| Title: | Could houseplants improve indoor air quality in schools? |
| Author(s): | Pegas PN; Alves CA; Nunes T; Bate-Epey EF; Evtyugina M; Pio CA; |
| Address: | "Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies-CESAM, Department of Environment, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal. priscillapegas@ua.pt" |
| Journal Title: | J Toxicol Environ Health A |
| DOI: | 10.1080/15287394.2012.721169 |
| ISSN/ISBN: | 1528-7394 (Print) 0098-4108 (Linking) |
| Abstract: | "Previous studies performed by the National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) indicated that plants and associated soil microorganisms may be used to reduce indoor pollutant levels. This study investigated the ability of plants to improve indoor air quality in schools. A 9-wk intensive monitoring campaign of indoor and outdoor air pollution was carried out in 2011 in a primary school of Aveiro, Portugal. Measurements included temperature, carbon dioxide (CO(2)), carbon monoxide (CO), concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOC), carbonyls, and particulate matter (PM(1)(0)) without and with plants in a classroom. PM(1)(0) samples were analyzed for the water-soluble inorganic ions, as well for carbonaceous fractions. After 6 potted plants were hung from the ceiling, the mean CO(2) concentration decreased from 2004 to 1121 ppm. The total VOC average concentrations in the indoor air during periods of occupancy without and with the presence of potted plants were, respectively, 933 and 249 mug/m(3). The daily PM(1)(0) levels in the classroom during the occupancy periods were always higher than those outdoors. The presence of potted plants likely favored a decrease of approximately 30% in PM(1)(0) concentrations. Our findings corroborate the results of NASA studies suggesting that plants might improve indoor air and make interior breathing spaces healthier" |
| Keywords: | "Air Pollutants/analysis/metabolism Air Pollution, Indoor/*prevention & control Aldehydes/analysis/metabolism Araceae/growth & development/*metabolism *Biodegradation, Environmental Carbon Disulfide/analysis/metabolism Child Dracaena/growth & development/*;" |
| Notes: | "MedlinePegas, P N Alves, C A Nunes, T Bate-Epey, E F Evtyugina, M Pio, C A eng Comparative Study Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't England 2012/10/26 J Toxicol Environ Health A. 2012; 75(22-23):1371-80. doi: 10.1080/15287394.2012.721169" |
