Indoor Plants and Air Quality
Most people do not grasp why they feel sick on a daily basis and why they develop symptoms that get worse over time. We hardly know what is inside our homes. There are a variety of houseplants that can help keep our homes air clean, pure and balance the indoor humidity. Not only do these plants soak up pollutants, they can also cleanse harmful gases out of the air we breathe.
Scientists have studied the air-purification abilities of indoor plants and have found that plants can absorb many other gases besides carbon dioxide, including volatile organic compounds. These volatile organic compounds and additional indoor air impurities have been associated with various serious conditions, including asthma and nausea, as well as recurring illnesses such as cancer and respiratory infections.
Indoor plants can eliminate impurities from the air we breathe by taking in these gases through their leaves and roots. The microbes that live in the soil of container plants also play a significant role in diffusing volatile organic compounds and additional pollutants. Leafy plants rather than woody ones offer the most cleaning power.
Air quality is exceptionally essential as we prepare to stay indoors for the next few months. Some plants that scientists have found to be most useful in removing VOCs include; Elephant Ear Philodendron, Spider plants, Bamboo Palm, Snake plant, English Ivy and Peace Lilies.
The elephant ear philodendron was discovered to be among some of the plants that function as air fresheners. This plant consumes unsafe gases and other toxins in the air and rejuvenates the general air quality. Elephant ear philodendrons are a low upkeep house plant and are a beautiful and decorative plant whether placed indoors or outdoors. Keep in mind that this plant is poisonous and should be kept out of reach of children and pets.
The Spider Plants are good at removing poisonous gases as well as other pollutants, like formaldehyde.The spider plant fights benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene. For the best results, it should be kept in the kitchen or near the fireplace, since these are the places where carbon monoxide can accumulate. NASA places the spider plant among the top three types of houseplants that are best at removing air impurities.
The Bamboo Palm is an ecological humidifier that can be helpful in areas where dry air is present. By bringing a bamboo plant into one’s home it will help to get rid of carbon monoxide, chloroform, xylene, benzene, and formaldehyde from the air.Bamboo Palm is at the top of the list of plants that are best suited for filtering out both benzene and trichloroethylene. They are also an excellent option for placing near furniture that could be off-gassing formaldehyde.
While most plants take away oxygen at night, the Snake plant gives off oxygen at night. It is recommended that you place this plan in your bedroom. You should have anywhere from six to eight plants per person for optimum oxygen creation. The plant also filters formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene, and benzene from the air. Do keep in mind that this plant is toxic and needs to be kept out of the reach of children and pets.
Despite having poisonous leaves, English Ivy is very popular and is well-matched for people with asthma and allergic conditions. Studies have found that the English Ivy decreases airborne fecal-matter particles that can be left by small rodents and bugs. It has also been shown to filter out formaldehyde found in household cleaning products. This plant has the amazing ability to remove benzene and formaldehyde and to off-gas various chemicals released by synthetic materials.
Peace Lilies have topped NASA’s list for removing all three of most common VOCs, formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene. They can also combat toluene and xylene. Peace lilies are an easy-to-care-for houseplant, and are excellent pollution fighters and air-purifiers. Peace Lilies are however very poisonous, do not leave in reach of children or pets, especially cats.
If you are looking to clean the air in your home you may want to consider placing a few of these plants around your home. Not only will they bring the garden indoors, but they will also help keep the air you and your family breathe healthier. Eliminating those VOCs in your home that can make you sick is a great start to a healthier you.
Servicing the Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson and surrounding Upstate areas, Carolina Air Care is your Air Quality Provider. Schedule online or call us at 864-895-9500 today.
