In an era where indoor air quality has become a paramount concern, groundbreaking research from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), in partnership with Ambius, made headlines around the globe as it launched. This first-of-its-kind study delves into the remarkable ability of plants to combat petrol-related chemicals, offering a natural solution to a pervasive problem.
Why this research matters
Ambius, with over 38 years of experience, is dedicated to creating exceptional indoor environments that prioritise both aesthetics and well-being. The commitment to scientific evidence and innovation drives Ambius to continuously seek new insights, culminating in this latest research breakthrough. Ambius goal is to transform indoor spaces, ensuring they are not only visually stunning but also contribute to the health and productivity of people.
The indoor air quality crisis
Indoor air pollution, caused by poor ventilation and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from various sources, poses a significant threat to our health. These pollutants can lead to serious health issues, making it crucial to find effective solutions.
Johan Hodgson, general manager at Ambius, emphasised the significance of this research:
"The great news is that this research has proved, without a shadow of a doubt, that something as simple as having plants indoors can make a huge difference."
The danger of petrol-related chemicals
Petrol-related chemicals are a major contributor to indoor air pollution, especially in buildings near busy roads, connected to underground garages, or within 200 meters of petrol stations. These harmful substances easily infiltrate indoor spaces and circulate through air conditioning systems and other pathways. Prolonged exposure to these carcinogens is linked to numerous health problems.
The impact of vehicle emissions on Australians is staggering, with a Melbourne climate future report linking them annually to:
- 11,105 premature deaths
- 12,200 cardiovascular hospitalisations
- 6,800 respiratory hospitalisations
- 66,000 active asthma cases, affecting 2.7 million Australians
UTS-Ambius Research: Pioneering Solutions
While previous studies, dating back to NASA in 1980’s, have shown plants can remove various indoor contaminants, this pioneering research is the first to focus specifically on their ability to remove petrol vapors, a major source of indoor toxins globally.
Dr. Fraser Torpy, UTS Associate Professor and research lead, explains the findings:
"We found that plants remove the majority of pollutants from the air in just a matter of hours, and what's more – they actually remove the most harmful petrol-related pollutants from the air first."
The Ambius Live Picture GO system proved highly effective, removing 97% of the most toxic compounds from the indoor air in just eight hours. It demonstrated remarkable efficiency in eliminating dangerous components of petrol vapor, including:
- Alkanes (97.7% removal) - harmful to lungs
- Cyclopentanes (88.18% removal) - can cause dizziness and loss of consciousness
- Benzene derivatives (85.96% removal) - disrupts normal blood production
The science behind the success
The effectiveness of plants in removing toxins relies on the process called photosynthesis, maintaining healthy plant and soil teeming with microorganisms that break down harmful compounds. Ambius employs a specialised approach to ensure optimal plant health, including selecting the right plants for specific light levels and providing proper watering through Ambius best practice sub-irrigation and followed by maintenance.
Dr. Fraser Torpy highlights the crucial role of soil:
"Soil is the hidden secret of the whole system; what does the work is the bacteria that live in the potting mix. These actually eat Benzene and EthylBenzene as food, and produce more bacteria that are really good at eating these Category 1 Carcinogens."
He further clarifies the symbiotic relationship between the plant and soil:
“While the soil provides the primary function in removing carcinogens, you can’t remove the plant – we've done the experiment and the soil on its own only removes toxins for a few days before tapering off.”
A Breath of Fresh Air for Health and Wellbeing
This groundbreaking research underscores the vital importance of indoor air quality and positions plants as a powerful tool for enhancing our well-being.
Mr. Hodgson emphasizes the significance of these findings:
“These findings show that plants should not just be seen as a ‘nice to have’, but rather a necessary part of every workplace wellness plan. The bottom line is that plants provide the most sustainable, cost-effective method for combating harmful indoor air contaminants.”
Ambius offers free on-site consultations to help businesses create healthy and thriving indoor environments. Discover how to bring nature's indoor air-purifying power into your space and cultivate a healthier future.
Your Partner in Creating Thriving Indoor Spaces
As the leaders in innovative indoor plantscaping solutions, transforming ordinary spaces into vibrant, healthy environments is our passion.
By combining horticultural expertise with design skillset, Ambius creates indoors that thrive while also providing spaces that give more and benefit people. We combine the aesthetics with cleaner indoor air, a passion that helps us deliver the complete package.
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