An environmental scientist funded by NASA studied plants' ability to purify air and water. He found that this ability was greatly increased the more air or water was brought in contact with plants' roots. Since he published a book of his findings, including which plants remove the most toxins, several companies have used the research, often with the author's help, to create indoor planters and gardens to eliminate the pollutants that cause "sick building syndrome."
After an environmental researcher discovered that plants naturally clean the air and water around them, NASA funded his further research, both for environmental remediation at a space agency field center and for possible use in a long-term life-support system for space travel. NASA proved the method's effectiveness in its BioHome, a tightly sealed building made of synthetic materials that off-gassed irritating volatile organic compounds until plants were introduced.
Learn more about how NASA helped develop technology that impacts environmental cleansing within your home's living room environment!