NASA's Landmark Study - Houseplants Can Remove Toxins from the Air

NASA's Clean Air Study: How Houseplants Can Detox Your Home

Back in the 1980s, NASA teamed up with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America to investigate a simple, natural solution to a growing problem—indoor air pollution. With buildings becoming more sealed to conserve energy, pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene (TCE) were building up indoors, causing a range of health issues known collectively as “sick building syndrome.”

NASA’s answer? Houseplants.

In their study, NASA scientists discovered that many common indoor plants do more than just brighten up a room—they can actively remove harmful toxins from the air. Plants like the peace lily, English ivy, bamboo palm, and golden pothos were found to be especially effective.

How It Works

It’s not just the leaves doing the work. The study found that the entire plant system—leaves, roots, soil, and even the microorganisms in the potting mix—contributed to breaking down pollutants. Some plants even improved their air-cleaning abilities over time as their root microbes adapted to the contaminants.

For enhanced results, researchers tested a prototype air-purifying system combining plants with activated carbon filters and a fan to draw in air. This setup filtered pollutants quickly and allowed plant roots and microbes to break them down efficiently, essentially turning harmful gases into plant food.

Important Findings

Benzene Removal: Plants like gerbera daisy and pot mum removed up to 90% of benzene in a sealed chamber within 24 hours.

TCE Reduction: Peace lilies and Warneckei were standout performers.

Formaldehyde Filtration: Bamboo palms and Janet Craig dracaenas significantly reduced formaldehyde levels.

Summary

NASA’s research highlights an important truth: the natural relationship between plants, soil, and microbes can offer a powerful way to detoxify indoor spaces. While a few potted plants may not replace your HVAC, they can be a low-cost, beautiful complement to indoor air quality strategies—especially in energy-efficient buildings.