This one is almost as good as the old dishwasher debate.
We had always been told (and believed) that some plants have the ability to protect us from indoor air pollutants. We've never tested the theory out on our own -- we have cats who would turn their noses at a can of tuna for the opportunity to nibble on gerber daisies and potted plants -- but we believed it anyway.
Treehugger lists the top 5 plants for improving indoor air as: peace lily, bamboo palm, English ivy, mums, and gerbera daisies. OK. Sounds good to us -- but do they really clean the air?
The EPA doesn't think so. In an Indoor Air Quality FAQ, they answer the question, "Can plants control indoor air pollution?", like this: The only available study of the use of plants to control indoor air pollutants in an actual building could not determine any benefit from the use of plants. As a practical means of pollution control, the plant removal mechanisms appear to be inconsequential compared to common ventilation and air exchange rates. In other words, the ability of plants to actually improve indoor air quality is limited in comparison with provision of adequate ventilation.
They even go on to hint at the fact that damp planter soil could worsen indoor air quality.
Believers of plants' ability to improve indoor air quality point to a joint NASA / Associated Landscape Contracotrs of America (ALCA) study that calls low-light requiring houseplants (along with activated carbon plant filters) one of the most "promising means of alleviating the 'sick building syndrome' associated with many new, energy-efficient buildings."
Skeptics, however, claim these studies don't appropriately replicate real indoor environments.
We're partial to indoor plants, and would lean toward having them in our home (out of the cats' reach) on the off chance that they're even remotely capable of reducing our indoor pollution by the smallest fraction.
What do you think?
Image: Via wockerjabby; flickr.com
Typo on 'Contracotrs' above...
I don't care if they clean the air or not, personally, as I have them for mental/emotional reasons.
view moiety's profile
This is one of those issues where the outcome really has to depend on the setting...
If you're in a giant sealed, climate-controlled building full of off-gassing synthetic carpets, furniture, and ceiling tiles, will a couple philodendra protect you and your co-workers from sick building syndrome? Of course not. The ventilation system is clearly more important, unless you're planting a veritable forest in the office. BUT -- people like plants, so you may end up with a healthier atmosphere for psychological reasons.
If you're in a modest modern apartment, where the plants have less to fight, yes, they probably do contribute to slightly cleaner air and a nicer-smelling home.
view wende in the twin cities's profile
The EPA also said the air was safe in lower Manhattan after the Trade Center fell.
view karaye's profile