Breathe Easy With Air-Purifying Houseplants

All plants purify the air we breathe, but a study conducted by NASA back in 1989 found that some houseplants are more effective at removing specific harmful toxins than others. As plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen, they also filter other molecules and particles that we humans would rather not be around. The NASA Clean Air Study revealed that having 1 medium-sized houseplant for every 100 square feet of a home or office will effectively remove a significant number of air pollutants. Some of these pollutants may be familiar to you, while others you may find surprising. The severity of adverse health effects depends on how long you’re exposed to harmful substances as well as their potency. Below are some of the toxins that may be in the air you’re breathing, as well as the houseplants that can help you get rid of them.

FORMALDEHYDE

A colorless, strong-smelling gas, formaldehyde is used in the production of many building materials and household products. Items such as waxed papers, facial tissues, paper towels, particle board, plywood panelling, paper bags, and synthetic fabrics may contain varying amounts of formaldehyde. The effects of exposure to humans can include irritation to the mouth, nose and throat, and possibly swelling of the lungs.Plants that are especially effective at filtering out formaldehyde from the air are:Areca Palm Dypsis lutescensBoston Fern Nephrolepsis exaltataEnglish Ivy Hedera helixSpider Plant Chlorophytum comosumPothos Epipremnum aureumPeace Lily Spathiphyllum ‘Mauna Loa’Flamingo Lily Anthurium andraeanumChinese Evergreen Aglaonema modestumSnake Plant Sansevieria trifasciataSelloum Philodendron Philodendron bipinnatifidumRed-edged Dracaena Dracaena marginata

BENZENE

One of the most widely used chemicals in the United States, benzene is a colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet scent. Often, it is found in resins, plastics, rubber lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs, synthetic fibers, and pesticides. Furniture wax, paint, glue, tobacco smoke, and vehicle exhaust can also contain benzene. Short-term exposure can result in health problems, such as drowsiness, dizziness, eye irritation, heart problems, headaches, confusion, and in severe cases, unconsciousness.NASA found that the following houseplants are effective filterers of benzene:English Ivy Hedera helixPothos Epipremnum aureumPeace Lily Spathiphyllum ‘Mauna Loa’Chinese Evergreen, Aglaonema modestumSnake Plant Sansevieria trifasciataRed-edged Dracaena Dracaena marginataChrysanthemum Chrysanthemum morifoliumAloe Vera Aloe veraDracaena Janet Craig Dracaena deremensisDracaena Warneckeii Dracaena deremensis

XYLENE

With several million tons produced annually worldwide, xylene is an aromatic hydrocarbon widely used as an industrial solvent. The petrochemical is used in the paint, leather, rubber, and printing industries, and is also found in vehicle exhaust. Health problems that may develop from short-term exposure include dizziness, headaches, confusion, mouth and throat irritation, liver or kidney damage, heart problems, or coma.Houseplants that are useful removers of xylene are:Areca Palm Dypsis lutescensBoston Fern Nephrolepsis exaltataEnglish Ivy Hedera helixSpider Plant Chlorophytum comosumPothos Epipremnum aureumPeace Lily Spathiphyllum ‘Mauna Loa’Flamingo Lily Anthurium andraeanumSnake Plant Sansevieria trifasciataRed-edged Dracaena Dracaena marginataWeeping Fig Ficus benjaminaChrysanthemum Chrysanthemum morifoliumDumb Canes Dieffenbachia spp.Moth Orchids Phalaenopsis spp.

TRICHLOROETHYLENE

Widely used as a solvent in industrial manufacturing, trichloroethylene (TCE) is also found in household products, such as paints, lacquers, varnishes, adhesives, paint removers and strippers, and printer inks. It is a colorless liquid with a sweet smell that evaporates quickly. Symptoms that may occur from short-term exposure include dizziness, excitement, headache, nausea, and vomiting, followed by drowsiness and coma.The NASA Clean Air Study found that these houseplants are helpful at removing TCE from the air we breathe:English Ivy Hedera helixPeace Lily Spathiphyllum ‘Mauna Loa’Snake Plant Sansevieria trifasciataRed-edged Dracaena Dracaena marginataCorn Plant Dracaena fragransBarberton Daisy Gerbera jamesoniiChrysanthemum Chrysanthemum morifoliumDracaena Janet Craig Dracaena deremensisDracaena Warneckeii Dracaena deremensis

AMMONIA

A compound of nitrogen and oxygen, Ammonia is a colorless gas with a pungent smell found in many household products. Window cleaners, floor waxes, fertilizers, and smelling salts can contain ammonia. Short-term exposure can result in coughing, eye irritation, and sore throat.Houseplants that remove ammonia from the air include: Peace Lily Spathiphyllum ‘Mauna Loa’Flamingo Lily Anthurium andraeanumChrysanthemum Chrysanthemum morifolium

Check out all the air-purifying houseplants currently available at PlantShed here!