Air pollution is a complex soup of chemicals and molecules most of us breathe in daily without knowledge. The common ‘ingredients’ that make up the huge cauldron of ‘soup’ include particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). Being a bustling metropolis, Singapore is not spared from air pollution as well. In particular, we see one of the highest levels of PM2.5 in our atmospheric air. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are often released from vehicles and utilities such as air-conditioning and they remain in the atmosphere for a long period of time. It is thus very likely that these tiny particulates enter our respiratory systems and stay there, resulting in respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis.

However, plants have the ability to absorb gaseous pollutants and in turn, purify atmospheric air. They release oxygen via photosynthesis, leaving our air healthier and fresher than before. Plants and greenery thus provide us with higher-quality air and can aid in combating air pollution in urban areas.

 

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