What to do when you are outside Earth’s atmosphere and still want to breathe fresh air? NASA asked this question back in the 1980s.
The answer came in the form of a now legendary study: the NASA Clean Air Study from 1989. It was led by environmental researcher Dr. Bill Wolverton, who investigated if and how houseplants can purify indoor air.
The NASA Clean Air Study: Plants as natural air filters
The aim of the study was to find out whether plants are capable of filtering pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air – substances commonly found indoors.
The result: Many tested plants showed a significant cleansing effect. Particularly effective were:
- Dragon tree (Dracaena)
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
These plants not only improved air quality but also regulated humidity and contributed to the overall improvement of the indoor climate.
Air purification with houseplants – also for your home?
The NASA study caused a worldwide sensation – and sparked many further researches on air purification by plants in living spaces.
But: NASA's tests were conducted under laboratory conditions. The plants hung freely in the air and were tested in hermetically sealed rooms – conditions that are naturally not present in living rooms or offices.
Criticism of the study: What do current researches say?
An article in the renowned journal Nature (2020) confirmed the ability of plants to absorb VOCs (volatile organic compounds), but clarified:
"Future experiments should shift the focus from potted plants’ (in)abilities to passively clean indoor air, and instead investigate VOC uptake mechanisms, alternative biofiltration technologies, biophilic productivity and well-being benefits, or negative impacts of other plant-sourced emissions, which must be assessed by rigorous field work accounting for important indoor processes."
The authors explain that it requires very many plants per square meter to achieve a measurable effect – which is unrealistic in practice. Also, conventional flower pots hardly direct the air so that the roots are actively involved.
AIRY: Taking NASA's idea further
This is exactly where the AIRY system comes in: We took NASA's idea and combined it with modern technology.
Our patented plant pot with integrated biofilter actively directs the room air through the root system – where the actual cleaning takes place. The result: a sustainable air purification cycle that works without electricity, filter changes, or chemicals – and grows with the plant.
No wonder that NASA contacted AIRY in 2018. You can find the whole story here: AIRY in NASA's yearbook.
Green indoor climate with a scientific basis
The findings of the NASA study clearly show: Plants can have a positive impact on indoor air – especially when used purposefully.
With the AIRY system, we make exactly this possible: Air purification through plants – efficient, sustainable, and beautiful.
👉 Discover now our low-maintenance, air-purifying plants in the AIRY system.
Bonus: Deepen your knowledge
The author: Peer-Arne Böttcher
Peer is the founder of AIRY and passionate about the topic of healthy indoor air. For many years, he has been intensively engaged with the scientific foundations and technical possibilities of how our breathing air can be sustainably improved – completely without chemicals, filters, or electricity.
The author: Peer-Arne Böttcher
Peer is the founder of AIRY and passionate about the topic of healthy indoor air. For many years, he has been intensively engaged with the scientific foundations and technical possibilities of how our breathing air can be sustainably improved – completely without chemicals, filters, or electricity.
