The NASA Clean Air Study (1989) was a project led by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in association with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) to research ways to clean the air in space stations.
Its results suggested that, in addition to absorbing Carbon Dioxide and releasing Oxygen through the process of photosynthesis, certain common indoor plants may also provide a natural way of removing volatile organic pollutants, including Benzene, Formaldehyde and Trichloroethylene.
Since the release of the initial 1989 study, further research has been done, including a 1993 paper and, in 1996, a book by B.C. Wolverton, the primary researcher on the original NASA study.
This study listed additional plants and focused on the removal of specific chemicals.
A different study in 2004 also showed that the micro-organisms in the soil of a potted plant remove benzene from the air, and that some plant species themselves also contribute to removing benzene.
Conducted in association with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America to engineer self-sustaining clean air for space habitats.
The air purification ability of plants depends on factors such as:
The NASA studies on indoor pollution done in 1989 recommended 15 to 18 plants in 6- to 8-inch-diameter containers to clean the air in an average 1,800-square-foot house.
In general, 6 to 8 medium-to-large plants throughout a large room should be enough to make a noticeable difference in the air quality.
That is roughly one plant per 100 square feet of floor space. Similar results may be achieved with two smaller plants in 4- to 5-inch pots.
The exact botanical species identified by researchers with their corresponding toxins cleaned and special properties.
| # | Plant Name | Toxins Removed / Cleaned in the Air | Special Characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Sansevieria ??? Snake Plant
NASA Approved
|
Benzene
Formaldehyde
Trichloroethylene
Xylene
Toluene
|
One of the best plants at converting carbon dioxide (CO2) into oxygen at night. |
| 2 |
English Ivy ??? Money Plant
NASA Approved
|
Benzene
Carbon Monoxide
Formaldehyde
Trichloroethylene
Xylene
Toluene
|
Excellent climbing or trailing plant, highly effective filter. |
| 3 |
Aglaonema ??? Chinese Red Evergreen
NASA Approved
|
Benzene
Carbon Monoxide
Formaldehyde
|
Attractive variegated foliage with outstanding air filtration. |
| 4 |
Peace Lily
NASA Approved
|
Benzene
Formaldehyde
Trichloroethylene
Xylene
Toluene
|
Elegant white blooms with high transpiration and toxin absorption. |
| 5 |
Boston Fern
NASA Approved
|
Formaldehyde
Xylene
Toluene
|
Natural humidifier with lush arching fronds. |
| 6 |
Jade Plant
NASA Approved
|
Toluene
|
Hardy succulent symbol of good luck and resilience. |
| 7 |
Spider Plant
NASA Approved
|
Formaldehyde
Xylene
Toluene
|
Resilient, resilient and safe for pets and children. |
| 8 |
Aloe Vera
NASA Approved
|
Formaldehyde
Benzene
Trichloroethylene
|
Known for medicinal gel and bio-monitoring air purity. |
| 9 |
Syngonium
NASA Approved
|
Benzene
Formaldehyde
Xylene
Toluene
|
Arrowhead foliage that thrives in indirect light. |
| 10 |
Areca Palm
NASA Approved
|
Formaldehyde
Xylene
Toluene
|
Graceful palm that releases moisture and cleans indoor air. |
| 11 |
Rubber Plant
NASA Approved
|
Carbon Monoxide
Formaldehyde
|
Bold waxy leaves that absorb airborne contaminants effectively. |
| 12 |
Dieffenbachia ??? Dumb Canes
NASA Approved
|
Formaldehyde
Xylene
Toluene
|
Lush broad leaves that thrive in low to medium light. |
| 13 |
Monstera
NASA Approved
|
Formaldehyde
Trichloroethylene
Benzene
Xylene
|
Iconic split-leaf plant delivering dramatic indoor beauty. |
Our horticultural team calculates floor space, toxic emission levels, and light conditions to curate the optimal combination of NASA-recommended plants for your office or residence.