In today’s world, air pollutants are credited as the highest contributors in the prevalent rise of chronic health conditions. With the influx of pollutants in our air, food and beauty products, it’s imperative to find a way to lower the chemical heft from our lives. Luckily, in the 1980’s, NASA’s Clean Air Study found that the ordinary houseplant is one of the best defenses we have against the mold, chemicals and particles responsible for tarnishing the quality of the air we breathe. Here are 10 houseplants to help improve your home’s indoor air quality.
Peace Lilies
Peace Lilies are arguably one of the most aesthetically pleasing houseplants, and are great at filtering mold from the air since they metabolize it for food. NASA also topped it on their list of best houseplants for its ability to remove VOCs and known carcinogens. Peace Lilies can improve your home’s air quality by as much as 60 percent, so you may want to consider placing one in your bathroom, laundry room or kitchen.
Aloe Vera
While Aloe Vera is a popular houseplant for its healing abilities in soothing burns, gastric issues and itchy skin, few people are aware of its pollution-fighting properties. This purifying plant works to clear indoor air of known human carcinogens and also releases oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide at night. NASA scientists have recorded that rooms housing these healing plants have, on average, seventy percent less pollutants than non-aloe inclusive domiciles.
Chrysanthemums
Mums, as they are affectionately called, are not only cheerful and colorful. They are also one of the top natural air filters. Their beautiful leaves purify the air from tarnishing chemicals found in many common household products such as detergents, paints and cleaners. To ensure your Mums stay healthy, keep them near a sunny window, feed them quality plant nutrients and make sure their soil stays moist.
African Violets
The African Violet is one of the best defenses against microscopic organisms that can infiltrate our seemingly benign air. Their bright, purple flowers make a stunning focal point in a home, but it is their ability to rid the air of toxic byproducts that earn its praises as a must-have for any home.
Eucalyptus
This exotic plant’s superb filtration ability earn it a spot on NASA’s list of air cleansing plants. Not only can these plants remove pet mites, allergens and mildew, they are one of the home’s best defense against molds, benzene and formaldehyde. The scent of eucalyptus leaves improves breathing and the plant is great for anyone who suffers from frequent colds or congestion problems.
English Ivy
If you notice troubles with your breathing, there is a chance that mold is to blame. Luckily, the English Ivy, a luscious, chlorophyll-laden vine, can reduce the amount of airborne toxins by as much as 58 percent. Whether or not you suffer from allergies, you may want to consider adding English Ivy to your home to cleanse the air of mold spores and improve the well-being and health of you and your family.
Gerbera Daisy
One of the most popular houseplants, the Gerbera is as cute as it is functional. When oxygen flows through the plant’s large, green leaves, the chlorophyll neutralizes mold spores, toxins and fumes, thus making the air easier on the lungs.
Boston Fern
The Boston Fern is sturdy and resilient, making it the ideal houseplant for those who aren’t blessed with a green thumb. Not only is it beautiful to look at, the Boston Fern acts as a natural humidifier and removes formaldehyde and benzene from indoor air. The Boston Fern can remove twice as many pollutants from the air as a standard home air purifier.
Snake Plant
The Snake Plant ranks as the second-best air-purifying houseplant for your home for its ability to filter benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, and trichloroethylene from the air. These plants are sturdy, long-lived and easy to grow, making it a perfect option for those with the not-so-green thumb or who often travel.
Bamboo
Regarded as sacred in many parts of Asia, bamboo is a sturdy, tree-like houseplant that can make a great impact on the quality of air in your home. Their potent air filtering properties can efficiently remove ammonia, formaldehyde, xylene, pet dander, and mites.
Chemicals and fumes in the air are the greatest contributors to disease in the human body. As such, it is essential to find a way to make the air a little easier to breathe. Not only can a houseplant add beauty to your home, it can also improve the quality of your air and lessen your chances of developing a chronic illness.
Call Air Tech of Central Florida to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
If you’re having issues with your home’s air quality, or are experiencing issues with your heating and cooling, contact one of our friendly representatives today. Our team of experienced and NATE certified technicians are always ready to solve your HVAC problems and help restore comfort to your home. Don’t suffer from poor air quality any longer, Contact Us to get started today!
Author Bio:
Luigi Ferraro
Specializing in residential and commercial HVAC services, Air Tech offers a wide range of solutions to meet the heating and cooling needs of their customers. Their team of skilled technicians is trained to handle the installation, repair, and maintenance of HVAC systems with expertise and precision.
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