House plants that clean the air

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House plants that clean the air

_http://www.essortment.com/all/houseplants_rwhz.htm_

(http://www.essortment.com/all/houseplants_rwhz.htm)

Several varieties of common house plants can effectively remove harmful air

pollution including formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, and carbon

monoxide, from indoor environments.

 

Living plants add natural beauty to our homes and _workplaces_

(http://www.essortment.com/all/houseplants_rwhz.htm#) . Among the wide variety

of leaf

shapes and growth habits, there are plants to enhance almost any decor. But in

addition to their beauty, houseplants are also a valuable weapon against indoor

_air pollution_ (http://www.essortment.com/all/houseplants_rwhz.htm#) . They

can absorb harmful chemicals and improve air quality, making your home or

office a more pleasant place to live or work.

The most common harmful airborne chemicals found in the average home or

office are _formaldehyde_ (http://www.essortment.com/all/houseplants_rwhz.htm#)

,

benzene, trichloroethylene, and carbon monoxide. Even in low concentrations,

these chemicals can cause a variety of health problems.

Formaldehyde is found in virtually all indoor environments. It is used in

particle board or pressed wood products to make office or household furniture,

in many consumer paper products, in carpets, permanent-pressed clothes, water

repellents, and fire retardants. Other sources of formaldehyde include

natural gas, kerosene, and cigarette smoke. Formaldehyde irritates the

membranes

of the eyes, nose, and throat and can cause headaches and allergic dermatitis.

It is suspected of causing a rare type of _lung cancer_

(http://www.essortment.com/all/houseplants_rwhz.htm#) in cases of long-term

exposure.

Benzene is present in inks, oils, paints, plastics, and rubber. It is also

used in the manufacturing of detergents, dyes, and some pharmaceuticals. In

addition to irritation of the eyes and skin, chronic exposure to even low

levels of benzene causes headaches, loss of appetite, drowsiness, psychological

disturbances, and disease of the blood system, including anemia.

Trichloroethylene is used by the dry cleaning industry and in printing inks,

paints, varnishes, and adhesives. This chemical is considered to be a potent

_liver_ (http://www.essortment.com/all/houseplants_rwhz.htm#) carcinogen.

Carbon monoxide is found in cigarette smoke and is produced by the

incomplete combustion of fuel. Exposure to low levels can cause drowsiness and

headaches.

Researchers have identified several varieties of houseplants that excel in

removing these chemical pollutants from the air. The most effective in

removing formaldehyde were philodendron, spider plant, and golden pothos. Two

common

flowering varieties were the most efficient at removing benzene; these were

gerbera daisy and chrysanthemum (mum). The peace lily and the chrysanthemum

removed the highest percentage of trichoroethylene. Since all plants utilize

carbon in the process of producing new growth, all these varieties are

effective in removing low levels of _carbon monoxide_

(http://www.essortment.com/all/houseplants_rwhz.htm#) . Other varieties found to

be especially effective in

cleaning the air were English ivy, Chinese evergreen, bamboo palm, snake plant

(mother-in-law’s tongue), and several types of dracaena, including

marginata, corn plant, and Janet Craig. All plants produce oxygen through the

process

of photosynthesis. Thus any plants you choose, in addition to the varieties

named here, will increase the concentration of oxygen in their immediate

surroundings. In general, one large plant per 100 square feet of space is

sufficient to clean the air in an average home or office. A more heavily

_polluted_

(http://www.essortment.com/all/houseplants_rwhz.htm#) environment would

require a greater concentration of plants.

Most of these houseplants are relatively easy to grow in moderate to bright

indirect sunlight or under florescent lighting. Avoid windows or glass doors

where sunlight shines directly on the plants, except for flowering mums and

gerbera daisy, which thrive in sunlight. Ivy, palm, philodendron, spider

plant, and dracaena are all susceptible to spider mites. To prevent

infestations,

mist often and avoid hot, dry air. The pots may be set in trays of pebbles in

water to provide moisture around the plants. Make sure the bottoms of the

pots are above the level of the water. Beware of overwatering any plant, the

most common cause of houseplant deaths. Golden pothos, Chinese evergreen, and

snake plant should not be misted and should be allowed to dry out between

watering to keep the roots healthy.

How often you feed your plants depends on the type of food you use. Follow

directions on the _plant food_

(http://www.essortment.com/all/houseplants_rwhz.htm#) container. Always water

your plants with tepid water. If you use

chlorinated water, allow it to sit for at least 24 hours so the chlorine can

evaporate. If possible use rainwater or bottled (not demineralized) water.

To beautify your surroundings, and breathe a little easier, add several of

these living air cleaners to your home and work spaces. You will feel better

and make your indoor environments more pleasant for living and working.