[Typed in by hand from a photocopy of the article]

##################################################################
Newsgroups: misc.headlines.unitex
Subject: NASA: STUDY SHOWS COMMON PLANTS HELP REDUCE INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
Message-ID: <3276@ccnysci.UUCP>
Date: 2 Oct 89 15:37:28 GMT
Sender: news@ccnysci.UUCP
Lines: 82
Approved: patth@sci.ccny.cuny.edu

NASA: STUDY SHOWS COMMON PLANTS HELP REDUCE INDOOR AIR POLLUTION

[...]




Common indoor plants may provide a valuable weapon in the fight
against rising levels of indoor air pollution, based on research
conducted by NASA.

NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) today
announced the findings of a 2-year study that suggests the common
indoor plant may provide a natural way of combating "sick building"
syndrome -- an acute incidence of indoor air pollution that can occur
in closed or poorly ventilated offices and residences.

Research into the use of biological processes, as a means of solving
environmental problems both on Earth and in space habitats, has been
carried out for many years by Dr. Bill Wolverton, a senior research
scientists at NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center, Bay St. Louis,
Miss.

Based on preliminary evaluations of the use of common indoor plants
for indoor air purification and revitalization, ALCA joined NASA to
fund a study of about a dozen popular varieties of ornamental plants
to determine their effectiveness in removing several key pollutants
associated with indoor air pollution.

While more research is needed, Wolverton says that study has shown
that common landscaping plants can remove certain pollutants from the
indoor environment. "We feel that future results will provide an even
stronger argument that common landscaping plants can be a very
effective part of a system used to provide pollution-free homes and
work places," he concludes.

Each plant type was placed in sealed, plexiglass chambers in which
chemicals were injected. Philodendron, spider plant and the golden
pothos were labeled as the most effective in removing formaldehyde.
Flowering plants such as the gerbera daisy and chrysanthemums were
rated superior in removing benzene from the chamber atmosphere.

Other plants demonstrated to be effective air purifiers include the
bamboo palm, peace lily, ficus, mass cane, mother-in-law's tongue,
English ivy and Chinese evergreen.

"Plants take substances out of the air through the tiny openings in
their leaves," Wolverton said. "But research in our laboratories has
determined that plant leaves, roots and soil bacteria are all
important in removing trace levels of toxic vapors."

"Combining nature with technology can increase the effectiveness of
plants in removing air pollutants," he said.  A living air cleaner is
created by combining activated carbon and a fan with a potted plant.
"The roots of the plant grow right into the carbon and slowly degrade
the chemicals absorbed there," Wolverton explains.

* Origin: UNITEX --> Toward a United Species (1:107/501)

##################################################################