Which houseplants are natural air purifiers?
Studies have shown that plants can reduce stress and improve mood, both indoors and out. Plants do extra duty as mini air purifiers, providing beauty and helping to clear the air of potentially toxic chemicals, at the same time.
Certain species may help reduce VOCs, a category of indoor air pollutants that includes benzene, formaldehyde or trichloroethylene, which are byproducts of cleaners, varnishes, insulation and other household products.
Research has indicated these chemicals can cause cancer and other illnesses when they are inhaled. With that in mind, here are some plants that pack a powerful purifying punch.
Aloe
Succulents help clear the air of formaldehyde and benzene. In addition to reducing certain chemicals, the gel inside their branches can help heal cuts and soothe burns.
Azalea
A flowering shrub with luscious blooms, Azalea can absorb formaldehyde. An added plus for those in more temperate climates, they do better in cooler weather and partial shade.
Red-edged dracaena
This slow-growing plant, which is best for removing gasses released by xylene, used as a solvent, along with trichloroethylene and formaldehyde, can reach a height of up to 15 feet. For best results, keep it in a room with high ceilings and moderate sunlight, and water occasionally.
Snake plant
Also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, this plant is one of the best for eliminating formaldehyde. Since it thrives in low light and humid conditions, it’s especially good for the bathroom. Plus, it absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen at night.
Spider plant
These plants owe their name to their long branches, which resemble the legs of spiders. Their small white flowers can help filter chemicals such as benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene from the air. The plant is hearty, and does well in shade.
One thing to note: While plants have been proven to clean indoor air in controlled conditions, it is difficult to measure how well they work in a real home. A smart air purifier with a HEPA filter, like Coway Airmega, can change a room’s air a few times an hour and is proven to eliminate up to 99.97% of airborne particulate matter.
Disclaimers
1Coway air purifiers have been proven to trap dust, pollen, dander, viruses and bacteria in the air based on KCL (Korea Conformity Laboratories) testing.They have been tested in a 30㎥ size chamber according to the Korea Air Cleaning Association standard (SPS-KACA 002-132:2022 Modified) to measure the 0.01㎛ size of particle removal rate. It was tested on maximum airflow speed in normal room temperature and humidity conditions. The performance may vary in the actual living environment of customers.
→ Tested with Airmega Aim, 100, 150, 160, AP-1216L, AP-1512HH, AP-1512HHS, 200M, Icon, IconS, 230, 240, 250, 250 Art, 250S, 300, 300S, 400, 400S, ProX
299.97% of viruses, bacteria, fungi and pollen were verified to be removed from the air for Coway air purifiers which have Green True HEPA™ filter applied based on the Japan Food Research Laboratories(JFRL) testing according to JEM 1467 standard.
→ Tested with Coway Airmega AP-1512HH, AP-1512HHS, 250, 250 Art, 250S, 300, 300S, 400, 400S
→ All tested by JFRL and received above result within below time.
All tested by JFRL and received above result within below time.
- Virus: Tested with Escherichia coli phage ΦX174 NBRC 103405, 60 minutes
- Bacteria: Tested with Staphylococcus epidermidis NBRC 12993, 60 minutes
- Fungi/Mold: Tested with Penicillium citrinum NBRC 6352, 60 minutes
- Pollen: Tested with Cedar Pollen extract, 60 minutes
3Aerosol test conducted in a Biosafety level 3 laboratory with two Coway air purifier models, Coway Airmega 250 and 400 for removal of SARS-CoV-2 Aerosol by US based MRI Global, a not-for-profit laboratory and partner of US Department of Defense. The test was conducted in a 13.1ft3 chamber. Virus was aerosolized for 15 minutes and the product was turned on high for 2 minutes. Result showed each product effectively removed over 99.98% of the SARS-CoV-2 in 2 minutes. This is a result from a laboratory experiment condition and result may vary in different conditions. This result does not imply it kills SARS-CoV-2 or prevents the transmission of Covid-19. Coway Airmega 250S and 400S are identical to the tested models and has equal performance with an additional mobile connectivity function.
4The concentration of ammonia, acetaldehyde and acetic acid were proven to be removed within 30 minutes by FCG Research Institute, Inc. Human Life Science Lab. It is not a demonstration result in the actual use space. Not all odors and gases may be supported. → Tested with Coway Airmega 150, 160, AP-1512HH, AP-1512HHS, 400, 400S
5The coverage area of the air purifier is based on an area where the air cleaner can make two air changes per hour (ACPH). An air change per hour translates to how many times an air purifier can clean an area, assuming the height of a ceiling to be 8 ft, in one hour. Therefore ** means two air changes per hour means that the cleaner can clean the area once every 30 minutes and * means air changes per hour means that the air purifier can clean the area once every 60 minutes.
10Terms and conditions apply. Discounts, including promotions, coupons, bundle discount and subscription discount, cannot be stacked on top of other coupons. During promotional periods, discount codes will not be able to be applied to orders. Promo codes may apply to products only—filters, accessories, and new products within 3 months of the release date are not included.
