The Green Room – breathe easy
May 12, 2008
Indoor plants are commonly used as décor but they also make environments healthier. The well known benefit of vegetation is the intake of carbon dioxide and release of clean oxygen. A lesser known function of plants is their remarkable absorption of harmful toxins and pollutants, a benefit of their daily functions. Bring in some flora and fauna and you have an instant, inexpensive and effective air and water filter.
Toxins commonly found in the modern home include formaldehyde (from carpets, plywood, flatpack furniture and insulation materials), benzene (from particleboard and some paints), propanal (cleaning prodcts), and dichloromethane (paint thinners and strippers).
Studies have proven houseplants to be an especially effective defense against pollutants. The following is a list of plants proven to clean the air, starting with the most effective.
- dragon tree
- goosefoot plant
- spider plant (common plant – especially effective against formaldehyde and computer terminal emissions)
- ivy (extremely effective against fungus and mould)
- palms
- ferns
- rubber plants
- philodendrons
- umbrella plant
- peace lily
- chrysanthemums
- gerberas
- African violets
- cyclamen
- kalanchoes
- orchids (release oxygen at night – good for bedrooms)
Make sure to keep plants healthy in order to optimize their filtering capabilities. It is counterproductive to use chemical sprays and feeds. Instead try natural pesticides and foods. source: www.telegraph.co.uk
