HOW CLEAN IS THE AIR QUALITY IN YOUR HOME?
ARE YOU UNKNOWINGLY EXPOSING LOVED ONES AND YOURSELF TO TOXINS THAT MAY BE AFFECTING YOUR OVERALL HEALTH?
WHAT IF YOU COULD OPTIMIZE ON FRESH AIR INSIDE YOUR HOME BY APPLYING ALL AVAILABLE AIR TREATMENT OPTIONS, INCLUDING USING HOUSEHOLD PLANTS THAT CLEAN THE AIR?
THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT USING A NATURAL ALTERNATIVE TO CLEAN YOUR HOUSEHOLD AIR AND REDUCE INDOOR AIR POLLUTION, CAN BE DONE EASILY AND AFFORDABLY.
In addition to having an air treatment system installed in your home (which includes a furnace air cleaner and air purifying system), you can also grow or purchase 7 household plants that clean the air of harmful toxins naturally.
Having these plants throughout your home to absorb pollutants and produce cleaner air is an added bonus, not just for your well-being, but also as a way to enhance your home’s decor and please your senses.
The benefits of having these 7 household plants include:
- air purification
- a boost of oxygen
- a special touch to your home decor
- color therapy
In September 1989, NASA, along with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA), published a report with a list of house plants considered to filter the air effectively. The list was compiled after NASA conducted the NASA Clean Air Study, which had examined common indoor plants that may provide a natural way of removing toxins (including household chemicals) from the air to help neutralize the effects of the condition called, Sick Building Syndrome.
According to research results, effective clean air can be achieved when there are several of these plants spread out in your home.
By aiding in removing harmful particles in the air, these household plants help decrease or alleviate allergy and asthma symptoms, and lessen the risk of certain health conditions that result from exposure to harsh chemicals, and possibly other relative illnesses.
Note that almost all indoor plants are able to purify indoor air in varying degrees. However, the following seven household plants offer the most beneficial solutions in natural air purification, while considered on the safer side for children and some pets. It is still recommended to keep plants out of children’s and pets’ reach, including observing children for any possible allergic symptoms to specific plants.
The below listed plants, when combined, with at least one plant and up to three in each room depending on the size of the area, are said to remove up to 90% of toxins in the air on a daily basis (including main toxins found in common household products and building materials – see list near bottom of page).
1 Boston Fern
- an efficient, natural general air purifier and humidifier; helps remove formaldehyde
2 Spider Plant
- a very resilient plant, helps remove formaldehyde, benzene, carbon monoxide and other toxins or impurities (considered among the top 3 types of houseplants by NASA)
3 Aloe Vera
- helps remove benzene and formaldehyde – toxins released from permanent-press fabrics, paints, cleaners and certain types of home insulation materials
4 Garden Mum
- helps filter out formaldehyde, ammonia, xylene and benzene from indoor air (considered the top air purifying plant by NASA’s researchers)
5 African Violet
- helps neutralize air pollutants such as formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and other toxins and chemicals
6 Jade Plant
- improves air quality by effectively clearing airborne toxins and increases oxygen
7 Christmas Cactus
- a forest cacti that helps improve indoor air quality
There are a few more plants that may offer more effective natural air purification; however, some are toxic to children and pets, if they touch them or get them into their mouth. If you have no children or pets that will be exposed, then you may want to consider the following list of plants as well:
- Peace Lily
- Snake Plant
- Gerbera Daisy
- Golden Pothos
Incorporate Nature’s creations to design a healthy and beautiful home.
Written by Nicole Casati
Do you have your own tips to share with us? CASATI HVAC would love to hear from you and learn more about new, innovative ways to create the perfect home experience.