Genetically modified plants can clean air in our homes

WE KNOW that air pollution caused by traffic is bad for our health, but indoor pollution can be just as bad.

Scientists are most worried about volatile organic compounds (VOCs), found in fire retardants, aerosol sprays and a range of cleaning products. VOCs have been linked to an increased risk of asthma, conjunctivitis, headaches and nausea.

At this time of year, levels in the home are likely to be particularly high because we have all our doors and windows closed to keep in the heat. One answer is to have more houseplants around.

A study by the University of Technology in Sydney, Australia, in 2007, where they introduced pot plants into 60 offices found that doing so lowered levels of VOCs by 50 to 75 per cent. Now researchers at the University of Washington in the U.S. have genetically modified a common houseplant — pothos ivy — and shown that it is much more effective at removing chemicals such as benzene (which comes from glues, paints and furniture wax) from the air than unmodified plants. They are now trying to increase the plant’s ability to break down formaldehyde, another unpleasant chemical found in wood products (e.g. laminate flooring) and tobacco smoke.

A company, set up to commercialise this research, hopes to start selling genetically modified plants next year.

In the meanwhile, your best bet for plants that look good and help remove pollutants are fast-growing ones such as peace lilies and devil’s ivy. In a small room you would probably need five to six to make a real difference.