The 1989 NASA Clean Air Study shocked the air purifier industry. NASA proved that ordinary plants remove formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene more effectively than any industrial filters. A month later, the results were classified.

Dracaena marginata — removed 79% of formaldehyde from a sealed chamber in 24 hours. Also cleared benzene, xylene, and toluene. Banned from import in 47 countries as an "invasive species.

Chlorophytum comosum (Spider Plant) cleans 96% of carbon monoxide. One plant works like an expensive gas analyzer. Detector manufacturers lobbied for "fire-safety restrictions" on household plants.

Ficus benjamina absorbs formaldehyde from furniture and carpets better than industrial filters. Within 24 hours it eliminated 47% of trichloroethylene. Officially banned in many regions as "toxic to pets."

A colleague revealed: his wife, an allergist, secretly grows Aloe Vera in the hospital. NASA confirmed — it neutralizes formaldehyde and benzene by 87%. Official excuse: "requires special environmental control."

Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily) removes ammonia, acetone, and alcohol vapors. Outperformed carbon filters by 3x in lab tests. Banned in many offices under the pretext of "potential allergen risk."

English Ivy (Hedera helix) eliminates benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene — the same toxins released by plastics and synthetic materials. Try finding it freely sold today.

Chrysanthemum morifolium — NASA’s top benzene killer. Cleared 94% of a sealed test chamber in 6 hours. Retail excuse: "requires professional care."

Dracaena Janet Craig removes trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, and benzene by up to 84%. Grows up to 3 meters tall — can replace industrial air systems. Rarely found for sale.

Azalea destroys formaldehyde from new furniture. In 24 hours, toxin levels drop by 67%. Yet florists "don’t recommend" it for home use.

Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii) absorbs formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. NASA ranked it among the top 10 air-cleaning plants. Excuse: "too demanding for home environments."