Indoor plants: myth or real benefit for the air we breathe?

In recent years, indoor plants have become a staple in living and working spaces. Beyond their aesthetic value, they are often touted as natural air purifiers. But how much truth is there in this claim?

The idea that plants can improve indoor air stems primarily from scientific studies conducted in controlled environments, such as those conducted by NASA in the 1980s. These studies demonstrated that some plants were capable of absorbing pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particularly benzene and formaldehyde.

However, it’s important to note that these experiments took place in closed, highly controlled rooms—conditions far different from those of a real home or office. This has given rise to a simplified and often over-emphasized message: that plants can purify the air.

What really happens in indoor environments?

In everyday indoor environments, plants’ contribution to pollutant removal is very limited. The quantities of harmful substances absorbed by leaves and roots are minimal compared to the volume of air in a room and the rate at which pollutants are produced, for example, by furniture, paints, detergents, cosmetics, or human activities.

Therefore, to achieve a significant effect on air quality, an unrealistic number of plants would be needed, far greater than those typically present in a home. For this reason, from a strictly chemical perspective, plants cannot replace purification systems or other indoor pollution control strategies.

Plants, yes, but not as the sole solution

Plants have primarily indirect benefits, including improved psychological well-being, increased productivity and concentration, humidity regulation, and the perception of healthier air. These effects, while not as measurable as reducing VOCs, have a real impact on the quality of indoor life.

Relying solely on plants to improve indoor air quality is therefore a mistake. The truly effective strategies remain proper maintenance of spaces, reducing sources of pollution, and monitoring air quality.

Discover Radoff solutions to stay up-to-date on what you breathe inside your home: