The focus on energy conservation has made many buildings tighter, allowing less air exchange. That reduced ventilation can contribute to "Sick Building Syndrome," where indoor pollutants become trapped and cause symptoms such as sensory irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat; general or neurotoxic health effects; skin irritation; nonspecific hypersensitivity reactions; and unpleasant odors or tastes.
Causes often include flaws in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, contamination from outgassing building materials and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), mold growth, improper exhaust ventilation, or poorly located fresh-air intakes and inadequate air filtration. For coverage considerations related to HVAC system issues, see HVAC Contractor Environmental Insurance.
Three common indoor pollutants are formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. These chemicals are used in many building materials, cleaning products, paints, adhesives, varnishes, and oils found in homes and workplaces.
If you want an inexpensive, low-maintenance way to help improve indoor air quality, research by NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) found that common houseplants can reduce certain indoor pollutants. NASA initially studied plant-based air purification for space stations, but the findings have practical, down-to-earth applications for homes and offices.
Houseplants remove gases through the same basic process they use to survive. During photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide and hydrogen (and trace gases) and convert energy from light into food, while releasing oxygen as a byproduct. In the process, they can also take up and metabolize some airborne pollutants.
Plants therefore both reduce some contaminants and refresh indoor air with oxygen. While plants are not a complete substitute for proper ventilation and filtration, they can be a useful supplementary measure.
Plants that filter specific pollutants
- Bamboo palm, peace lily, golden pothos, red-edged dracaena, and spider plant — effective at reducing formaldehyde.
- Peace lily, English ivy, and bamboo palm — among the better performers for removing benzene.
- Peace lily and bamboo palm — noted for helping remove trichloroethylene.
For more serious contamination—such as leaks, spills, or the use of light industrial chemicals indoors—professional cleanup and liability considerations may apply; review options like Hazardous Material Cleanup Insurance when assessing risk and response planning.
Practical steps to improve indoor air quality include maintaining HVAC systems and filters, ensuring adequate fresh-air ventilation, controlling sources of pollution (choose low-VOC materials and store chemicals properly), and adding hardy houseplants in well-lit areas. If you want help evaluating coverage options or next steps, talk to an agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can houseplants alone make indoor air safe?
Houseplants help reduce some airborne pollutants but are not a substitute for proper ventilation, filtration, and source control.
Which plants are easiest for beginners and also help air quality?
Spider plant, golden pothos, and bamboo palm are low-maintenance and were identified in studies as helpful for reducing certain pollutants.
How often should HVAC filters be changed to improve indoor air?
Filter replacement depends on filter type and use, but regularly checking the system and following manufacturer guidance helps maintain good indoor air quality.
When should I consider professional cleanup or insurance options?
If you have a chemical spill, persistent mold, or other hazardous contamination, professional cleanup and insurance advice are warranted.