You may not often think about air pollution in your home if you live outside of an urban or suburban area. But toxins from dust, home appliances, finishes, cleaning products, and more can all be introduced into your homes’ atmosphere. Some examples include ammonia, carbon monoxide, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene, and formaldehyde.
That list can look pretty scary. And if your home isn’t well ventilated, you could experience some health problems. Respiratory conditions, allergies, and more can all make it difficult to breathe and lead to further, potentially more threatening conditions.
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There is, however, a practical and useful way to fight back: houseplants. In 1989, NASA researchers released a study indicating that houseplants could fight back hard and eliminate the airborne chemicals listed above. These natural air purifiers could be the perfect tool to keep the air in your home fresh, breathable, and safe.
Some of the houseplants that can have significant benefits include:
- Snake Plant (aka Mother-in-Law’s Tongue)
- English Ivy
- Peace Lily
- Spider Plant
- Golden Pothos (aka Devil’s Ivy)
- Dragon Tree
- Chinese Evergreen
- Chrysanthemums
Most of these plants can grow and thrive with little work, varying temperatures, and little exposure to direct sunlight. Of course, they all have slightly different maintenance protocols, but you can learn them once you buy. It’s also important to consider which type(s) to get, because some can be toxic to pets. A few can also make humans feel ill, but only if swallowed or hands aren’t washed after touching.
NASA outlines that to get maximum air purification, having two or three eight-to-ten-inch pots every 100 square feet is recommended. And it’s possible that in addition to making the air cleaner, the plant life may also promote better mood, energy levels, and memory, while working to reduce fatigue.
Devon Andre has been involved in the health and dietary supplement industry for a number of years. Devon has written extensively for Bel Marra Health. He has a Bachelor of Forensic Science from the University of Windsor, and went on to complete a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh. Devon is keenly aware of trends and new developments in the area of health and wellness. He embraces an active lifestyle combining diet, exercise and healthy choices. By working to inform readers of the options available to them, he hopes to improve their health and quality of life.
