Researchers at the University of Manchester have discovered that balconies filled with greenery, climbing foliage, and pot plants can significantly decrease harmful air pollution. This pollution, stemming from traffic, dust, and industrial processes, can impact the health of urban residents.

Reducing Harmful Air Pollution

The study specifically highlights the impact on PM10, a type of microscopic pollution. When inhaled deep into the lungs, PM10 has been linked to serious health conditions such as asthma, lung disease, and heart problems.

According to the research, balconies featuring plants and flowers showed lower levels of PM10 98 per cent of the time compared to balconies that were bare or contained only a few pots. This reduction plays a vital role in mitigating urban environmental risks.

Meeting WHO Standards

The difference in air quality was particularly evident when compared to World Health Organisation (WHO) limits. On bare balconies, pollution levels exceeded these limits 16 per cent of the time.

In contrast, when greenery was allowed to flourish, levels exceeded WHO limits only 2 per cent of the time. Additionally, other pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide and ozone, were slightly lower on green balconies about half of the time.

Underutilized Urban Spaces

The study is the first to calculate the total space occupied by urban balconies, estimating the area is equivalent to the size of London's Hyde Park. Despite this vast potential, researchers found that 95.5 per cent of balconies had nothing visible growing on them.

Many balconies only featured "one or two" pot plants, and even among those categorized as greened, only 25 per cent of the area was actually planted. However, the greened balconies displayed significant biodiversity, featuring 152 different plant species, such as:

  • Petunias
  • Begonias
  • Nasturtiums
  • Tomatoes
  • Strawberries
  • Clematis

    • Environmental and Mental Health Benefits

    Beyond air purification, creating a "green oasis" offers several other advantages. Green balconies can provide shade and create cooler outdoor temperatures during the summer months.

    The presence of plants also provides a mental health boost for local residents. Dr. Andy Speak, who led the study published in the journal Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, expressed hope that more people would recognize the advantages of planting in their outdoor spaces.

    "Balconies offer important opportunities for urban residents to connect with nature as well as a range of other benefits for health and wellbeing," Dr. Speak stated. He noted that greened balconies are associated with lower pollutant concentrations and cooler summer environments.

    Dr. Speak also emphasized the "collective benefit" of urban greenery. He noted that the mental health advantages of viewing green balconies can be enjoyed by neighbors or visitors in a highly greened neighborhood, even if they do not personally own a balcony.