Did you know that the air in your house is much more polluted then the air outdoors? Indoor pollution is one of the top-ranked health risks mentioned by the EPA (Environment Protection Agency).
Cleaning products and building materials can release very toxic chemicals (formaldehyde, for example) into the air in your house. Mold, pollen and bacteria can find their way indoors and stick to surfaces inside your home, especially when air is not circulated. A little known solution to the problem of impure air is houseplants. Here’s a list of easy-care houseplants that will improve your home’s air:
1. Garden Mum
This plant has been scientifically proven to be an air-purifying machine. It reduces ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and xylene in its surroundings.
This plant, with many variations, kills benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene in the air. However, they are not recommended for pet owners, as they are toxic for cats and dogs.
Ficus trees, the king of houseplants, can grow quite large and are heavy-duty purifiers; it can neutralize benzene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde from indoor air.
4. Peace Lily
The Peace Lily is a rugged plant with beautiful flowers, and kills ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene.
5. Snake Plant
Popular at offices, homes and restaurants because of their die-hard health and minimal water and light needs, these plants also remove benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and xylene from the surrounding air.
The exotically beautiful bamboo is ridiculously easy to grow, and neutralizes benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene.
The plant that you know as a natural cure for skin ailments also cleans indoor air.