Did you know that house plants are the most powerful means of airborne microbes elimination? In 1996 study conducted by Wolverton Environmental Services scientists proved that plants located in the bedroom reduce the number of microbes by 50%. Considering the fact that plants need only water to grow and purify air, they are not only effective, but also efficient, especially when compared with costly electric devices.
If you smoke you should be aware of the increased level of benzene in your surroundings. Pointed out as one of the human carcinogens, benzene is not only toxic to you, but also your family members, who do not smoke, but are present in the room during your smoking routine. To fight with this dangerous substance you can equip your living space with Chrysanthemum, English ivy, lady palm, Peace Lily, bamboo palm, rubber plant or mother-in-law’s tongue, because all those plants are best natural tools to help in reduction of benzene in the air.
The best plants to fight with excessive amounts of formaldehyde are Heart Leaf Philodendron, Boston fern, bamboo palm, date palm tree, Areca palm tree and Dracaena deremensis “Janet Craig”. Formaldehyde was identified as one of human carcinogens, according to US National Toxicology Program, and its presence in the air should be maximally reduced to keep the air in household pure and safe.
However remember that plants can only remove chemicals and do nothing for dust. If you want to look at an air purifier review that looks at machines that clean dust in combination with plants then be sure to check out my other blog.
If you want to reduce the amount of carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide in your home or office spider plant is the perfect choice, as it takes only 24 hours to reduce those gases to almost zero. Of course every plant needs carbon monoxide for survival and growth, so you can also choose other plants with beneficial features and anti-pollution attributes to make your surroundings safe. For example Ficus alli is as efficient in indoor pollution elimination as rubber plant. Aloe Vera, on the other hand, is a well known herbal medicine and cosmetic compound, which can be used to heal wounds. The air purifying features of Aloe Vera are commonly known and add to the popularity of this plant.
You should also check out my hubpage all about air detoxifying plants.
Plants that Clean the Air 