This article was prepared to fulfill the midterm examination requirements for the Philosophy and Logic course at Sriwijaya University.
Air pollution is an environmental issue with direct impacts on the community. This problem can worsen as land fire incidents increase, including those occurring in the Palembang City area. Based on data as of 17 September 2026, there were 406 recorded land fire incidents affecting an area of approximately 254.23 hectares.
The impact of land fires extends beyond damage to the burned areas. The resulting smoke can drift into residential and urban zones, affecting air quality. The concentration of fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, in Palembang even reached 681.6 µg/m³, a level of exposure that poses significant health risks.
The deterioration of air quality due to smoke and various pollutants is linked to an increased risk of respiratory system disorders. Exposure to pollution can cause symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and irritation of the nose and throat. This condition is particularly concerning given that cases of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) in Palembang reached 12,589 cases between 1–21 September 2026.
The significant health impacts of air pollution require the public to increase vigilance and take independent preventive measures. When air quality is categorized as poor according to the Air Pollution Standard Index (ISPU), the public is typically advised to reduce outdoor activities and limit direct exposure to polluted air.
However, being indoors does not mean one is entirely free from pollutant exposure. Indoor air can contain various compounds originating from paint, furniture, cleaning agents, vehicle exhaust from outside, and household activities. Therefore, indoor air quality also requires attention.
One approach that can be applied as a supplement to maintaining an indoor environment is utilizing houseplants. Certain plants are known to have the ability to absorb or interact with several pollutant compounds under specific research conditions. The use of plants to help reduce environmental pollutants is known as the concept of phytoremediation.
Photo caption: Environmental Health Education Program, Sriwijaya University (Class A).
Research on plants and indoor air quality has been conducted for several decades. One of the most well-known studies is the NASA Clean Air Study. This study tested the ability of several plants to reduce volatile organic compounds such as formaldehyde, benzene, and various other chemicals in a closed experimental chamber.
However, the use of houseplants should be viewed as a supporting measure, not a replacement for proper ventilation, pollution source control, or the use of air filtration devices when necessary. In addition to adding a touch of green to home interiors, plants can also enhance the comfort and visual quality of living spaces.
Here are five types of houseplants to consider for your home.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
The snake plant is a popular houseplant easily recognized by its stiff, long, upright leaves with distinctive patterns. It is highly favored because it is relatively easy to care for and can thrive in low-light conditions.
In various studies regarding indoor plants, the snake plant has been examined for its ability to interact with several airborne compounds, including formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene, under specific experimental conditions.
This plant also utilizes a metabolic mechanism known as Crassulacean Acid Metabolism or CAM, which allows for gas exchange to occur in a different pattern compared to many other plants. This characteristic makes the snake plant a popular choice for bedrooms and living rooms.
2. Golden Pothos (Golden Pothos)
The golden pothos is a trailing plant with heart-shaped leaves known for its ease of growth. It can be grown in soil or propagated in water, making it a popular choice for decorating living rooms, workspaces, and semi-outdoor areas.
The golden pothos is also among the plants frequently studied for its ability to reduce several volatile organic compounds in laboratory conditions, including formaldehyde.
Because its care is relatively simple, the golden pothos is an excellent choice for those who want indoor plants without complex maintenance. It can be placed in areas of the home that receive indirect light with adequate air circulation.
3. Spider Plant (Spider Plant)
The spider plant, or Spider Plant , is characterized by its long, slender, arching leaves. Its attractive form makes it a frequent choice for hanging pots or placement on shelves.
This plant, with the scientific name Chlorophytum comosum , has been the subject of numerous studies on indoor air phytoremediation. Research by Gawrońska and Bakera in 2015, for example, discussed the plant's potential in helping to capture particulate matter from the air.
Another advantage is that the spider plant is generally considered relatively safe for cats and dogs. However, pet owners should still ensure the plant is not consumed in excessive amounts.
4. Areca Palm (Areca Palm)
The areca palm has lush, feathery leaves that can bring a tropical atmosphere indoors. This plant is widely used to decorate living rooms, offices, and relatively spacious areas.
Beyond its aesthetic value, the areca palm is frequently discussed in indoor plant research due to its interaction with various volatile organic compounds. This plant undergoes transpiration, releasing water vapor through its leaves, which contributes to the humidity of its surrounding environment.
For optimal growth, the areca palm should be placed in an area with sufficient light but protected from excessive direct sunlight. The soil moisture should also be maintained so that it is neither too dry nor too wet.
5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The peace lily is known for its broad green leaves and elegant white flowers. It is often used to decorate living rooms, workspaces, and various other indoor areas.
In several studies on indoor plants, Peace Lily is among those tested against several volatile organic compounds, such as benzene, formaldehyde, and others.
This plant prefers relatively shaded environments and soil with consistent moisture. However, pet owners should be more cautious because the Peace Lily can cause irritation if ingested by cats or dogs.
Small Steps to Create a Healthier Home Environment
Placing a few houseplants in the home certainly cannot solve the problem of air pollution entirely. The air quality crisis at the city level requires the control of pollution sources, the prevention of land fires, environmental policies, and the involvement of various stakeholders.
At the household level, houseplants can be a supporting element in creating a more comfortable environment. However, their use must be combined with primary measures, such as maintaining ventilation, reducing smoke sources indoors, cleaning dust regularly, and limiting the entry of outside air when pollution levels are high.
Plants also require care to remain healthy. Leaf surfaces should be cleaned periodically to remove accumulated dust. In addition to maintaining their appearance, cleaning the leaves helps preserve the plant's physiological functions from being hindered by dust buildup.
For people living in areas prone to pollution or haze, comprehensive health mitigation efforts are necessary. Long-term exposure to pollutants can impact the respiratory system, making prevention an important part of maintaining family health.
The snake plant, golden pothos, spider plant, areca palm, and Peace Lily can be choices for home decoration while serving as part of a nature-based approach to maintaining the indoor environment. Although their ability to clean the air in real-world home conditions cannot replace ventilation or filtration technology, the presence of plants still provides benefits in terms of aesthetics, comfort, and the quality of the living environment.
Ultimately, addressing the issue of air pollution requires a combination of public policy and individual action. Controlling pollution sources is the primary step, while maintaining the cleanliness and quality of the home environment can be part of daily health protection efforts.
References
Dela Cruz, M., Christensen, J. H., Thomsen, J. D., & Müller, R. (2014). Can ornamental potted plants remove volatile organic compounds from indoor air? A review. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 21(24), 13909–13928.
Gawrońska, H., & Bakera, B. (2015). Phytoremediation of particulate matter from indoor air by Chlorophytum comosum L. plants. Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health, 8(3), 265–272.
Jhanji, S., & Dhatt, U. K. (2021). Phytoremediation of indoor air pollutants: Harnessing the potential of plants beyond aesthetics. Journal of Horticultural Sciences, 16(2), 131–143.
Kim, K. J., Kil, M. J., Song, J. S., Yoo, E. H., Son, K. C., & Kays, S. J. (2008). Efficiency of volatile formaldehyde removal by indoor plants: Contribution of aerial plant parts versus the root zone. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science, 133(4), 521–526.
Official Portal of the Palembang City Government. (2026, 17 September). Palembang ISPU exceeds 302, land fires reach 406 incidents. Palembang City Government.
Wolverton, B. C., Johnson, A., & Bounds, K. (1989). Interior landscape plants for indoor air pollution abatement. National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Comments 0
Write a Comment Share your response