Whether your house is old or new it could be contaminated with unhealthy and invisible toxins. Emissions from paint, plastics, carpet, cleaning solutions, and numerous building materials cause these toxins to accumulate inside. It’s especially important in the Seattle area, and other areas where windows and doors remain closed due to winter weather to filter your air. Contaminated air can cause many different vague and obscure symptoms such as allergies, sensory irritation of the eyes, nose, throat; neurotoxic or general health problems; skin irritation, non-specific hypersensitivity reactions; and odor and taste sensations.
Not to fret because as it turns out plants can filter your air as well if not better than electric air filters! NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America compiled the first list of air-filtering plants in 1989 as part of the NASA Clean Air Study; which researched ways to clean air in space stations. They found that plants have amazing air filtering capabilities!
Three major toxins found indoors are:
- Formaldehyde: carpets, upholstery, glues, and paint
- Benzene: in plastics, synthetic fibers, lubricants, rubber, and pesticides
- Trichloroethylene: in paint removers, rug cleaning solution, and adhesives
Mold, pollen, pet dander, and dust mites may contribute to the body’s increased toxic load when the above toxins are present.
Check out the list of six super plants that can help keep your air clean and breathable at home and in your office!
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) – Filters trichloroethyelene, ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, xylene and toluene
- Florists Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) Filters trichloroethyelene, ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, xylene and toluene
- Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum) Filters benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, xylene and toluene
- Variegated Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) Filters benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, toluene and benzene
- Red Edged Dracaena (Dracaena reflexa) Filters benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, toluene and benzene
- Flamingo Lily (Anthurium andraeanum) Filters formaldehyde, xylene, toluene and ammonia
The plants above give you the most filter for your buck but there are many more in addition to the above six that do a wonderful job as well.
- Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii) Filters formaldehyde, benzene, carbon monoxide, xylene, and chloroform
- Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.) Filters benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene
- Areca Palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens) Filters benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene
- Rubber Plant (Ficus elastic) Filters carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene
- Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) Filters benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene
How many plants does your house need?
- NASA researchers suggest efficient air cleaning is accomplished with at least one plant per 100 square feet of the home or office
- In a 2,000 square foot house, bring in 15-20 plants in 6 inch pots or larger. Rather than scattering single plants, create group displays in each room for a great look and maximum air quality. Adjust accordingly for larger or smaller homes.
Caution Tip: Make sure to ask which plants can be toxic to pets before your purchase.