The Best Houseplants for a
Healthy Home
Houseplants appeal to us visually, but did you know that
adding plants to our decor improves the air quality and is healthier
for us too?
By Veronica Sliva
Research suggests that reducing pollutants in
our homes can be as simple as purchasing a few houseplants. The
findings of a two-year study by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space
Administration) concluded that plants provide a natural, cost
effective way to clean indoor air and combat "sick-building
syndrome". For example, in a 24-hour period, a spider plant can
remove 80 per cent of the formaldehyde pollutants from an enclosed
room.
A Little Botany
Virtually all plants are
powerful air cleaners. Carbon dioxide enters the leaves, and through
complex chemical reactions, the process of photosynthesis takes
place and oxygen is released into the air.
More simply put,
the plant acts as a filter by removing pollutants from the air and
replacing the air with oxygen in a more pure form. When airborne
pollutants interfere with the exchange of gases, symptoms such as
burning eyes, itchy throat or other respiratory problems begin to
appear.
The Pollutants and Their Antidotes
The
three harmful pollutants commonly found in today's homes are
benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene (TCE). It is estimated
that 15 to 20 of these houseplants can purify the interior of a
typical house of 1,800 square feet.
Here's the low down on
these pollutants and the plants that combat
them:
Benzene
Benzene is a commonly used solvent
and is found in tobacco smoke, gasoline, inks, oils, paint, plastic
and rubber. It's also used in the manufacture of detergents,
pharmaceuticals and dyes. Exposure to benzene can cause dizziness,
nervousness, headaches and anemia, and it irritates both the eyes
and skin.
Plants that remove benzene are: Gerbera Daisy,
Chrysanthemum, Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily), Chamaedorea sefritzii
(Bamboo Palm), Dracaena 'Warneckei', Hedera helix (English ivy) and
Sansevieria (Snake Plant).
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is found in virtually all indoor environments.
Its major sources include insulation, particleboard and paper
products. Many cleaning products also contain formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde irritates the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory
system and can increase risk of asthma.
Plants that remove
formaldehyde are: Chamaedorea sefritzii (Bamboo Palm), Dracaena
'Janet Craig', Sansevieria (Snake Plant), Dracaena Marginata,
Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily), Chlorophytum (Spider Plant), Epipiremnum
aureum (Golden Pothos) andPhilodendron scandens `oxycardium'
(Heartleaf Philodendron).
Trichloroethylene
(TCE)
Trichloroethylene has a wide variety of industrial uses. It
is used in inks, paints, varnishes and adhesives. According to the
National Cancer Institute, trichloroethylene is a carcinogen that
attacks the liver.
Plants that remove Trichloroethylene are:
Gerbera daisy, Chrysanthemum, Dracaena Marginata, Spathiphyllum
(Peace lily), Dracaena 'Janet Craig' and Chamaedorea (Bamboo
Palm).
See a list
of Purifying Plants.
