Do plants remove PM2.5 and PM10 ?

We all know that plants purify air by removing the harmful gases and putting oxygen back into it. Even most powerful air purifiers can't do that. But do plants remove particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) from air. It is a topic of huge importance as most of the air pollution in metro cities is due to this particulate matter.

Do Plants remove Particulate Matter from Air?

Yes, plants do clean the Particulate Matter. However it is not clear if they can absorb and transform it into something useful. Stomata size of plants leaves don't allow absorption of PM2.5 and PM10 as they are larger in size, compared to gaseous molecules which are of the size of PM0.1 . But still plants can collect a lot of PM2.5 and PM10 on their leaves. According to a study some plants can reduce particulate matter by 50%. Particulate matter not only accumulate on plant leaves but also got stuck on the plant wax which increases air quality.

Facts about Air Purifying Plants

• Spider plant is given an efficiency rating of 8.2 out of 10 by NASA.
• Buildings with Money Plant, Mother-in-laws tongue and Areca Palm results in 32% less respiratory problems, 52% less eye irritation and 24% less headaches.
• Air purified by plants can increase your memory retention by 20%.

Paharpur Business Center (PBC) in Delhi, one of the most polluted cities in world, is known for the mountain fresh air. It is because of the fact that it houses more than 1200 plants in a scientific way which allows it to keep the air flowing inside the premises. All types of air pollution are monitored here using automatic monitors which keeps telling the quality of indoor air vs outdoor air. It is the best example how air pollution can be controlled using plants. Areca palm, snake plant and money plants are the most used plants in this office complex. The medicinal air with good hygiene and lower fungal levels of the restaurant of this office makes it better than any hospital in India. According to Kamal Meattle ( CEO of PBC), even if a surgery is performed here, the chances of infection are less than any hospital. Productivity level of employees is better than any other office of Delhi as they face comparatively lesser health issues. PBC has given its services to US American Embassy School, Fench Embassy School in Delhi and 750 different homes in India to provide better quality air and a healthy life to their occupants.

Note: Plant trees outside and some garden plants inside your residential and office area. It will make the air clean and improve your health to a great extent.