When was the last time you paused to think about the invisible dangers lurking in the air inside your home? You might be surprised to learn that common household items release harmful chemicals all around you—chemicals that have been quietly affecting your health every day. But what if your favorite houseplant could secretly clean your indoor air and protect you from these invisible threats? According to NASA, one popular houseplant could do just that, removing up to 73% of cancer-causing toxins from your home’s air.
How NASA’s research reveals the power of the pothos plant to purify indoor air
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The pothos plant (Epipremnum aureum) may seem like just another decorative vine with its glossy green and yellow leaves, but this familiar plant is gaining attention worldwide thanks to groundbreaking research from NASA. Their study, titled *Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement*, showed that the pothos is remarkably effective at absorbing highly toxic substances known to cause cancer and respiratory problems.
In the controlled environment of NASA’s lab, the pothos absorbed up to 73% of these harmful pollutants within 24 hours. That means this modest leafy plant could significantly cut down on dangerous airborne chemicals in everyday indoor spaces like homes and offices.
These toxins often come from items you might never suspect. From the furniture made with formaldehyde, the paints on your walls, the plastics in household goods, to common cleaning products and even cigarette smoke, these pollutants accumulate silently and invisibly, jeopardizing health over time.
The hidden dangers of indoor air pollutants and how pothos fights them
Many of the substances NASA tested, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, are common offenders found all around us. Formaldehyde is frequently used in manufacturing textiles and furniture; benzene exists in paints, plastics, and cigarettes; trichloroethylene shows up in many cleaning products and adhesives. These pollutants can irritate the respiratory system and increase cancer risk with prolonged exposure.
What’s truly alarming is that these threats are invisible—they quietly build up in your living space without any obvious warnings. This is where the pothos plant steps in as a natural air filter. Its ability to absorb and break down these pollutants is a simple, accessible way to reduce your exposure without needing complicated technology or expensive air purifiers.
Beyond clearing the air, the pothos also helps maintain indoor humidity levels, which can contribute to overall comfort. Growing this plant is incredibly easy, making it perfect whether you have a green thumb or are new to houseplants. It thrives in indirect light and shady spots, requiring very little care, which makes it a practical and attractive addition to any room.
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If you’ve ever explored the principles of Feng Shui, you might already know that the pothos signifies growth and prosperity. It’s a popular choice in many Brazilian households, where it’s not only valued for its beauty but also its positive energy.
The lush green leaves decorated with golden streaks enhance any space visually while quietly promoting health through cleaner air. Its resilience and adaptability make it a great fit for various settings—whether it’s brightening up your office cubicle or adding life to your living room.
Having cared for a pothos myself, I can attest to its easy-going nature. One winter, when the air inside my apartment became particularly dry and stuffy, I noticed how much more comfortable the room felt within days of bringing a pothos in. It wasn’t just about the fresh look; there was a subtle difference in how easy it was to breathe. Knowing that this plant was silently filtering out invisible toxins gave me peace of mind I hadn’t expected.
Have you tried growing a pothos plant at home, or do you have other favorite air-purifying plants? Share your experience or ask questions below—let’s talk about how these green companions can improve our health and well-being. Don’t forget to pass this insight on to friends and family who might benefit from a healthier home environment!
For more details, read the original news on Diário do Litoral: [Pianta comune in casa elimina fino al 73% delle sostanze cancerogene presenti nell’aria, dice la NASA. 2025](https://example.com)
What do they do to pets
Highly toxic if eaten or nibbled. I don’t know whether it can cause problems simply being in the same space 😕
I’ve had a large one for 7 years with my dogs from 5 – 75 pounds and none ever appeared sick. All lived to and beyond their breed life span averages. None of them ever expressed any interest in the plant, which sits on the coffee table in my great room. That’s only my experience that exposure and lying within 6’ of it for many hours a week, never appeared to bother any of them.
Apparently it’s the best housewarming gift.
Probably just cause them to throw it back up… the animal would probably not eat enough to cause harm, although some plants can be more toxic than others. My mom had a cat who tried to eat her plant (not sure which kind of plant) and it just made the cat get sick. She hung the plant in the window after that
Pothos is toxic to pets
Thank you for this wonderful information and advice.
I will definitely get my Pothos plant today.
And what a excellent Gift Idea to give a Pothos Potplant to anyone else.
Great information concerning the Pothos plant. Knowledge is truly powerful as the saying goes. I never knew that this was such a powerful plant, now it makes me even more appreciative of this plant. I presently have two of them in my house and will invest in another one. I will be promoting its value as I move around letting the people know its importance. Thanks for sharing!
Love the pothos l have them on my front porch
Whatever other indoor plants clean the air
Money trees, Philodendrons, any type of dracaena, peace lilies, I don’t know of any plant that does not filter the air and “purify” it, perhaps succulents as they don’t have “leaves” or at least not as efficient as leafy plants
Tulsi plant is symbol of health prosperity and wellbeing of mankind . As, Tulsi breath out oxygen only is safe for planing indoors.
Tulsi blessings earn one place in paradise of Indra devta also.
Pipal tree is outdoor plant that breaths out oxygen only and takes in oxygen. Also purify atmosphere as well chewing pipal leaves cures kidney stones and heart also.
It’s advisable to plant pipal trees in western nations being beneficial to mankind.
Not only pipal tree , but bilipatra that’s offered to Mahadev also is herbal. Chewing bilipatra cures kidney stones and purifies blood.
Good to know!
Pothos are easy to propagate, snip a piece off and put in water until it grows roots, then simply plant it! You can have many pothos for years to come!
I have a pathos that I have had for over 25 years. It has been moved to 7 different cities in 2 different states. When looking at new residences it is always the first thing we think of…Where is the best place for it.
Peace lily, common name purifies indoor air quality also.
Peace lily is also harmful to pets.
My English ivy sits by my bed on the times I move it to the bathroom so I can water & shower it ( two day process) I can’t sleep without coughing and waking up with a headache! I’ve had it for 4 years now and won’t live without it except to clean it and water every 2 weeks
You can’t sleep with plant near you?
Apparently it’s the best housewarming gift.
Unfortunately, this article leaves out a very important detail. In order to get any air purification that is quantifiable within a home you would need hundreds of the plants inside of a single room to achieve that necessary goal. Buying one plant will do statistically nothing to purify the air in your house.
I have Pothos in my place, I did grow from little one. But I didn’t know how helpfully they’re. I grown more
Cheese plant anyone know about them
there are so many types of pothos. is that just the golden pothos?