This startup is using plants to help toxic workplaces

Those of us who have endured toxic workplaces know to avoid them like the plague. But what if all we needed was a bit of greenery to feel better?

The startup Greenairy is developing smart plant towers that remove toxic gases from offices and other indoor spaces, per TechCrunch.

Just how bad is indoor air?

Not great:

• Indoor air can be 2-5x, even up to 100x, more polluted than outdoor air
• Americans spend ~90% of their time indoors
• Indoor pollutant concentrations have increased due to synthetic building materials and cleaners
• Can irritate eyes, nose, and throat and cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and worse

While air purifiers filter particulates like dust and pollen, many are less effective at removing formaldehyde, benzene and other volatile organic compounds (VOC). These VOCs contribute to the menacing-sounding "sick building syndrome" and other adverse health effects.

Greenairy's co-founders, Tanvi Thombre and Lakshya Saraf, were inspired to investigate the invisible risks of indoor air quality as engineering students after Thombre's friend was hospitalized after inhaling toxic fumes from laser cutters, soldering irons, and 3D printers.

Let it grow

There's debate over how effective plants are at removing VOCs, but NASA research shows that certain plants can make a difference. Harvard research also reveals that better air quality can improve productivity and cognitive function.

Rather than plopping down a bunch of plants, Greenairy plant towers draw in contaminated air through vents to the plants' root zone, where roots and microbes metabolize gases via phytoremediation, releasing purified air into the room.

The company conducted pilots in its Singapore offices and found that the tower reduced VOC levels by 50% — a greater and faster reduction than those achieved by a medical-grade ionizer and a HEPA air filter.

Bonus: employees enjoyed the plants' natural scent and vibe.

The pair plans to scale up manufacturing once results are certified by German firm TÜV SÜD.

Other startups clearing the air

• Neoplants bioengineered plants to purify air 30x better than conventional ones.
• Airy developed air-purifying pots for plants.
• The Sill installs massive plant displays in tech offices.
• Others are developing office air purifiers like Yoga and Zomato

So, plenty of ways to clear the air at the office — though we can't say the same for your toxic coworkers.