Urban Gardening: Indoor Plans that Act as Powerful Air Purifiers

Ever heard of plants that fight indoor toxins and pollutants? Most people haven’t. But there are ways to remove hazards from your indoor environment like formaldehyde, airborne biological pollutants, carbon monoxide, pesticides, and radon — all of which can cause you to be sick with symptoms ranging from allergies, headaches, and fatigue through to nervous-system disorders, cancer, and even death. So if you, like most people, are spending lots of time indoors lately, take notice.

Last year NASA scientists identified 50 houseplants that remove many pollutants and gases such as those mentioned above. With assistance from the Associated Landscape Contractors of America, NASA conducted a 2-year study of the interaction between plants and air and found that houseplants, when placed in sealed chambers in the presence of specific chemicals, removed those chemicals from the chambers. The conclusion? Plants can clean pollutants in homes, offices, factories, and retail outlets. Remember — some plants and plant parts can be toxic, so keep them out of reach of children and pets.

The top indoor plants for removing formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from the air include the Areca Palm, the Lady Palm, the Bamboo Palm, the Rubber Plant, the Janet Craig, the popular Philodendron, the Dwarf Date Palm, the Ficus Alii, the Boston Fern (oh so popular in the ‘70s), and the Peace Lily, among others. Plants that produce oxygen 24 hours a day include Aloe Vera, Peepul, Snake plant, and the Areca Palm.

Snake plant

 

Plants are essential for purifying the air and affect overall health. So even if you’re not a “plant person” you probably should think about adding a few. Then breathe easier.

Source: HuffPost | EarthEasy