The Benefits Of Indoor Plants For Asthma

Peace lilies, belonging to the Spathiphyllum genus, are renowned for their elegant white blooms and air-purifying capabilities. Scientifically, different species within this genus, such as Spathiphyllum wallisii and Spathiphyllum floribundum, are commonly used as houseplants. They are known for removing indoor air pollutants, including benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.

Care Patterns:

Light: Peace lilies thrive in indirect, low to medium light conditions, making them suitable for indoor spaces with filtered sunlight.
Watering: These plants prefer consistently moist soil but can tolerate short periods of dryness. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot.
Toxicity: While beneficial for indoor air quality, peace lilies are toxic to cats and dogs. Placing them in areas inaccessible to pets is crucial.

Dracaena (Dracaena spp.):

Dracaena, a diverse genus encompassing species like Dracaena trifasciata (snake plant) and Dracaena marginata, is admired for its tropical appearance and low pollen output, making it suitable for asthma sufferers.

Care Patterns:

Light: Dracaenas thrive in moderate to bright, indirect light. The snake plant, specifically, is known for its ability to tolerate low light conditions.
Watering: These plants prefer slightly dry conditions between watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, emphasizing the need for well-draining soil.
Pet Safety: Dracaenas are toxic to pets. Pet owners should consider alternative pet-friendly plants or strategic placement.

Cacti and Pothos:

Cacti: Species like the saguaro cactus, barrel cactus, and old lady cactus are popular choices for indoor environments due to their minimal pollen release.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Also known as Devil’s Ivy, pothos is a vining plant appreciated for its air-purifying qualities and low pollen levels.

Care Patterns:

Cacti: These plants thrive in well-draining soil, minimal watering, and ample sunlight. Their unique water storage capabilities make them resilient to occasional neglect.
Pothos: Pothos is adaptable to various light conditions, including low light. It prefers moderate watering and can withstand occasional dry spells.
Pet Considerations: Both cacti and pothos are toxic to pets. Pet owners should exercise caution or explore pet-friendly alternatives.

Indoor Plants and Air Quality:

NASA’s 1980s study on indoor air quality emphasized certain plants’ potential to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. However, recent research suggests that a significant number of plants are needed to achieve substantial air purification

Considerations:

Quantity Matters: To achieve notable air quality improvements, a person would need approximately 10 plants per square foot, according to a 2019 study. This emphasizes the importance of quantity in reaping the full benefits of air-purifying plants.

Supplemental Methods

While aesthetically pleasing, relying solely on indoor plants may not be sufficient. Supplemental methods, such as air filtration systems, can provide more effective results in improving indoor air quality.

1. Air Purification:
   
   • Removal of Indoor Pollutants: Indoor plants have the ability to filter and purify the air by absorbing pollutants commonly found indoors, such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. This can significantly improve indoor air quality, reducing potential triggers for asthma symptoms.
   • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Certain indoor plants, as identified by NASA’s research, can help remove VOCs from the air. These compounds, emitted by household items like paints and cleaning products, are known to exacerbate respiratory issues. Plants act as natural air purifiers by absorbing and breaking down VOCs.
     
2. Humidity Regulation:
   
   • Optimal Humidity Levels: Indoor plants release water vapor during a process known as transpiration. This natural mechanism helps regulate humidity levels, preventing the air from becoming too dry. Maintaining optimal humidity is essential for individuals with asthma, as excessively dry air can irritate the respiratory system.
   • Reduced Respiratory Irritation: By maintaining a balanced humidity level, indoor plants contribute to a more comfortable and asthma-friendly indoor environment. Adequate humidity can help reduce respiratory irritation, dry coughs, and other discomforts associated with overly dry air.
     
3. Stress Reduction:
   
   • Psychological Benefits: The presence of indoor plants has been linked to psychological well-being. Plants contribute to a calming and visually pleasing atmosphere, potentially reducing stress and anxiety. For individuals with asthma, managing stress is crucial, as stress can trigger or exacerbate asthma symptoms.
   • Improved Mental Health: Indoor gardening or tending to plants can be a therapeutic activity. The act of caring for plants, observing their growth, and interacting with nature indoors may positively impact mental health, creating a more supportive environment for individuals with asthma.
     
4. Enhanced Oxygen Levels:
   
   • Oxygen Production: Through photosynthesis, plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen. While the overall impact on indoor oxygen levels might be modest, having plants in the home contributes to a continuous, natural supply of oxygen. Improved oxygen levels can benefit individuals with asthma, promoting better respiratory function.
   • Nighttime Oxygen Release: Some plants, like succulents and orchids, continue to release oxygen during the night. This nighttime oxygen production can be particularly beneficial for asthma sufferers, ensuring a steady oxygen supply even when windows are closed.
     
5. Reduced Allergens:
   
   • Low-Pollen Plants: Choosing indoor plants with low or no pollen release is crucial for asthma management. Many common allergens, including pollen, can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Plants like snake plants, pothos, and peace lilies are examples of low-pollen or pollen-free options.
   • Dust Filtration: The presence of indoor plants can help reduce dust levels. Dust accumulation on plant leaves can be removed through regular cleaning, preventing the buildup of airborne particles that could trigger asthma symptoms.
     
6. Improved Overall Well-being:
   
   • Aesthetically Pleasing Environment: Indoor plants contribute to the aesthetics of living spaces, creating a visually appealing and vibrant atmosphere. A well-decorated and green interior can positively impact a person’s overall well-being, fostering a sense of comfort and happiness.
   • Connection with Nature: Bringing nature indoors through plants provides a connection with the natural world. This connection has been associated with positive health outcomes, including improved mood and a sense of tranquility, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals managing asthma.

While indoor plants offer numerous benefits for asthma sufferers, it’s essential to choose plants carefully, considering factors such as toxicity to pets, potential mold issues, and individual sensitivities. Additionally, incorporating a variety of asthma-friendly plants and combining them with other indoor air quality improvement measures ensures a holistic approach to creating a supportive indoor environment for respiratory health.

In the process of developing technologies to support human habitation in enclosed environments like the International Space Station, NASA uncovered the remarkable ability of plants to mitigate volatile organic chemicals/compounds (VOCs), serving as an efficient method to purify the air within living compartments. Extensive testing conducted by the Plants for Clean Air Council and Wolverton Environmental Services evaluated various houseplants for their effectiveness in removing toxic gases such as formaldehyde, xylene/toluene, and ammonia.

Plants play a pivotal role in absorbing volatile organic compounds from the air through their leaves, subsequently translocating them to their root zone, where microbial activity facilitates their breakdown. Soil microorganisms utilize trace amounts of pollutants as a food source, contributing to the plant’s purification process. Additionally, some organic chemicals absorbed by plants undergo degradation through the plant’s intrinsic biological processes. The plant’s roots absorb aqueous solutions present in the rooting media, and the accessibility of air to plant roots further enables the purification of air through root tissue uptake.

Beyond their air-purifying capabilities, plants bring both aesthetic and biological comfort to interior spaces. The introduction of plants into rooms can elevate relative humidity and reduce the accumulation of particulate matter (dust). The rise in relative humidity not only has a soothing effect on individuals but also aids in diminishing potentially allergy-inducing particles. The reduction of particulate matter in a room extends benefits to electronic equipment, such as computers, by limiting the amount of dust settling on circuit boards and preventing potential clogging issues. In essence, the inclusion of plants in indoor environments not only enhances the visual appeal but also contributes significantly to creating a healthier and more comfortable living space.