Houseplants That Clean The Air
Did you know that indoor air pollution is probably the most dangerous to your health? It especially affects young children who spend most of their time indoors. In fact, indoor air toxicity is often up to twice that of outdoor, which can lead to asthma, headaches, allergies, hormone imbalances and other health problems.
What you use on a daily basis directly affects the air you breath inside.
- cleaning products
- makeup
- carpets
- synthetic fragrances
- smoking
- Dust
- mold
- dry cleaned clothes
- furniture
- paints
- computers
These pollutants all let off poisonous chemicals and gasses. The good news is that you can actually control indoor air quality and even refresh it with certain plants that have been proven effective at doing so. NASA studies have demonstrated that having ample plants indoors can detoxify up to 85 percent of indoor air pollution. At the end of the 80’s, NASA was looking for plants to purify the air in their space facilities. So they conducted the study which took 15 plants and examined their ability to remove three common indoor pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene from the air.
The way these plants work is they filter air by removing formaldehyde, benzene, carbon monoxide and trichloroethylene. Unfortunately, most homes contain these toxic substances.
Best Plants to Grow Indoors for Air Purification
Areca Palm
The Areca Palm is one of the most popular plants. It is suitable for the indoor environment; it releases a large amount of moisture into the air. The Areca Palm is rated among the most effective houseplants at removing indoor toxins. It removes CO2 and converts it into oxygen. Ideally, you will need about four shoulder-high plants per person…. Make sure to wipe the leaves every day. (you can find areca palm here)
Mother-in-law’s Tongue
Snake or Mother-in-law’s Tongue is also a very common plant. It is also known as “the bedroom plant” as itconverts CO2 into oxygen during the night. The plant also filters formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene and benzene from the air . You would need six to eight waist-high plants per person.
Gerbera Jamesonii (Gerbera Daisy)
The Gerbera Daisy is a well known decorative plant. It is not only very pretty, but it’s air filtering properties are impressive. It is effective at removing benzene and trichloroethylene from the air. Like Mother-in-law’s Tongue, this plant continues releasing oxygen all through the night to help you breath and sleep better. If you suffer from asthma this plant is a great fit for you.
NASA suggests that you maintain 15 plants for a 2,000 square-foot home. Besides using these plants to remove indoor toxins, you still need to take the necessary steps to reduce the amount of toxic chemicals you bring in your home.
Article originally published on LivingTraditionally.com
