As homeowners and property managers become more conscious of the impact their indoor settings have on their general health and well-being, indoor air quality has grown in importance. The idea that indoor plants may naturally purify the air in homes is one that many people look for ways to improve the quality of their air. However, considerable thought must be given to how well indoor plants can address particular air quality problems, including humidity, airborne contaminants, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Residents in St. Louis and surrounding areas need to recognize that while indoor plants can contribute to better air quality, they should not be the sole method of air purification. Knowing the dynamics of indoor air quality and the limitations of relying solely on plants is key to creating a healthier living environment. Additionally, professional air quality testing is a critical component in assessing the specific needs of a home and identifying potential harmful pollutants. By integrating both natural solutions, like indoor plants, and professional testing, homeowners can take significant steps toward healthier indoor air. Air Sense Environmental is dedicated to providing reliable air quality testing and solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by residents.
The Importance of Indoor Air Quality
The state of the air inside buildings, particularly with reference to occupant comfort and health, is referred to as indoor air quality. Indoor air quality can be influenced by a variety of factors, including ventilation, carbon dioxide (CO₂), humidity levels, and airborne pollutants. Allergies, asthma, exhaustion, and other respiratory problems are linked to poor indoor air quality. Improving indoor air quality has become critical to preserving long-term comfort and health as more people spend more time indoors.
Common Indoor Air Pollutants
Before examining the role of indoor plants, it’s important to recognize key indoor air pollutants that may affect air quality:
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Emitted from items like paint, cleaning products, new furniture, flooring, and adhesives. Long-term exposure to VOCs can affect respiratory health and may contribute to chronic conditions. These compounds often accumulate indoors due to inadequate ventilation, making them harder to disperse.
- Mold and Mildew: Thrive in moist environments and can lead to structural damage and health issues, including allergies and respiratory distress. They release spores into the air, which can trigger immune responses and worsen indoor air quality.
- Particulate Matter: Includes dust, pollen, and pet dander. These airborne particles can aggravate allergy and asthma symptoms. They can also settle on surfaces and recirculate through HVAC systems if not properly filtered.
- Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): High CO₂ levels indoors may lead to headaches, drowsiness, and impaired concentration. Prolonged exposure in poorly ventilated spaces can affect overall cognitive performance and decision-making.
- Humidity and Moisture: High humidity levels, particularly in basements or crawl spaces, can reduce indoor air quality and promote the growth of mold and bacteria. Controlling humidity helps maintain indoor environmental balance and prevents damage to building materials.
What Indoor Plants Really Do for Your Home’s Air
The idea that houseplants purify air became widely popular after NASA’s Clean Air Study in the 1980s, which found that certain plants could remove VOCs from sealed chambers. Plants like Peace Lilies, English Ivy, and Spider Plants were shown to absorb some pollutants and produce oxygen. However, there are key distinctions between lab conditions and real-life home environments.
The Role of Indoor Plants
Indoor plants may support air quality in the following ways:
- Photosynthesis: Plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) and release oxygen during the day, contributing to fresher indoor air. This natural exchange can help offset CO₂ buildup in enclosed environments.
- Humidity Regulation: Through a process called transpiration, plants release moisture vapor, which can help balance indoor humidity, which is especially helpful in dry indoor environments. This moisture release can improve comfort and reduce the risk of respiratory dryness.
- Pollutant Adsorption: Some plants can adsorb small amounts of VOCs through their leaves and root systems. For example, the snake plant and bamboo palm are known for absorbing formaldehyde and benzene. However, the degree of pollutant removal is relatively small compared to mechanical filtration systems.
How to Choose the Right Indoor Plants (If You Want Them)
If you’re still drawn to the idea of including indoor plants in your home, you’re not alone. Plants offer aesthetic appeal and a sense of calm, and while they won’t purify your air to a measurable degree, they can complement other air quality strategies. Here’s a short list of popular houseplants that are commonly cited for their air-related benefits, along with their ideal growing conditions and what (if anything) they help with:
| Plant | Air Benefit | Care Level | Light Needs | Watering |
| Snake Plant | May Absorb formaldehyde& benzene | Very easy | Low to bright light | Every 2 – 3 weeks |
| Spider Plant | Can absorb carbon monoxide & xylene | Easy | Indirect sunlight | Weekly |
| Peace Lily | Can reduce VOCs like benzene and acetone | Moderate | Low to medium light | Weekly, keep the soil moist |
| English Ivy | May reduce airborne mold spores | Moderate | Bright, indirect | 1 – 2 times/week |
| Bamboo Palm | Adds humidity and may remove formaldehyde | Easy | Bright, indirect | Weekly |
| Rubber Plant | Known to absorb some VOCs | Easy | Indirect light | Weekly |
| Aloe Vera | May help with formaldehyde and benzene | Easy | Bright light | Every 2 – 3 weeks |
Tips:
- Rotate plants every few weeks for even light exposure.
- Avoid overwatering—root rot can lead to mold issues.
- Use well-draining pots and clean the leaves periodically to reduce dust buildup.
Remember, one or two of these plants can help create a more pleasant indoor atmosphere, but they should complement, not replace, mechanical ventilation and professional air quality solutions.
Limitations of Indoor Plants
While indoor plants can be beneficial, they are not a complete solution for indoor air pollution:
- Limited Coverage: To significantly reduce VOCs, studies suggest you would need between 100–1,000 plants in a single home, depending on the square footage—an impractical number for most.
- Lack of Air Exchange: Plants do not replace the need for proper ventilation or mechanical air filtration. Without adequate airflow, pollutants can continue to accumulate.
- Environmental Conditions Matter: The plant’s type, size, soil condition, and access to light all influence its effectiveness in purifying air.
- Mold Risks: Overwatering indoor plants or using soil that retains too much moisture can create breeding grounds for mold spores, ironically worsening air quality.
- Cannot Detect or Remove All Pollutants: Plants do not identify or remove pollutants like radon gas, bacteria, or viruses, which require targeted interventions.
The Necessity of Air Quality Testing
While plants may help to a degree, knowing what pollutants exist in your home requires professional testing. Indoor air quality in St. Louis, Edwardsville, and nearby areas can vary significantly due to climate, construction materials, and individual lifestyle factors. Without clear data, it’s difficult to know which pollutants may be present or how serious they are.
Professional air quality testing typically measures:
- VOC Concentrations: Volatile Organic Compounds come from paints, furniture, cleaning products, and even some electronics. High VOC levels may contribute to headaches, respiratory irritation, or long-term health issues.
- CO₂ and CO Levels: Elevated CO₂ can reduce mental clarity, while carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that’s both odorless and dangerous. Testing helps detect unsafe levels before they become a serious health risk.
- Humidity and Moisture: Improper humidity levels can support mold growth and damage building materials. Moisture readings help determine whether dehumidification or sealing solutions are needed.
- Particulate Matter Levels: This includes fine particles such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and smoke. Measuring particulate matter is important for households with individuals who have allergies or asthma.
- Presence of Radon, Mold, or Mildew: Radon is a radioactive gas that can seep in through foundations and has been linked to lung cancer. Mold and mildew, often hidden, can affect both structural integrity and indoor air safety.
This data helps homeowners take targeted action, such as using air purifiers, dehumidifiers, sealing crawl spaces, or addressing mold growth to promote a safer and healthier indoor environment.
Common Misconceptions
It’s also important to clarify some widespread beliefs:
- Myth: A few houseplants will remove most toxins from the air.
Fact: The scale required for plants to purify the air is far beyond what’s realistic in an average home.
- Myth: Plants alone can control mold and humidity.
Fact: Moisture problems in homes—especially in crawl spaces—require mechanical solutions like dehumidifiers or encapsulation systems.
- Myth: If indoor air smells fresh, it must be clean.
Fact: Odor is not always an accurate indicator of air quality. VOCs and radon are both odorless and harmful.
Air Sense Environmental’s Role
At Air Sense Environmental, we help homeowners in Edwardsville, IL, and the greater St. Louis region take meaningful steps toward cleaner, healthier indoor air. Our goal is not only to address immediate air quality concerns but also to create long-term solutions that enhance comfort, safety, and well-being.
We offer a full suite of services, including:
- Expert Air Quality Testing: Using advanced equipment, we identify pollutants such as VOCs, CO₂, particulate matter, and radon. Our testing delivers detailed data that allows us to recommend the most effective course of action.
- Mold and Moisture Remediation: Excess moisture and hidden leaks can lead to mold growth, which poses serious health risks. We locate the source of moisture, remove mold safely, and prevent it from returning.
- Crawl Space Encapsulation: Many air quality issues start below the home. We seal crawl spaces to block out moisture, pests, and radon gas—helping prevent musty odors and airborne contaminants from infiltrating your living space.
- Mechanical Air Filtration Solutions: From high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) systems to whole-home filtration units, we install customized equipment that actively removes pollutants and allergens from the air you breathe every day.
At Air Sense Environmental, we don’t just treat symptoms—we investigate root causes and apply lasting, evidence-based solutions. Whether you’re dealing with high humidity, chemical off-gassing from new construction, or inadequate ventilation, our experienced team will tailor a plan specific to your home’s needs and structure.
We’re committed to helping families breathe easier and live better—one home at a time.
History of Air Sense Environmental
Air Sense Environmental – Radion Mitigation & Testing was founded with a clear mission: to address growing concerns about indoor air quality (IAQ) and its impact on health and comfort. As awareness of indoor air pollution increased in the late 20th century, Air Sense Environmental recognized the urgent need for effective solutions to improve the air in homes and workplaces.
In its early years, we focused on identifying the sources of indoor air pollutants and developing innovative air quality testing methods and remediation techniques. To address the various health risks associated with poor air quality, we expanded our services to include mold remediation, crawl space repair and encapsulation, and radon mitigation.
We also prioritized community engagement and education, partnering with local organizations and health departments to raise awareness about the risks of indoor air pollution. This commitment helped us build a strong reputation and a loyal customer base.
As Air Sense Environmental grew, we embraced advancements in technology, introducing tools like the Model 5200 IAQ Monitor for real-time air quality tracking. Led by Jake Lusby, our team remains dedicated to providing quality solutions tailored to the unique needs of homeowners in Edwardsville, IL, and surrounding areas, including St. Louis County, Alton, Belleville, and Chesterfield.
Today, Air Sense Environmental continues to lead in promoting healthier living spaces through reliable air quality solutions—blending expertise, innovation, and community-focused initiatives to enhance indoor environments for families throughout the region.
A Balanced Strategy for Cleaner Air
Using indoor plants is a helpful supplement, not a primary strategy, for improving air quality. A balanced approach includes:
- Routine air quality testing
- Installing ventilation systems or air purifiers
- Managing humidity levels
- Reducing sources of indoor pollutants
- Integrating select indoor plants for aesthetic and supplementary benefits
Breathe Easier—Start with Real Solutions
While indoor plants can add beauty and contribute modestly to air freshness, they are not a complete answer to indoor air pollution. If you’re committed to creating a healthier home, it’s time to go beyond greenery.
Air Sense Environmental provides science-based testing and targeted solutions that address the root causes of poor air quality. From identifying hidden pollutants to sealing crawl spaces and installing filtration systems, we help homeowners take control of the air they breathe.
Get reliable results—not guesswork. Schedule your indoor air quality consultation or testing service today by calling (618) 593-4815 or emailing [email protected].
