Our environment becomes more polluted as we use more chemicals on a daily basis. As a result, we are now surrounded by various toxins that endanger our health in various ways.
Fortunately, getting rid of them isn’t difficult, and you can even do it while decorating your living and working space!
But we’re talking about indoor plants!
Plants are extremely beneficial to humans. They not only beautify our homes and gardens, but they also improve our physical and mental health.
Furthermore, plants use photosynthesis to convert carbon dioxide into fresh oxygen while also removing toxins from the air we breathe. They have the ability to filter substances that have been linked to negative health effects such as headaches, dizziness, eye irritation, and others.
Formaldehyde (upholstery, air fresheners, glues, and adhesives), benzene (insect sprays, furniture wax), xylene (leather, rubber, permanent markers), trichloroethylene (adhesives, cleaners – tool, carpet, aerosol), and toluene are examples of these (nail polish, paint, ink and stain removers).
The larger the leaf, the faster it cleans the air. Dr. Wolverton recommended fern and ivy plants because they cover the most surface area.
NASA also advised having at least one plant for every 100 square feet (10 square meters).
According to the NASA Clean Air Study, the following are the 12 most powerful:
- Spider plant
This plant cleans the air from formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. The NASA study found that it eliminated 95% of formaldehyde from a sealed plexiglass chamber.
2. Ivy in English
It is ideal if you work with keratin-containing products such as perms, hair coloring, nail polish, and nail polish hardeners because it eliminates trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene. Place it in a low-light area and water it on a regular basis.
3. Boston Fern
The Boston fern is ideal for the bathroom because the moisture keeps it hydrated. It removes xylene and formaldehyde from the air.
4. Red-edged dracaena
Make sure you get this plant before you renovate your home. It purifies the air by removing trichloroethylene, which is commonly found in home improvement products.
5. Peace lily
Peace lilies absorb mold spores and filter the air by transporting water from their roots to their leaves and releasing moisture into the environment, a process known as transpiration.
6. Flamingo lily
Apart from being visually appealing, this plant will also purify the air by removing formaldehyde, ammonia, toluene, and xylene. Keep in mind that it should be kept away from children and pets.
7. Chinese evergreen
This plant would look fantastic on your desk. It filters out formaldehyde and benzene, but because it is toxic, it should be kept away from children and pets.
8. Weeping fig
If you place it in an area that gets direct sunlight, you won’t have to worry about formaldehyde, xylene, or toluene in the air.
9. Bamboo palm
The bamboo palm purifies the environment by removing benzene and formaldehyde. Place it in a sunny location, fertilize it once a month, and mist it frequently.
10. Devil’s ivy (Money plant)
If you’re new to gardening, this is a great place to start. It does not require much light and can be watered on occasion. Nonetheless, this plant will clean the air of benzene, formaldehyde, and xylene.
11. Snake plant
This is an excellent plant for the bathroom or bedroom. During the night, it emits oxygen and filters formaldehyde from cleaning products, hair dyes, toilet paper, and other products.
12. Gerbera
Its green leaves clean the air of formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, while its colorful flowers add color to the space!
Sources:
www.goodhousekeeping.com
www.boredpanda.com
www.lovethegarden.com
