be easier than you thought. The National Aeronautics and Space
Administration conducted the NASA Clean Air Study to demonstrate the
effectiveness of particular plants to purify air.
As homes become more insulated and efficient, they also make it easier
to trap indoor air pollutants. Chemicals like benzene, formaldehyde, and
ammonia can come from household items and pollute your home’s
atmosphere without any visual warning.
Neglecting the quality of the air you breathe on a daily basis could result in serious consequences. Illness, allergies, asthma and
frequent headaches are just a few of many inconveniences that come from
airborne particles floating around your home. Air pollution is also one
of the reasons the can affect your digestive system.
There’s no need to dish out hundreds of dollars on expensive
appliances when you’ve got Mother Nature. According to NASA there are
plenty of plants that soak up harmful particles in the air and release
fresh oxygen – all while adding a decorative touch.
Where does it all come from?
One of the scariest things about indoor air pollution is the seemingly
harmless nature of its many sources. Listed below are some of the most
common ways a home can become polluted.
• Glues and Adhesives
• Carpets (especially new carpets)
• Chemicals in household cleaners (instead of using poisonous household cleaners you can make your own natural household cleaners)
• Foam insulation materials
• Paint
• Pressed-wood products (plywood, particle board, and medium-density fiberboard)
If plants are good enough for the pioneers of space travel than they
must be doing something right. They also might spark a new found hobby
of gardening as well! The plants listed below are 10 of the most
effective air filters Mother Nature has to offer.
1. English Ivy (Hedera Helix)
The English Ivy is ideal for pots because its invasive nature allows
it to spread easily. Research found it to be particularly useful in
eliminating airborne fecal-matter particles. The plant is also great for
a family with smokers in it. It’s ability to soak up carcinogens from
second-hand smoke helps to purify small areas. It’s also versatile when
it comes to growing conditions and doesn’t require much maintenance.
2. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)
NASA considered this plant one of the most effective choices for
eliminating formaldehyde. People that have struggled to keep plants
alive can rejoice – this one is incredibly hard to kill. It doubles as
an effective eliminator of carbon monoxide as well. The vines grow
fairly quickly and look great suspended from elevated areas.
3. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exalta Bostoniensis)
This lush plant functions really well as a natural air humidifier. While
it’s busy adding humidity to the environment it also does a great job
eliminating formaldehyde. Its large feathered ferns span as large as 5
feet and allow just a single plant to have a noticeable impact.
4. Dracaena (Dracaena Deremensis)
The long striped leaves of this plant can easily thrive indoors with
only small amounts of sunlight and moderate watering. It’s an excellent
way to eliminate trichloroethylene that comes from solvents and
varnishes. A single plant can grow over ten feet tall, but pruning will
keep it short if you prefer.
5. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea Elegans)
The Bamboo Palm can easily fit into smaller areas with indirect
lighting. NASA found it to be one of the best air filters for benzene
and trichloroethylene, and a great humidifier. This palm is a bit
smaller than others and easy to grow in shady areas. It releases a good
deal of moisture into the air and is considerably resistant to insect
infestation.
6. Dragon Tree (Dracaena Marginata)
This plant is a widely popular option for office spaces and homes for
its attractive look and effective purifying power. It pulls xylene – a
chemical released from car exhaust, paints, and cigarettes – from the
air with little need for maintenance. It can also be potted together and
trained to grow into a braid for visual appeal and added purification.
7. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The Peace Lily is one of the most visually appealing plants on the list
with its unique white flowers. It boasts one of the highest
transpiration rates on the list as well. Use it to remove
trichloroethylene, benzene, acetone, and alcohols from the air. Just be
cautious of the plants high toxicity and keep it out of reach of
children and pets.
8. Lady Palm (Rhapis Excelsa)
The Lady Palm requires a lot of watering during the spring and summer
but makes up for it with its heavy resistance to insects. The lush
leaves of this palm grow thick and with rich color without much effort.
Its said to be a versatile and effective filter for multiple indoor
pollutants.
9. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
The Spider Plant requires natural light but shouldn’t be exposed
directly to the sun. It thrives in moist environments with bi-weekly
watering and grows at impressive speeds. Owners prefer to place these
plants near the fireplace and kitchen where carbon monoxide may build.
10. Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata)
The Snake Plant is unique in that it sucks in carbon dioxide and
releases oxygen during the night. Many people chose to keep it in their
bedroom or carpeted living room. It’s simple to take care of and
prevents the formaldehyde that leaks from your carpet and wood furniture
from sticking around the air.
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