Last Updated on June 1, 2023 by Aditi Gangal
Quick Take
An article published on a media website claims that NASA says snake plants improve home air quality. We fact-checked and found the claim to be False.
The Claim
An article titled, “Sleeping with a snake plant” published on shelmerdine.com claims that NASA says snake plants improve home air quality.
Fact Check
What are snake plants?
Snake plants, are also known by their scientific name Sansevieria. They are a group of evergreen perennials that belong to the Asparagaceae family. Snake plants gain popularity as houseplants due to their distinctive appearance, resilience, and potential for air purification.
Did NASA report that snake plants improve home air quality?
No, NASA did not specifically report that snake plants improve home air quality. There is a common misconception that NASA conducted a study on indoor plants and their ability to purify the air. The study often referred to as the NASA Clean Air Study. However, NASA scientists did not conduct this study; instead, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) collaborated with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) in 1989.
The purpose of the study was to explore the potential of certain indoor plants in removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. The study explored enclosed spaces, specifically in space stations and sealed environments. Snake plants were among the plants evaluated in this study, along with several other species. The results suggested that certain plants can help in reducing the levels of specific VOCs commonly found indoors.
Snake plants were found to be effective in removing some VOCs in a controlled environment. Still it is essential to understand that the conditions in a controlled space station environment are significantly different from the conditions in a typical home. Factors such as room size, ventilation, and the concentration of pollutants can vary widely in different locations. This affects the effectiveness of plants in improving indoor air quality.
It’s worth noting that having indoor plants, including snake plants, can provide some benefits. These includes adding aesthetic appeal, increasing humidity, and potentially reducing stress levels. However, for significant improvements in indoor air quality, it is advisable to rely on proper ventilation, minimizing pollutant sources, and utilizing appropriate air purification systems if necessary.
Can indoor plants improve air quality?
Not enough evidence. The available evidence suggests that placing a few indoor plants won’t improve air quality. According to a 2019 study published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, which examines environmental impacts, it was found that potted plants do not significantly improve air quality. The study’s findings indicate that in a non-sealed room, an impractical number of 10 to 1,000 potted plants would be required to achieve equivalent air exchange between indoor and outdoor air.
With small houses, it is implausible to accommodate such a large number of plants within a standard-sized bedroom.
This isn’t the first time we have found inconsistent claims purported to be shared by NASA. THIP MEDIA has previously debunked NASA said that climate change is fake.
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