(NaturalHealth365) Does having plants in your home actually improve indoor air quality? Frequently-cited NASA-funded research from the late 1980s suggests indoor plants help remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air, such as formaldehyde and benzene. VOCs are potentially harmful compounds found in common household material, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
But it’s worth noting that plants’ air-purifying effects have been mostly tested in controlled laboratory settings. When assessed in real home-like environments, potted plants don’t appear to improve air quality as significantly as one might hope. However, one recent study adds to years of evidence indicating that indoor plants CAN help with stress relief and supporting mental health … so don’t give up on your green thumb just yet.
Indoor plants add much more than color, may affect mental health
A team of researchers from the University of Seville’s School of Agricultural Engineering recently