(BeWellBuzz) Say the word ‘air pollution’, and most people automatically
think that reference is being made to outdoor air pollution. However, the
air inside an enclosed room can be just as polluted as the air outside.
Sources of indoor air pollution
Research has shown that indoor air usually contains chemicals, germs, air
pollutants, and other harmful chemicals. Breathing in polluted indoor air
can cause discomfort. In addition, impure air can also cause and worsen
respiratory conditions such as asthma.
Common sources of indoor pollution include, but are not limited to, the
following:
* Household products
* Mold, pollen, and other biological contaminants
* Carbon monoxide and other harmful gasses
* Tobacco smoke
* Pesticides
* Formaldehyde, lead, asbestos, and other materials used in the
building
Scientific study confirms certain plants can effectively purify indoor air
A NASA study concluded that certain houseplants can effectively purify and
revitalize indoor air and protect individuals from the harmful effects of
air toxins such as _benzene_
(http://www.bewellbuzz.com/wellness-buzz/hidden-danger-car/) , ammonia, and
formaldehyde.
Air Purifying House Plants Vs Air Purifying Products
Research shows that air purifying house plants are as effective as common
air purifying products in filtering the air. The other advantages of using
plants include:
* They do not consume electricity
* They enhance the appearance of your home
The top 10 air purifying house plants
Here is a list of the top 10 house plants that keep indoor air clean and
pure:
1. Areca Palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)
Ranked as the best air purifying plant by the NASA study, Areca Palm is
also an excellent natural humidifier. It is effective in removing toxins such
as xylene and formaldehyde. You can place the plant in any place in the
house where the sunlight is not too direct.
Conditions required for growing:
* Lighting – Moderate to bright
* Watering – Heavy
2. _Boston Fern_
(http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001B5E9ZK/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001B5E9ZK&linkCode=as2&tag=
lifeforce-20) (Nephrolepsis exaltata bostoniensis)
This exotic plant purifies the air inside your home and also acts as a
natural humidifier. Boston fern grows better in indirect sunlight and humid
conditions. It is effective in removing harmful air pollutants like xylene,
benzene, and formaldehyde.
Conditions required for growing:
* Lighting – Moderate
* Watering – Moderate to heavy
3. _Chinese Evergreen_
(http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0061CA4JS/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0061CA4JS&linkCode=as
2&tag=lifeforce-20) (Aglaonema modestum)
An herbaceous perennial plant, Chinese Evergreen removes airborne toxins
like formaldehyde and benzene. As it requires low to moderate light, you
should place it in a spot that does not get direct sunlight.
Conditions required for growing:
* Lighting – Low to Moderate
* Watering – Moderate
4. _Rubber Plant_
(http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00482TD1S/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00482TD1S&linkCode=as2&tag
=lifeforce-20) (Ficus robusta)
This popular house plant is an excellent natural air purifier. You can
place it in your living room or in any other place that does not get direct
sunlight.
Conditions required for growing:
* Lighting – Low to Moderate
* Watering – Heavy
5. _Dracaena_
(http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006V5Q9UI/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B006V5Q9UI&linkCode=as2&tag=life
force-20) Janet Craig (Dracaena deremensis)
You can use this great-looking, easy-to-maintain plant to purify and
revitalize the air inside your home and reduce the risk of various health
conditions that can occur due to constant exposure to impure and stale air.
Conditions required for growing:
* Lighting – Moderate
* Watering – Moderate to low
6. _Golden Pothos_
(http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0043FHTY8/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0043FHTY8&linkCode=as2&ta
g=lifeforce-20) (Epipremnum aureum)
This hardy plant not only enhances the ambience of your home, but also
absorbs harmful air pollutants such as benzene, xylene, and formaldehyde.
Golden Pothos is also known by other names such as Silver Vine and Devil’s
Ivy.
Conditions required for growing:
* Lighting – Moderate
* Watering – Moderate
Words of caution: Golden Pothos or Devil’s Ivy can be toxic to pets such
as small dogs and cats, as well as small kids. Avoid using this natural
air-purifying plant if you have small kids and/or pets.
7. _English Ivy_
(http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004VHM51U/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004VHM51U&linkCode=as2&tag=
lifeforce-20) (Hedera helix)
An attractive accent plant with lobbed leaves and trailing vines, English
Ivy is perfect for enclosed spaces where the air is dry and stale. Owing to
its excellent ability to remove airborne mold and faces, the plant is
excellent for anyone with allergic conditions or respiratory conditions such
as
asthma.
Conditions required for growing:
* Lighting – Bright light but not direct sunlight
* Watering – Moderate
Words of caution: The leaves of English Ivy can be toxic. Do not eat the
leaves of this plant. Skin irritation can occur if your skin comes in
contact with the leaves. Wear protective gloves while handling the plant. Not
recommended for homes with young children and/or pets.
8. _Peace Lily_
(http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001WYNDM/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0001WYNDM&linkCode=as2&tag=l
ifeforce-20) (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lily, or Closet Plant, is an easy to care for house plant and is most
famous for its ability to reduce harmful chemicals that may cause _cancer_
(http://www.bewellbuzz.com/general/do-anti-cancer-superfoods-really-work/)
.
Conditions required for growing:
* Lighting – Bright light
* Watering – Heavy
9. _Spider Plant_
(http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ZWCEJI/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005ZWCEJI&linkCode=as2&tag
=lifeforce-20) (Chlorophytum comosum)
This rapidly growing plant removes impurities such as xylene and
formaldehyde. Spider plant is a low-maintenance plant, and you can place it
anywhere
in your home.
Conditions required for growing:
* Lighting – Moderate natural light but not direct sunlight
* Watering – Low
10. _Lady Palms_
(http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0017JBWIM/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0017JBWIM&linkCode=as2&tag=
lifeforce-20) (Rhapis species)
Lady Palms, a hugely popular house plant, is considered one of the best
natural air purifiers. It can be kept in humid or dry climates (20°F – 100°F)
and is not susceptible to most plant insects.
Conditions required for growing:
* Lighting – Bright indirect sunlight
* Watering – Moderate to low
Steve Herman, 805 6th ave, AP
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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