Green helpers: what do the studies say?
For a long time, it was believed that houseplants could significantly improve air quality by absorbing harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene. This idea gained widespread popularity after NASA studies in the 1980s. However, new scientific work offers a more nuanced view of this issue.
Recent meta-analyses and reviews show that to achieve a noticeable air purification effect in a typical living space, a huge number of plants would be required – literally a whole forest. In the laboratory conditions where early studies were conducted, plants were kept in sealed chambers with high concentrations of pollutants. In real homes, where there is ventilation and a much larger volume of air, their cleaning capacity is significantly reduced.
What do plants actually do?
Although plants can absorb some VOCs, their main contribution to improving the microclimate is increasing air humidity and releasing oxygen. These factors are certainly beneficial for our well-being. In addition, the presence of greenery in the interior is proven to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase concentration. So, while they may not be "air filters" in the way we usually think, their benefits to our health and well-being are undeniable.
- Air humidification: Plants release moisture through their leaves, which is especially relevant during the heating season.
- Psychological comfort: The color green and living nature are calming and reduce stress levels.
- Aesthetics: Houseplants decorate the interior and create coziness.
- Minor VOC absorption: Some plants do absorb small amounts of harmful substances, but for a significant effect, you would need a lot of them.
Instead of relying solely on plants to purify the air, it is better to focus on regular ventilation of rooms, the use of high-quality ventilation systems, and minimizing sources of pollution (for example, choosing furniture and finishing materials with low VOC content). And let the plants continue to delight us with their beauty and create a pleasant atmosphere!