These particulates can also clog stomatal pores, reducing gas exchange in the leaf. These effects are bad for plants. Cigarette smoke, and some other smokes, also contain tar which can clog stomatal pores. Particulate pollution in smoke can be harmful to humans as well. Plants can be used to cleanse the air.
Plants can also cleanse particulate and chemical pollutants from the air, protecting our health.
Plants with fuzzy leaves are most efficient at cleansing particulates from the air. NM 87112 Curtis W. Smith, Ph.D., is an Extension Horticulture Specialist with New Mexico State University's Cooperative Extension Service.