3 PLANTS THAT IMPROVE AIR QUALITY IN YOUR HOME
If you're familiar with the famous NASA study that showed certain houseplants can remove toxins from the air, you may be considering increasing the greenery in your own home. Poor air quality has been linked to a range of health complaints, such as headaches, nasal stuffiness and fatigue. Some toxins commonly found in the home, such as formaldehyde, are also thought to contribute the development of certain types of cancer.
Many of the houseplants shown to improve air quality are easy to care for, so you don't need specialist knowledge to reap the benefits of investing in a few plants, and they have the added benefit of brightening up the room and improving the overall aesthetics of your home. Here's an overview of three plants that can improve the quality of air within your home:
Snake Plant
The snake plant, which is also known as mother-in-law's tongue, has long green leaves with yellow edges that point straight up. In addition to absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen, it also does a great job of removing benzene and trichloroethylene from the air. These toxins can be found in carpeting, cleaning products and adhesives, and they are thought to contribute to the development of headaches, eye irritation and respiratory conditions.
Spider Plant
The spider plant takes its name from the way its many slender green leaves project outward from the plant stalk. This plant is considered excellent at removing formaldehyde from the air, which is commonly found in cleaning products, furniture made of MDF, sealants and grout. Formaldehyde has been linked to the development of respiratory conditions and leukemia. The spider plant can cope well with high humidity, so it's ideal for kitchens and bathrooms, and it's also nontoxic to pets.
Peace Lily
The peace lily has striking white flowers and dark green waxy leaves that make it an elegant addition to any room. It can remove ammonia, benzene and formaldehyde from the air, so it's a good choice for rooms containing lots of plastics, detergents or oil-based paints. Additionally, it can absorb mold spores through its leaves and turn them into food to keep its root system healthy. Mold spores can contribute to respiratory irritation and fatigue, so if you've been tackling mold in your home, adding a few of these plants to problem rooms could help clean up the air.
These are just a few examples of plants that can benefit your living environment by improving air quality. Your local plant nursery can recommend plants to suit the style of your home, but if you have children or pets, always check your chosen plants are safe.