Combat Indoor Air Pollution with These 5 Hardy Air Purifying Plants

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Not everyone was born with a green thumb and a knack for taking care of houseplants.                                                                  Thankfully, there are several popular plants that require very little maintenance to thrive                                                            indoors. One of the easiest and most natural ways that you can combat indoor air pollution                                                                is by purchasing several of these low maintenance houseplants and placing them                                                                              in various rooms throughout your home.

These five plants are easy to care for and will work around the clock to help clean                                                                          your home air by removing toxic pollutants:

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Spider Plants

Spider plants have a reputation for being easy to maintain. They also are great at                                                                                removing formaldehyde, which is one of the most commonly found indoor air                                                                                        pollutants. Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen; it can cause nasal and eye irritation,                                                        increased risk of asthma and allergies, and neurological effects. It is found in                                                                                  numerous household products such as: paint, drywall, adhesives,                                                                                                  cosmetics, disinfectants, wood laminate flooring and furniture, and cigarette smoke.

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Peace Lilies

Peace lilies are another hardy plant effective in removing formaldehyde from the air

along with the chemical benzene. Benzene is commonly found in exhaust from

vehicles, detergents, cigarette smoke, building materials, furniture, as well as heating

and cooking systems. Exposure to small levels of benzene may cause dizziness,

headaches, confusion, and unconsciousness. Benzene is also considered to be a

known carcinogen.

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Boston Ferns

Boston ferns help filter out formaldehyde and xylene from the air. Xylene is a

poisonous solvent used in paints, nail polish, lacquers, adhesives, rust preventers,

thinners, gasoline, and permanent magic markers. Exposure to this chemical

may cause dizziness, headache, nausea, and throat irritation. Long term exposure or

exposure to larger

amounts can result in liver damage, unconsciousness, and respiratory failure.

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Snake plants

Snake plants are another low maintenance plant. They are effective in removing

formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, and trichloroethylene from your indoor air.

Trichloroethylene can be found in wood stains, varnishes, finishes, lubricants,

adhesives, paint removers, degreasers, and cleaners. It is a known carcinogen

that may cause genetic defects and central nervous system damage. Exposure to

lesser amounts of this chemical may cause throat irritation, headache, nausea, dizziness

and confusion.

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Bamboo palms

Bamboo palms require minimal sunlight and water but will grow larger when

placed in direct sunlight. They have been proven to successfully remove

formaldehyde, xylene, and trichloroethylene from the air.

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