Breathe Easier with Purifying PlantsBy Susan McGinnis
Most spring cleaning sweeps focus on common culprits like dust, mold and grime, but overlook indoor air quality. Everything from carpets and wooden furniture to plastic bags and gas cookers can release a variety of undesirable chemicals into the air. In fact, the EPA estimates indoor air can be up to 10 times more polluted than outdoor air.
In addition to reducing the number of items that release chemicals into the air in your home, try bringing a piece of nature inside. Research shows many easy-to-find household plants can actually help clean the air of toxic gases and chemicals. Estimates say 15 to 20 of these pollution-eaters can purify the interior of a typical 1,800 square foot house. These plants generally live year-round, are easy to care for, and can be found at your local plant shop or some major retailers.
Living Air Purifiers
These three chemicals are commonly found in household air, but you can help avoid them by enlisting some of the plants to the left. Follow the letters to find out which plants combat the airborne culprits.
PLANT:
spider plant
ficus
aloe vera
bamboo palm
English ivy
chrysanthemum
gerbera daisy
Dracaena "Janet Craig"
Dracaena "marginata"
snake plant (“mother-in-law’s tongue”)
Peace Lily |
CLEANS THE AIR OF:
carbon monoxide, formaldehyde
formaldehyde
formaldehyde
trichloroethylene, benzene, formaldehyde
benzene
benzene, trichloroethylene
trichloroethylene, benzene
trichloroethylene, formaldehyde
trichloroethylene, formaldehyde
benzene, formaldehyde
trichloroethylene, benzene, formaldehyde |
Major Offenders
| CHEMICAL |
FOUND IN: |
EFFECTS: |
| Benzene |
tobacco smoke, paint |
dizziness, headaches, eye and skin irritation, respiratory problems |
| Formaldehyde |
permanent-press clothing, paint, draperies, some paper products, carpeting, pressed-wood furniture |
burning sensation in eyes and throat, nausea, difficulty breathing |
| Trichloroethylene |
printing inks, paints, lacquers, varnishes, adhesives |
irritation of nose and throat, dizziness, headaches |
|
