The Impact of Houseplants on Indoor Air Quality, Including Radon and Other Chemicals

Houseplants are often touted as a low-cost way to improve indoor air quality, and while they do offer numerous benefits, their effectiveness in reducing harmful substances like radon is limited. Understanding the role of plants in air purification and the specific challenges posed by radon is essential for creating healthier living environments.

Do Houseplants Help Absorb Radon or Other Chemicals?

Houseplants can improve indoor air quality by absorbing certain pollutants and releasing oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. However, their effectiveness in reducing radon levels is very limited. Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that originates from the decay of uranium in soil and rock, and it can seep into homes through cracks in floors and walls, construction joints, and gaps around service pipes.

While some studies suggest that plants can help reduce levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other indoor air pollutants, they are not effective at absorbing radon. The primary method for reducing radon levels in a home is through proper ventilation and radon mitigation systems such as soil suction systems, which prevent radon from entering the home.

Plant Care and Indoor Air Quality

Hospitality is not the only aspect of plant care. If you are irresponsibly using pesticides indoors, it can negatively impact the air quality. However, some houseplants are thought to filter air effectively, with spider plants being particularly known for their air-purifying capabilities. The primary benefit of having houseplants is the addition of humidity to the air, which can make the house more comfortable and help keep possessions and building materials in good condition.

Proper humidity is crucial for maintaining a healthy indoor environment. It can help reduce the growth of mold and mildew, and make the air feel more comfortable at lower temperatures. However, the air quality can still be affected by other sources of pollutants, such as harmful gases and particulate matter. It is essential to be aware of these sources and take steps to reduce or eliminate them.

Common Sense and Air Quality Monitoring

Your nose is your best defense against air pollution. Some studies have shown that air pollution inside a car on a busy highway can be ten times the level being reported by local authorities. This makes it important to be aware of your surroundings and use common sense when assessing the air quality.

There is no substitute for using air quality detection equipment, but it is not the only tool. Some people may not be able to detect certain pollutants simply because they have acclimated to the smell. A state air quality inspector, with hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of detection equipment, often detects things they cannot smell with the naked eye.

The Importance of Proper Regulations and Mitigation Strategies

Improved air quality has been seen over the last half-century, but population growth has offset a lot of the regulations. The primary source of pollution is fossil fuel emissions, and the Coronavirus pandemic (Coronapause) demonstrated the benefits of eliminating pollution rather than limiting it. The current U.S. standards for soot and smog, which Republicans are actively seeking to roll back, are only cutting down the pollution by about 35%. We still haven't fully implemented health standards set in 1998, and those standards were politically manipulated to be higher than what the evidence at the time indicated they should be.

Ozone is a tricky pollutant since you can't smell it. Getting a qualified detector and using it according to directions is important. You can either use it or you don't, and you want to know. I spent about $1000 on a whole-house radon removal system and was very satisfied with the function and simplicity after about five years. But if the levels hadn't been so high, I might have been content with some ventilation in the basement since the upstairs didn't actually show high levels.

It is not hard to find good information on radon if you suspect it might be an issue. It comes from trace amounts of uranium that are common in some places and do not exist in others. There are maps of places where radon is a problem.

Houseplants bring joy and beauty. The most common cause of death of houseplants is overwatering, probably followed by underwatering. Drenching once a week works for many plants, but some are quite sensitive or fussy. Ensuring proper care can go a long way in keeping your indoor air quality optimal.