Youve heard it countless times, right?
But hey, we cant be faulted.
This tidbit of conventional wisdom is so ingrained in our collective conscience, why would we doubt it?
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Well, as it turns out, science.
We went to a leading expert on the topic (an environmental scientist!)
to settle whether or not yourbeloved houseplantsreally do improve indoor air quality.
Do Plants Improve Air Quality?
The short answer (sorry!)
Of the nearly 1,000 participants, he says not one is speaking about plants removing indoor pollutants.
We know it makes no sense at all.
Not ready to give up believing inyour Monstera?
I could hang old pairs of socks or T-shirts and get similar results, said Dr. Corsi.
But what if were tempted to just pack the house with all things green?
Why Do We Believe Plants Clean the Air?
So how is it that we all came to believe in something that is so patently untrue?
It turns out the original culprit may have actually been NASA.
Yes, back in 1989, NASA conductedA Study of Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement.
And their results showed that plants can play a major role in removal of organic chemicals from indoor air.
Heres the caveat: Their testing was done in a controlled environment, a closed chamber.
They tested individual VOCs in these laboratory prefs anddidfind a decrease in the pollutants over time.
In short, studies conducted in unrealistic environments cant be applied to our homes.
I like them, says Dr. Corsi.
I have two in my office and several at home.
They look nice, but I know they do nothing to improve my [indoor air quality].
And if they make you happy, isnt that what counts?
