Could Houseplants Improve Indoor air Quality in Schools?

• Published in: Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A Part A, 2012-01, Vol.75 (22-23), p.1371-1380
• Main Authors: Pegas, P. N., Alves, C.A., Nunes, T., Bate-Epey, E.F., Evtyugina, M., Pio, C.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Air Pollutants - analysis; Air Pollutants - metabolism; Air pollution; Air Pollution, Indoor - prevention & control; Aldehydes - analysis; Aldehydes - metabolism; Araceae - growth & development; Araceae - metabolism; Biodegradation, Environmental; Carbon dioxide; Carbon Disulfide - analysis; Carbon Disulfide - metabolism; Child; Dracaena - growth & development; Dracaena - metabolism; Environmental Monitoring; Humans; Indoor air quality; Outdoor air quality; Particulate Matter - analysis; Particulate Matter - metabolism; Portugal; Schools; Temperature; Time Factors; Urban Health; VOCs; Volatile organic compounds; Volatile Organic Compounds - analysis; Volatile Organic Compounds - metabolism
• ISSN: 1528-7394; 1087-2620; 2381-3504
• DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2012.721169

Previous studies performed by the National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) indicated that plants and associated soil microorganisms may be used to reduce indoor pollutant levels. This study investigated the ability of plants to improve indoor air quality in schools. A 9-wk intensive monitoring campaign of indoor and outdoor air pollution was carried out in 2011 in a primary school of Aveiro, Portugal. Measurements included temperature, carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), carbon monoxide (CO), concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOC), carbonyls, and particulate matter (PM 10 ) without and with plants in a classroom. PM 10 samples were analyzed for the water-soluble inorganic ions, as well for carbonaceous fractions. After 6 potted plants were hung from the ceiling, the mean CO 2 concentration decreased from 2004 to 1121 ppm. The total VOC average concentrations in the indoor air during periods of occupancy without and with the presence of potted plants were, respectively, 933 and 249 μg/m 3 . The daily PM 10 levels in the classroom during the occupancy periods were always higher than those outdoors. The presence of potted plants likely favored a decrease of approximately 30% in PM 10 concentrations. Our findings corroborate the results of NASA studies suggesting that plants might improve indoor air and make interior breathing spaces healthier.