Pure genius…how NASA proved that plants can banish toxins from homes – and how researchers developed a system to categorize them
Scientists are using NASA space research to help purify the air in homes – by using everyday houseplants.
Tests were conducted on the polluting power of indoor greenery, with the aim of bringing the plants into the International Space Station so that astronauts could breathe cleaner air.
Experts discovered that plants like the common peace lily have secret properties that can eliminate a range of chemicals unknowingly produced in homes by common laundry detergents, furniture polish, air fresheners and scented candles.
Instead of buying plants just for their looks, people can now choose them for their health-promoting properties.
Researchers have developed a system in which they are categorized according to their ability to remove toxins in the home.
It is intended for use by plant sellers, nurseries and horticulturists so that it can be integrated into labeling, communications and point of sale checkouts (file image)
Mother-in-law’s tongue or snake plant, Sanseviera trifasciata, used an air-purifying houseplant with strong leaf fibers (file image)
The ‘pollutant absorption system’ has been developed in collaboration with Dr Chris Thorogood, Deputy Director and Head of Science at the University of Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum.
It is intended for use by plant sellers, nurseries and horticulturists so that it can be integrated into labeling, communications and point of sale checkouts.
Dr. Thorogood said: ‘Plants are natural smart filters for indoor pollutants. They do what is called phytoremediation, meaning they are able to remove pollution and volatile organic compounds from the air.
“Nature has been tested by evolution for hundreds of millions of years, so what better solution for a natural air purifier?”
The top five chemicals commonly found in the home through home appliances and products are xylene, trichlorethylene, benzene, formaldehyde and ammonia.
They can be found in many homes in furniture polish, detergents, unvented high speed heaters, lacquers, carpet cleaning fluids, magic markers and many more household products.
A snake plant and a Janet Craig plant can remove benzene, formaldehyde, trichlorethylene and xylene. The peace lily can remove those four, plus ammonia.
Using this research, McCann Health London and retailer Plant Drop have developed Smart Plants, a system that categorizes everyday houseplants that help remove specific toxins from the home.
Guy Swimer, executive creative director of McCann Health London, said: ‘Revisiting NASA’s research and collaborating with leading botanists around the world to identify each plant’s pollution-fighting properties has been a detailed process.
“Our hope is that more nurseries and retailers will adopt the pollutant capture system so that we can all be better informed about the health benefits that plants can provide.”
Dom Butler, founder of Plant Drop, added: ‘Our new e-commerce tool is transforming the way we buy plants.
“Instead of buying them based on their looks, people can now buy them based on their lifestyle, whether they’ve moved into a new house, have pets or burn scented candles.”