaldehyde which is usually found in household items.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata):
Snake plant is one powerhouse plant that is excellent at purifying the air. Also known as the ‘Mother-in-Law’s Tongue,’ this low-maintenance plant cleans the environment and fights formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.):
Not only is peace lily beautiful to look at with its elegant white blooms, but it is also one of the top ones that provide you with healthier air. It particularly targets toxins like ammonia, formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene.
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica):
The rubber plant is a widespread household plant and great for indoor spaces. It is exceptionally ideal for tackling formaldehyde in confined spaces and thus is a wise investment.
Benefits Beyond Air Purification
No doubt, the NASA Clean Air Study highlighted the air-purifying prowess of many plants, but the benefits go beyond. Here are some additional advantages of keeping indoor plants.
Boost Mood and Productivity:
Nature and greenery have a soothing effect on the mind that is shown to uplift mood, lessen stress, and increase productivity levels.
Maintain Humidity: Plants also assist in maintaining the temperature, especially an optimal level of humidity, through a process called transpiration.
Reduce Noise: The leaves of the plants also act as a natural barrier to sound and thus also help in reducing noise from indoor areas.
Improve Health: Studies indicate that plants have numerous medicinal properties that are beneficial for health. With cleaner air, your risk of having respiratory problems and even allergies is reduced.
The Future Implications of NASA Clean Air Study on Air-Purifying Plants
The NASA Clean Air Study may have been conducted for the space environment, but it has profound implications beyond space exploration. It can possibly shape the future of plants in our daily environment for the following:
Healthier Indoor Spaces: Indoor spaces like homes, offices, or schools can benefit from the air-purifying abilities of plants.
Sustainable Building Design: Incorporating plants while designing buildings can lessen the need for more intense air purification systems.
Urban Greening: Urban areas in cities can benefit from lower air pollution and increased biodiversity by strategically planting the best air-purifying plants.
Environmental Awareness: Air-purifying plants are a great opportunity to promote environmental awareness and support eco-friendly choices
Tech Innovation: Further research with technological improvement may enhance the air-purifying properties of plants.
Climate Change Mitigation: Air-purifying plants may help preserve ecosystems and mitigate the risk of climate change.
Creating a Green Haven at Home with Air-Purifying Plants
The NASA Clean Air Study has definitely provided us with valuable insights into the remarkable properties of plants. Incorporating air-purifying plants into our indoor spaces definitely results in healthier air and improves our quality of life. Don’t worry if you are a novice at keeping plants; you can start by investing in some low-maintenance or easy-to-handle ones and create a greener and cleaner environment. Fresh air is just a plant away!