When you go for a stroll in the forest, you’ll feel that the air is fresh. People often associate the fresh air to the purifying abilities of plants and trees. As they inhale carbon dioxide and exhale oxygen, they remove the pollutants in the air. Could it be the same case for the air inside our houses?
For decades, humans have installed to their homes ferns, peace lilies, and other types of plants, to try to bring the forest to their houses. We have assumed that these plants will grant us cleaner air at our homes because of the plant respiration. Scientists, however, say otherwise.
To clear out the chemical compounds wafting through our homes, we’d need to install a literal jungle, according to two Drexel University researchers.
To purify your air with houseplants, you’d need anywhere from 10 to 100 plants per square meter — enough that you could get lost in your own apartment. That means those windowsill succulents and that drooping snake plant your sister gave you are little more than aspirational ornaments.
While the plants we have at home may not give us clean air, at least they are beautiful.
What are your thoughts about this one?
(Image Credit: coyot/ Pixabay)
Newest 1 Comment
I'm glad that someone is trying to debunk this old wives' tale pseudoscience.
Abusive comment hidden.
(Show it anyway.)