Dr Michelle Dickinson: Nanotechnologist on plants ridding indoor air of toxic and carcinogenic pollutants

Worried about the indoor air quality of your home or office?  If so, new research suggests all you need are a few plants to help to reassure you.  Researchers from the University of Technology Sydney have measured how efficient plants are at ridding indoor air of toxic, carcinogenic pollutants giving you a low cost and decorative way to help breathe cleaner air.  The researchers created a small live green wall using indoor plants known for their phytoremediation abilities (their ability to clean up contaminated soil, air and water). They placed them in sealed chambers which were filled with volatile organic compounds, then used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to measure the levels of these compounds over time.  They found that the plants were highly efficient as removing petrol-related compounds including alkanes, benzene derivatives and cyclopentane, and in only 8 hours these levels had dropped to under 20 percent of the starting concentrations. So if you are looking to help clean your indoor air - which plants were the best?  The researchers used Devils Ivy, Arrowhead Vine and Spider Plants which are all cheap and easily available at your local garden centre.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.