Houseplants boost air purity

Having plants in our homes can reduce air pollution by 20 per cent, according to a new study by the University of Birmingham and the RHS.

Traffic fumes can increase the amount of nitrogen dioxide in our homes, which increases the risk of respiratory tract irritation and asthma.

Researchers placed three different plants – a peace lily, corn plant and fern arum – in a chamber with a similar level of nitrogen dioxide to an office next to a busy road.

All the plants removed half the air pollution within an hour.

Researchers calculated that in a small office, they would reduce the level by 20 per cent.