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In the 1980s, scientists at NASA sought a way to keep the air on space stations as clean as possible.
They therefore carried out a series of studies aimed at finding which plants have the best ability to filter toxic substances from the air and at the same time convert carbon dioxide into oxygen.
The results of these studies were published by NASA in 1989 in a study dealing with air purity. Part of this study is a complete and definitive list of plants that, by their properties, are most suitable for filtering and cleaning indoor air.
The aforementioned study, among other things, recommends placing at least one plant for approximately every 9.3 m2 (100 square feet) of living or office space.
What exactly is in the air?
Trichloroethylene – It is found in printer cartridges, in paints and coatings, in varnishes, primers, glazes, adhesives, thinners and solvents.
Symptoms that may occur with short-term inhalation of trichloroethylene include mainly irritation, dizziness, headaches, nausea, possibly vomiting, which is usually followed by drowsiness or even loss of consciousness.
Formaldehyde – It can be released into the air from paper bags, wax paper, cosmetic tissues, paper towels, cardboard and plywood coverings and from synthetic fibers.
The main symptoms caused by short-term inhalation are irritation of the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth and throat, and in more severe cases even swelling of the larynx and lungs.
Benzene – It is used in the production of plastics, pitch, lubricants, detergents and pharmaceuticals. It is also found in tobacco smoke, adhesives and furniture wax.
The most common symptoms caused by short-term inhalation of benzene are eye irritation, drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, rapid heartbeat, confusion and, in severe cases, loss of consciousness.
Xylene – It is found in rubber, leather, tobacco smoke and exhaust gases.
Symptoms caused by short-term inhalation of xylene include irritation of the mouth and throat, dizziness, headaches, confusion, heart problems, liver and kidney damage or loss of consciousness.
Ammonia – We find it in window cleaners, floor polishes, scented salts and fertilizers.
The main symptoms caused by short-term inhalation of ammonia include eye irritation, coughing and sore throat.
Handbook of houseplants that best clean the air
NASA created a handbook of plants that effectively purify the air in our homes (click on the image to enlarge).
Fig. Handbook on houseplants
In the image above you can notice that the houseplants that clean the air are:
- pygmy date palm (Phoenix robelenii)
- Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
- fern (Nephrolepis Obliterate)
- spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- aglaonema (Aglaomena modestum)
- mountain palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
- weeping fig (Ficus benjamina)
- golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum)
- liriope (Liriope spicata)
- lady palm (Rhapis excelsa)
- gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii)
- fragrant dracaena (Draceanea fragrans Massangeana)
- English ivy (Hedera helix)
- snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata Laurentiis)
- marginated dracaena (Draceanea marginata)
- peace lily (Spathiphyllum Mauna Loa)
- chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium).
