Air Pollution and Indoor Agriculture: Airborne Threats to Plants and Your Profits
Indoor agriculture is a highly scientific process that requires attention to light and nutrients – but it’s just as important to focus on healthy air quality. Dr. Mark Ereth, SecureAire’s Chief Medical Officer, recently reviewed the science on the risks to plants grown indoors from poor air quality. Although many people believe indoor air is safe to breathe for people and plants alike, pollution can accumulate in indoor spaces at levels two to five times the rate of the outdoor air.
Air pollution comes in many forms, including:
Dangerous chemical substances including ozone, carbon monoxide; sulfur dioxide from burning coal, diesel, and oil; and nitrogen oxides, which are highly reactive gasses.
Particulates – These are tiny particles which linger in the air, ultimately settling on leaves. When these particles land on plants, they inhibit growth, hinder photosynthesis, and can even be absorbed by the plants, compromising food safety.
Volatile organic compounds – VOCs are airborne chemicals that come from biological sources, which can inhibit plant reproduction.
PFAS – Also known as “forever chemicals” because of their natural inability to break down, these substances are found throughout the ambient air. These substances can land on soil where it can be absorbed through plants’ roots.
Risks to plants is a risk to your bottom-line
These many air pollutants damage leaves, alter plant respiration, and disrupt photosynthesis.
As any farmer knows, disrupting the delicate growing process is bad for business. Poor air quality translates to reduced plant production, threats to food safety, and can even be harmful to the health of your workers.
Invest in SecureAire’s scientifically proven indoor air quality solutions
SecureAire’s ACTIVE Particle Control™ technology is scientifically proven to reduce the amount of air pollution indoors. In a live operating room setting, the technology was provento reduce particle counts by 95%.
Our technology has also been proven to increase plant yields in indoor agriculture setting. A SecureAire study conducted at an operational 100,000 square foot indoor cannabis growth facility contributed to a 40% increase in crop yield and reduced mold production.
Bottom-line: SecureAire’s cutting-edge air purification technology helps maximize your plant growth and protect against harmful particles.
