In response to these suspicions, NASA and the ALCA have commissioned former NASA research scientist Bill Wolverton to study the impact plants may have, if any, on indoor environments containing poisonous chemicals. Wolverton's experiments included placing a dozen ornamental plants in sealed Plexiglas chambers and then injecting them with chemicals. Results showed that plants could be very helpful in removing trace levels of toxic vapors through their leaves, roots and soil bacteria.
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Says Wolverton - "Philodendron, spider plant and the golden Pathos were labeled the most effective in removing formaldehyde molecules, while gerbera daisy and chrysanthemums were the best in removing benzene." Due to the effectiveness of these tests, NASA has decided to bring along some of these plants on future shuttle missions as part of the developing biological life-support system aboard future space stations.
Even so, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is skeptical, suggesting that biological life in a closed area isn't effective in comparison to good ventilation. Wolverton agrees, noting that "the best you can do to improve the air quality in your house is to combine as many plants as possible with good ventilation." But try telling that to a crew of astronauts who can't necessarily open a window. For them, and for many who don't travel outside the earth's atmosphere, a green thumb could be the difference in a h ealthy home.
-Eben Carle
