The Art of Healing ~ Houseplants that Clean the Air

In this life
Be kinder than necessary,
for everyone you meet is
fighting some kind of battle.

....Anonmyous

All about Kale

Healing with Nature

Many common indoor plants are a valuable tool against rising levels of indoor air pollution. Many of the the most popular plants in your office or home are not only decorative, but NASA scientists are finding them to be surprisingly useful in absorbing potentially harmful gases and cleaning the air inside modern buildings

A good rule of thumb is to have one plant for approximately 10 square yards of floor space, assuming average ceiling heights of 8 to 9 feet. This means that you will need two or three plants to contribute to good air quality for an average living space of about 20 to 25 square yards.

Ten House Plants that clean indoor air

The Peace Lily rids the air of the VOC benzene, a carcinogen found in paints, furniture wax, and polishes. It also absorbs acetone, which is emitted by electronics, adhesives, and certain cleaners.

The Lady Palm absorbs ammonia, an enemy of the respiratory system and a major ingredient in cleaners, textiles, and dyes.

The Snake Plant increases oxygen levels by helping lower carbon dioxide, as it rids the air of formaldehyde and benzene.

The Golden Pothos absorbs formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and benzene. You can place one in your mudroom or entryway, where car exhaust fumes heavy in formaldehyde are most likely to sneak indoors from the garage.

The Boston Fern absorbs formaldehyde, which is found in some glues, as well as pressed wood products, including cabinetry, plywood paneling, and furniture. (Some studies also show it can remove toxic metals, such as mercury and arsenic, from soil.)

The Spider Plant absorbs airborne formaldehyde and benzene molecules.

The Red-Edged Dracaena absorbs gases released by xylene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde, which can be introduced by lacquers, varnishes, and sealers.

The Wax Begonia filters out benzene and chemicals produced by toluene, a liquid found in some waxes and adhesives.

The English Ivy has dense foliage that excels at absorbing formaldehyde, which is out gassed from wood floorboard resins and synthetic carpet dyes.

Written by Pamela S. Robinson
© 2011 - 2012, All Rights Reserved

	The Peace Lily rids the air of the VOC benzene, a carcinogen found in paints, furniture wax, and polishes. It also absorbs acetone, which is emitted by electronics, adhesives, and certain cleaners.
	The Lady Palm absorbs ammonia, an enemy of the respiratory system and a major ingredient in cleaners, textiles, and dyes.
	The Snake Plant increases oxygen levels by helping lower carbon dioxide, as it rids the air of formaldehyde and benzene.
	The Golden Pothos absorbs formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and benzene. You can place one in your mudroom or entryway, where car exhaust fumes heavy in formaldehyde are most likely to sneak indoors from the garage.
	The Boston Fern absorbs formaldehyde, which is found in some glues, as well as pressed wood products, including cabinetry, plywood paneling, and furniture. (Some studies also show it can remove toxic metals, such as mercury and arsenic, from soil.)
	The Spider Plant absorbs airborne formaldehyde and benzene molecules.
	The Red-Edged Dracaena absorbs gases released by xylene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde, which can be introduced by lacquers, varnishes, and sealers.
	The Wax Begonia filters out benzene and chemicals produced by toluene, a liquid found in some waxes and adhesives.
	The English Ivy has dense foliage that excels at absorbing formaldehyde, which is out gassed from wood floorboard resins and synthetic carpet dyes.