Is there more oxygen if there are plants in the house?

Oxygen is essential for life on Earth. It is a gas that makes up about 21% of the air we breathe. Oxygen is also produced by plants through a process called photosynthesis, which converts light energy into chemical energy. Photosynthesis involves taking in carbon dioxide and water and releasing oxygen and glucose. Plants use glucose as their food source, while oxygen is a by-product that benefits other living organisms. But does having plants in the house increase the amount of oxygen in the indoor air? This essay will explore the scientific evidence and the factors that affect the oxygen levels in indoor environments.

One of the benefits of having plants in the house is that they can help purify the air by removing pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), dust, and mold12. VOCs are emitted by many household products, such as paints, cleaners, and printer inks, and can cause irritation, allergies, and respiratory problems. Plants can absorb VOCs through their leaves and roots and break them down into harmless substances. Some plants that are effective at removing VOCs are English ivy, asparagus fern, and dragon tree2.

Another benefit of having plants in the house is that they can increase the humidity by releasing water vapor through their leaves. This can help prevent dryness of the skin, eyes, and throat, as well as reduce the risk of colds and flu. A study found that having spider plants in a bedroom increased the relative humidity from 20% to 30%2. However, too much humidity can also be harmful, as it can promote the growth of mold and bacteria. Therefore, it is important to maintain a balanced level of humidity by choosing appropriate plants and watering them properly.

However, having plants in the house may not significantly increase the oxygen levels in the indoor air. This is because plants also consume oxygen during respiration, which is the opposite process of photosynthesis. Respiration occurs when plants use glucose and oxygen to produce energy and carbon dioxide. Respiration happens all the time, but photosynthesis only happens when there is enough light. Therefore, at night or in dark places, plants use more oxygen than they produce. A study found that a single plant in a room had no noticeable effect on the oxygen concentration3.

Moreover, the oxygen levels in indoor air are also influenced by other factors, such as ventilation, air circulation, temperature, and human activity. Ventilation allows fresh air to enter and stale air to exit, which helps maintain a healthy level of oxygen. Air circulation prevents pockets of low or high oxygen from forming, which can cause discomfort or drowsiness. Temperature affects the rate of photosynthesis and respiration, as well as the solubility of oxygen in water. Human activity also affects the oxygen levels, as humans breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide.

In conclusion, having plants in the house can have many benefits for health and well-being, such as purifying the air, increasing humidity, and reducing stress. However, having plants in the house may not significantly increase the oxygen levels in the indoor air, as plants also consume oxygen during respiration and other factors also influence the oxygen concentration. Therefore, it is important to choose suitable plants for different rooms and conditions, and to ensure adequate ventilation and air circulation for optimal indoor air quality.