Phytoremediation of Household Air Pollution: A Critical Review of Pollutant Sources, Health Impacts and Plant-Based Mitigation Strategies

Abstract

Household air pollution (HAP) affects about 2.45 billion people in developing countries. Burning kerosene, coal and biomass releases particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and recent fuel price rises have pushed some families back to these fuels. Paints, cleaning products, furnishings and office equipment add formaldehyde, benzene, toluene and xylene. Exposure links to asthma, COPD, lung cancer, cardiovascular disease and sick building syndrome. This review classifies indoor air quality parameters as physical, chemical and biological, describes major pollutant sources, and examines monitoring approaches, with attention to data gaps in India. It then explains how phytoremediation works through the plant-microbe-soil-air interaction, including enzyme activity, dry deposition and microbial VOC degradation in the rhizosphere and phyllosphere. Experimental studies report 81 to 96% formaldehyde removal by Epipremnum aureum within 24 h, 48 to 53% PM2.5 and PM10 removal by Chlorophytum comosum, and 88% TVOC removal by Areca palm over four months. Most results come from sealed chambers, which limits how far they apply to ventilated homes. Plants work best alongside source control, ventilation and clean cooking fuels.