Air Cleaning Plants: Nature's Way to Rid Indoor Pollution

Air cleaning plants are natural defense tools against indoor air pollution. With today's energy efficient homes, office buildings, schools, and various indoor spaces, pollutants can become trapped inside, resulting in a condition called "sick-building syndrome."

If your home is older and drafty, you won't have this problem. Many of the items that we use every day are composed of synthetic materials that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air by a process called "off-gassing."

In our homes and offices we have vinyl wallpaper, carpeting and rug pads, insulation, laminated counters, veneer furniture, plywood, cleaning supplies, air fresheners, adhesives, printers and copy machines which are known to "off gas" toxins into the indoor environment.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the following toxic chemicals which are released are also classified as carcinogenic:

Benzene - found in nail polish, paints, solvents, and adhesives.

Tricloroethylene (TCE) - found in metal degreasers, paints, lacquers, varnishes and adhesives.

Formaldehyde - found in foam insulation, particle board or press wood products.

VOCs cannot be avoided because they are found in such a wide variety of the products in our indoor environment; however, you can take steps to make your air healthier with amazing air cleaning plants.

Researchers at the National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) found that many common houseplants and blooming potted plants fight indoor pollution. Plus, the soil and roots of these plants helped to remove air-borne pollutants by metabolizing them.

Peace lilies, chrysanthemums, and gerbera daises were effective in the removal of all three toxins. Since the other plants only removed one or two toxins, it is a good idea to have a variety of leafy green   cleaning plants to make up the difference.

It is recommended that you use at least 15 plants in 6 to 8-inch diameter containers to reduce the toxins in the average home (1,800 sq ft). Besides breaking down toxic chemicals in the atmosphere, plant leaves also clean the air by trapping dust.    Organic houseplants are an excellent choice because they are grown without thе uѕе оf сhеmiсаl реѕtiсidеѕ аnd fеrtilizеrѕ.

air cleaning plants

Air Cleaning Plants:

Plants breathe through the pores in their leaves. It is important that you keep the leaves free from dust and grime by occasionally washing them off. Clean plants perform better and contribute to more healthy environment.