Can Plants Remove Harmful Petrol Fumes From Indoor Air?
Last Updated: 11 June 2026
Yes, specific plants can filter petrol fumes and other harmful substances from indoor air remarkably quickly. Scientific research shows that a combination of devil’s ivy, arrowhead plant and spider plant effectively breaks down these toxic compounds within just a few hours. This immediately creates a healthier and safer working environment.
The Invisible Problem of Indoor Air Pollution
Air pollution is a major issue in many cities. While this is highly visible outdoors, it actually has a significant impact on our health indoors. Indoor air is often considerably more polluted than outdoor air, which negatively affects both our mental and physical well-being. According to a World Health Organization report, a staggering 99% of people breathe in air containing excessive levels of pollutants.
Poor air quality can cause various health complaints:
- Respiratory problems and allergies
- Lung irritation
- Headaches and nausea
- Severe conditions such as cardiovascular disease
Globally, poor air quality is responsible for more than 6 million premature deaths every year. Since most people spend 90% of their day indoors, improving the indoor climate is absolutely essential.
Where Do Petrol Fumes in the Workplace Come From?
Many schools, homes and workplaces are situated in busy locations. For example, they may be located on major roads, near petrol stations, or have an attached multi-storey or underground car park. As a result, petrol-related chemicals infiltrate your premises every single day. These substances circulate throughout the building and mix with other compounds present in the environment.
This problem is further compounded by:
- Poor building ventilation
- The use of certain cleaning products
- Furniture and carpets that emit high levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
The Scientific Research by Ambius and UTS
Previous studies had already shown that plants filter many pollutants from the air. However, petrol fumes in buildings had never been specifically investigated before. This is a major source of toxic volatile organic compounds. Ambius therefore collaborated with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), led by Associate Professor Fraser Torpy.
For this innovative research, the Ambius LivePicture GO was used. This is a living wall picture with space for 4 plants. The chosen planting consisted of a specific mix of:
- Scindapsus aureus (devil’s ivy)
- Syngonium (arrowhead plant)
- Chlorophytum (spider plant)
During the test, nine of these living wall pictures were placed in separate, completely sealed rooms. Every hour for a duration of 8 hours, an ampoule containing a petrol-based chemical substance was introduced. These included substances such as alkanes, benzene, cyclopentane, thiols and alcohol. Every hour following the introduction, a gas chromatograph accurately analysed the remaining substances in the air.
The Highly Promising Results of the Test
The outcomes of the study are impressive. The more concentrated the toxins in the air were, the faster and more effectively the plants removed them. This demonstrates that plants actively adapt to the conditions in which they grow.
Plants filter pollutants from the air within just a few hours. Furthermore, they break down the most harmful substances in the most efficient manner. For instance, dangerous benzene is removed from the air more quickly than a less hazardous substance like alcohol.
Our Experience With Healthy Office Design
In our day-to-day operations, we see that these scientific results perfectly mirror reality. When our service technicians install plants in buildings, we notice an immediate positive change. From our practical experience, the air feels fresher and unpleasant odours disappear more rapidly.
Plants are much more than an attractive decoration for the working environment; they are essential for the well-being of your employees. They demonstrably contribute to better health, higher well-being and increased productivity.