A Case Study: How Indoor Plants Improve Air Quality

By Sara Dalina Client Stories 0 Comments

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters

Did you know that indoor air pollution is often 2-5 times worse than outdoor air? Offices, especially after renovations, accumulate volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, and other pollutants from new furniture, paint, and adhesives. These invisible pollutants impact employee health, productivity, and overall well-being.

Office renovations bring a fresh new look—but also unavoidable VOCs (volatile organic compounds)!

At daun.com.my, we work with businesses to integrate plants as a natural air purification solution. But don’t just take our word for it—here’s a real case study proving that indoor plants measurably improve air quality.

The Case Study: Measuring the Impact of Plants on Air Quality

Scenario: A corporate office underwent a major renovation, leading to poor indoor air quality due to off-gassing from new materials. Daun referred to NASA’s approved plant list to strategically select natural air-purifying plants while conducting before-and-after air quality tests to measure their effectiveness.

The Results: Before vs. After Plants

Pollutant	Before Plants	After Plants (1 month later)	% Reduction
Formaldehyde (HCHO)	0.418 mg/m³	0.025 mg/m³	94% ↓
TVOCs (Toxic Chemicals)	1.964 mg/m³	0.089 mg/m³	95% ↓
PM2.5 (Fine Dust Particles)	4	5	Stable
Humidity	63%	68%	+5% ↑

Air quality measurements were conducted using a professional-grade monitor with a resolution of 0.01 ppm for VOCs and 0.1 µg/m³ for particulate matter, ensuring precise before-and-after comparisons.

What This Means for Offices:

Harmful chemicals dropped by 90%+ after introducing plants.
Humidity increased by 5%, making the office more comfortable.
Employees reported fresher air and a better work environment.

How Do Plants Improve Air Quality?

Indoor plants act as natural air filters, absorbing toxins and releasing oxygen. Here’s how they work:

Absorb VOCs & Formaldehyde → Reducing toxins from furniture & paint.
Increase Humidity → Preventing dry air and improving respiratory health.
Regulate Temperature → Making the space feel cooler and more comfortable.

NASA’s Clean Air Study confirms that plants like Bamboo Palm, Aglaonema, and Dracaena are among the best for removing pollutants.

Why Businesses Should Invest in Green Workspaces

Indoor plants aren’t just decor—they create healthier, more productive workplaces.

Support ESG & sustainability goals (LEED, WELL, GreenRE).
Reduce HVAC costs by regulating humidity naturally.
Improve employee well-being and reduce sick days.
Enhance corporate branding with a fresh, welcoming space.

Want to Improve Your Office Air Quality?

Book a Free Consultation with us. Let’s transform your office into a healthier, greener space.

A Case Study: How Indoor Plants Improve Air Quality