OpenCourser brand icon
Sign in
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Udemy logo

Indoor Air Pollution

Ways to improve indoor air quality

4.2 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Based on 26 ratings
see reviews
Roohi Bansal, Ph.D.

This course is designed to provide you a thorough knowledge about the ways to combat the increasing indoor air pollution. This course focuses on providing detailed knowledge about the various indoor plants suggested by scientists from NASA and other research institutes that can purify indoor air, including their basic requirements like water requirements, light conditions, temperature, humidity, and soil etc.

Read more

This course is designed to provide you a thorough knowledge about the ways to combat the increasing indoor air pollution. This course focuses on providing detailed knowledge about the various indoor plants suggested by scientists from NASA and other research institutes that can purify indoor air, including their basic requirements like water requirements, light conditions, temperature, humidity, and soil etc.

  • Keeping your lovely pets in mind, the course also distinguishes these air purifying indoor plants based on their toxicity for pets

  • Beginners or people who don’t have a green thumb will get to know about the hardy and low maintenance air purifying plants that they can bring home

Indoor air at your homes, offices, schools etc is 2-5 times more polluted than the outdoors. And on an average, we spend 90% of our time indoors. Therefore, you can imagine how much critical it is to combat this menace for our health and wellbeing. You will learn how and what are those common household items that are responsible for degrading the indoor air quality of our house. The course also includes suggestions on how to ward off indoor pollution by using some of the simple, inexpensive and natural preventive measures.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Proper knowledge about air purifying indoor plants
  • How certain indoor plants purify air
  • Indoor air purifying plants that are toxic to pets
  • Indoor air purifying plants that are safe for pets
  • Low maintenance indoor air purifying plants
  • Houseplants that can survive in low light
  • Other benefits of indoor plants
  • Requirements of these air purifying houseplants for their proper growth
  • Ways to get rid of fungus gnats, aphids and other houseplant pests
  • Household items that are responsible for indoor air pollution
  • Ways to combat indoor air pollution in simple, inexpensive ways
  • Show more
  • Show less

Syllabus

Introduction
Welcome to the course
Indoor Pollution: Sources and Preventive Measures
Air Fresheners
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides practical knowledge about selecting and caring for air-purifying plants, empowering individuals to create healthier living spaces by mitigating indoor air pollution effectively
Distinguishes air-purifying indoor plants based on their toxicity to pets, enabling pet owners to make informed choices that prioritize the safety and well-being of their animals
Highlights hardy and low-maintenance air-purifying plants, making it accessible for beginners or those without a green thumb to successfully incorporate plants into their homes
Examines common household items that degrade indoor air quality, raising awareness about potential health hazards and empowering individuals to make informed choices for a healthier home environment
Suggests simple, inexpensive, and natural preventive measures to combat indoor air pollution, making it accessible for individuals to improve their indoor air quality without significant financial investment
Explores the requirements of air-purifying houseplants for their proper growth, including water, light, temperature, humidity, and soil, which is useful for plant enthusiasts

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Practical guide to improving indoor air quality

According to learners, this course offers a highly practical approach to improving indoor air quality, primarily focusing on the role of air purifying indoor plants. Students particularly valued the detailed information on specific plants, including NASA suggested lists, pet toxicity warnings, and recommendations for low maintenance options. The course also covers common household pollution sources and provides simple, inexpensive preventive measures. Reviewers found the content easy to understand and implement, making it suitable for beginners or those seeking actionable steps rather than deep scientific theory.
Content is accessible for beginners
"This course is perfect for beginners who want to learn about air purification through plants."
"I had no prior knowledge about this topic, but the course was very easy to follow."
"Doesn't get overly technical, making it accessible to a wide audience."
Highlights plants toxic to pets
"The section on pet-safe plants was invaluable for me as a pet owner."
"Knowing which air-purifying plants are toxic is crucial, this was a great addition."
"Really appreciated the clear distinction between toxic and non-toxic options."
Provides simple, inexpensive steps
"The practical tips for reducing indoor pollution were very helpful and easy to implement."
"I learned about common household items contributing to poor air quality that I hadn't considered."
"Offers great, low-cost ways to improve the air in my home immediately."
"The preventative measures section was highly actionable and useful."
Detailed info on air purifying plants
"The lists of air purifying plants were exactly what I was looking for."
"I found the information on NASA's plant study fascinating and very useful."
"It's great to have a comprehensive list of plants that can help improve air quality."
"I appreciated learning about the specific requirements for each plant."
Less focus on scientific mechanisms
"I was hoping for a bit more scientific explanation on *how* the plants purify air."
"Doesn't go into deep detail on the chemistry of indoor pollutants."
"More geared towards practical tips than the underlying science."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Indoor Air Pollution: Ways to improve indoor air quality with these activities:
Review Basic Botany
Reviewing basic botany concepts will provide a stronger foundation for understanding how plants purify air and their specific needs.
Browse courses on Plant Biology
Show steps
  • Review the basic parts of a plant and their functions.
  • Study the processes of photosynthesis and transpiration.
  • Learn about different plant classifications and families.
Volunteer at a Local Botanical Garden
Volunteering at a botanical garden will provide hands-on experience with plant care and expose you to a wider variety of plant species.
Show steps
  • Contact a local botanical garden or plant nursery.
  • Inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Participate in plant care activities.
  • Learn from experienced gardeners and horticulturists.
Read 'How to Grow Fresh Air' by B.C. Wolverton
Reading this book will provide a deeper understanding of the specific plants recommended for air purification and the scientific basis behind their effectiveness.
View How to Grow Fresh Air: 50 House Plants that... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'How to Grow Fresh Air'.
  • Read the introduction and understand the NASA research.
  • Study the profiles of the 50 recommended plants.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Presentation on Indoor Air Pollution
Creating a presentation will help you synthesize the information learned in the course and communicate it effectively to others.
Show steps
  • Research the sources and effects of indoor air pollution.
  • Summarize the benefits of using indoor plants for air purification.
  • Select visually appealing images and graphics.
  • Practice your presentation skills.
Review 'Interior Plantscapes' by George H. Manaker
Reviewing this book will provide a broader understanding of interior plant care and help you create a healthy environment for your air-purifying plants.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Interior Plantscapes'.
  • Focus on chapters related to plant selection and maintenance.
  • Take notes on key concepts and techniques.
Create a Plant Care Guide
Creating a plant care guide will solidify your understanding of the specific needs of air-purifying plants and help you apply the knowledge gained in the course.
Show steps
  • Choose 5-10 air-purifying plants from the course.
  • Research the specific care requirements for each plant.
  • Compile the information into a user-friendly guide.
  • Include information on watering, light, soil, and pest control.
Design an Indoor Air Purification System
Designing an air purification system will allow you to apply your knowledge of plants and indoor air pollution to create a practical solution.
Show steps
  • Assess the air quality in a specific indoor space.
  • Select plants based on their air-purifying abilities and needs.
  • Plan the placement of plants for optimal air circulation.
  • Create a maintenance schedule for the plants.

Career center

Learners who complete Indoor Air Pollution: Ways to improve indoor air quality will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Indoor Environmental Consultant
An Indoor Environmental Consultant assesses the air quality of indoor spaces and suggests ways to improve them, and this course is directly relevant. This role involves testing air quality, identifying sources of pollutants, and advising clients on mitigation strategies. The course provides a solid foundation in understanding indoor air pollutants, their sources, and inexpensive ways to combat them. The knowledge provided on air purifying house plants is particularly useful for naturally improving air quality. Anyone who wishes to become an indoor environmental consultant may find this course to be helpful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Indoor Environmental Consultant
Public Health Educator
A Public Health Educator develops and implements programs to promote healthy behaviors, and this course may be relevant. This role includes educating the public on health issues and promoting strategies for prevention. This course provides knowledge about the health impacts of indoor air pollution, and methods to improve indoor air using plants. A Public Health Educator will be able to use this information to implement programs designed to improve the health outcomes of vulnerable populations affected by air pollution. Anyone wishing to work as a public health educator may find this course useful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Educator
Air Quality Analyst
An Air Quality Analyst collects and analyzes air samples to measure pollutants. This role involves using specialized equipment for measuring air pollution. The course's details on the sources of indoor pollution and their impact on health give one a strong background in this field. The course also provides knowledge about how plants can improve air quality, which may be useful in a data analysis setting. Those looking to become Air Quality Analysts may find this course helpful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Air Quality Analyst
Environmental Health Specialist
An Environmental Health Specialist works to protect communities from hazards by assessing and mitigating risks, and this course may be useful to those interested in indoor environmental quality. This role often involves investigating sources of pollution, recommending preventative measures, and educating the public. The course focuses on sources of indoor pollution, like construction materials, cleaning products, and radon, and thus helps one to understand the factors that contribute to poor air quality. The course may be useful for understanding simple and cost effective ways to combat indoor air pollution.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Health Specialist
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
An Occupational Health and Safety Specialist develops and implements programs to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses, and this course may be helpful. This role often involves identifying potential hazards and recommending preventative measures. The course details many ways that indoor air can be polluted, and also outlines how to use inexpensive ways to improve the indoor environment. This course contains relevant information for an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist looking to understand the effects of indoor air quality in the workplace.
See salaries and explore the career path for Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
Research Scientist
A Research Scientist conducts experiments and studies to advance knowledge in a particular field, and this course may be relevant for those who study environmental science or botany. This role typically requires an advanced degree. The course touches on the scientific background of how indoor air pollution is created and also how plants clean air. The course’s information on houseplants may be useful to scientists who wish to study this topic. This course may be helpful to scientists seeking a background on natural air purification.
See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist
Health and Wellness Coach
A Health and Wellness Coach guides clients towards improved health through lifestyle changes, and this course may be relevant. This role includes providing guidance on environmental factors that may impact well-being. The course provides background on the negative health impacts of poor indoor air quality, as well as inexpensive ways to mitigate pollution; this information can help a coach give practical advice to clients. The course’s discussion of air purification through plants may be useful to those looking to enter this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health and Wellness Coach
Horticultural Therapist
A Horticultural Therapist uses plants and gardening-related activities to improve the mental and physical well-being of individuals, and this course may be useful. This role involves designing therapeutic programs. The course's content about the benefits of houseplants and the unique needs of different plants can be used in programs designed to help people. The course may be useful for understanding how plants contribute to a healthy indoor environment, which is an important consideration for this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Horticultural Therapist
Sustainability Consultant
A Sustainability Consultant helps organizations reduce their environmental impact, and this course may be helpful. This role often involves assessing a company's practices, recommending green initiatives, and creating sustainability reports. The course's content on the negative environmental impact of common household items, and the health benefits of indoor plants can assist consultants in advising companies on how to promote eco-friendly practices and create healthy work environments. This course may be useful to those who wish to promote sustainable practices.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant
Building Inspector
A Building Inspector examines buildings to ensure compliance with safety regulations and building codes, and this course may be helpful. While building inspectors usually focus on structural integrity, some may also be interested in air quality. This course provides detailed information about the kinds of household items that contribute to poor indoor air quality, which can be helpful for understanding potential hazards. The course may be useful to those who wish to understand the connection between the built environment and human health.
See salaries and explore the career path for Building Inspector
Interior designer
An Interior Designer plans and designs the interiors of buildings, and this course may be useful. While this role is often concerned with aesthetics, it may be useful to consider the health impacts of some design elements; the course provides information about how pollution is caused by building materials and other common household features. Additionally, the course details how to use plants to improve indoor air quality. This course may be useful to interior designers wishing to make healthy choices for their clients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Interior designer
Facilities Manager
A Facilities Manager oversees the maintenance and operation of buildings, and this course may be useful. This role involves ensuring that buildings are safe, efficient, and comfortable, which requires some familiarity with environmental issues. The course provides a basis for how to improve indoor air quality, as well as ways to combat indoor pollution using natural and inexpensive means. This course may be useful to those who want to understand the relationships between the built environment and human health.
See salaries and explore the career path for Facilities Manager
Urban Planner
An Urban Planner develops plans and programs for land use and development, and this course may be relevant. This role includes creating sustainable and healthy communities and requires some familiarity with environmental factors. The course's focus on the negative impacts of common household items that may impact community level pollution, as well as the course's focus on ways to mitigate pollution effects, are relevant to this role. Urban Planners may find this course to be helpful when deciding how to create healthier living spaces.
See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner
Landscape Architect
A landscape architect designs outdoor spaces. The course may be useful to a landscape architect who is interested in understanding how indoor spaces relate to the outdoors. The course will be useful to those who wish to understand what kinds of indoor plants may survive in low light and are typically safe for pets, in addition to other concerns relating to lighting and maintenance. This course may be useful for those who wish to consider how indoor and outdoor environments connect.
See salaries and explore the career path for Landscape Architect
Botanist
A Botanist studies plants, their classification, and their ecological relationships, and this course may be relevant. While the course focuses on a specific and narrow group of indoor plants, the course discusses in detail how plants process impurities in the air. This course also discusses the requirements of indoor plants such as watering, light, soil, and temperature. The course may be useful to a botanist who wants to learn about the details of indoor plant life.
See salaries and explore the career path for Botanist

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Indoor Air Pollution: Ways to improve indoor air quality.
Cover image
How To Grow Fresh Air
Save
Is based on NASA research and details the air-purifying capabilities of various houseplants. It provides specific information on which plants are most effective at removing common indoor pollutants. This book is highly relevant to the course as it directly expands on the types of plants discussed and the science behind their air-purifying abilities. It serves as an excellent reference for understanding the practical application of indoor plants for air quality improvement.
How to Grow Fresh Air: 50 House Plants that Purify...
Paperback
$$
How To Grow Fresh Air: 50 Houseplants That Purify...
Paperback
$$
How To Grow Fresh Air: 50 Houseplants To Purify...
Kindle Edition
$

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Reddit
X
Link
Email

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Indoor Air Pollution: Ways to improve indoor air quality.
Comfort in Buildings
Most relevant
Ventilation, Life Safety, and Smoke Extraction in...
Most relevant
Cutting-edge Technology in Air Conditioning System
Most relevant
How a Building is Designed and Built - Part 5 of 6
Most relevant
Net-Zero Building Fundamentals
Most relevant
Use Eco-friendly, Sustainable Design to Improve your Life
Most relevant
Keep Your Plants Alive - Houseplant Basics for Beginners
Most relevant
DIY Mold Inspection
Most relevant
Comfort and Health in Buildings
Most relevant

Udemy Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

Global Marketplace Leader
Free Trial & Audit

Free Lecture Previews

Free preview video lectures available for all courses; optional 7-day free trial on Personal Plan subscriptions (cancel before trial ends to avoid conversion).

Return & Refund Policy

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

30-day money-back guarantee on all eligible individual course purchases (provided course content has not been substantially consumed or downloaded). Subscription fees are non-refundable once billed.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

Lifetime access to purchased individual courses and future updates, verifiable certificate of completion, and direct student Q&A forums.

Key Purchase Protections
30-day 100% money-back guarantee on course purchases
Lifetime access on web, mobile, and offline
Certificate of completion included with purchase
Direct instructor Q&A and active student community
OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22
Course image
Rating
4.2 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Effort
1 total hour
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Roohi Bansal, Ph.D.
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides practical knowledge about selecting and caring for air-purifying plants, empowering individuals to create healthier living spaces by mitigating indoor air pollution effectively
Distinguishes air-purifying indoor plants based on their toxicity to pets, enabling pet owners to make informed choices that prioritize the safety and well-being of their animals
Highlights hardy and low-maintenance air-purifying plants, making it accessible for beginners or those without a green thumb to successfully incorporate plants into their homes
Examines common household items that degrade indoor air quality, raising awareness about potential health hazards and empowering individuals to make informed choices for a healthier home environment
Suggests simple, inexpensive, and natural preventive measures to combat indoor air pollution, making it accessible for individuals to improve their indoor air quality without significant financial investment
Explores the requirements of air-purifying houseplants for their proper growth, including water, light, temperature, humidity, and soil, which is useful for plant enthusiasts
Share this
Share to help others discover this course.
Facebook LinkedIn X Reddit Link Email
Begin learning today
Enroll now to gain full access to Indoor Air Pollution.
Enroll now
Save for later
Add this course to your list. Find it anytime.
Save
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser