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Media Release
18 May 2009
Just one plant will remove the nasties from the air we breathe
indoors and size does not matter!
New studies from the University of Technology Sydney indicate that any plants can improve
indoor air quality and the size of the pot or plant does not matter above 200mm. And with air
indoors generally being more polluted than outdoors, that is important news!
To see a Video News Release about this study click below:
“We have found that a plant in a 200mm pot is as effective as one in a 250mm or 300mm in
removing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and it seems that any plant will perform as
well as others,” reports Adjunct Professor Margaret Burchett from the University of Technology
Sydney.
“This is important news - it means that any indoor room or office which is air-conditioned or
closed for much of the time, can really benefit from having just one 200mm pot plant in the
space – and amazingly it will clean the air of the VOCs within 24 hours.”
The indoor air environment is more polluted than the air outside, as it contains pollutants
brought in from outside – mainly fossil fuel pollutants - plus it picks up the indoor pollutants.
VOCs are emitted by almost all objects and finishes indoors - from plastics in computers,
televisions, from most paints and from most carpets – and in turn tiny bacteria found in the
potting mix ‘eat up’ the compounds.
“In Australia, in urban areas people spend 90% of their time indoors. Our studies and those
from overseas confirm that our natural air filters - pot plants - can make a real difference to
maintaining air quality and the well-being of people,” said Professor Burchett.
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“The whole plant system is acting as nature’s air filter. As well, their role in removing CO² from
the air and adding oxygen means that they are the greenest way of improving indoor air
quality,” said Professor Burchett.
A major sponsor of the UTS research has been Ambius, one of the world’s largest suppliers of
indoor plants.
“In addition to Professor Burchett’s research, other research from around the world clearly
shows that indoor plants have a positive effect on the people who occupy the same spaces
– they contribute to employee productivity, reduce sick days and make a direct contribution
to the bottomline of a business,” reports Ambius Regional Director for the Asia Pacific Region,
Mr Ray Borg.
Ends
Media: For any interviews contact Neville Sloss, Green PR, 0414562010
Released for Ambius by Green PR, Neville Sloss (02)66878939 or 0414562010, neville@greenpr.com.au
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