Plants do clean the air by removing toxins indoors, but probably only in negligible amounts under normal home circumstances. In the 1970s, NASA conducted extensive studies of many houseplants to determine whether plants improve air quality and by how much.  Their results showed that many plants do improve indoor air quality to varying degrees. The study was conducted, however, in a closed lab environment and with a greater density of plants present than would be typical in a home. It was intended to study solutions to air pollutants that occur in a closed capsule situation during space travel.

There are no significant, updated studies of the issue but many authorities believe that the NASA study overstated the effect that could be expected in the home environment.

For more detailed information on NASA's study and on how plants clean the air, visit this link NASA  

For tips on a variety of gardening topics, see our Plant Information Guides.
- Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service