Natural Air Purifiers

Many buildings today are designed to be air tight to ensure the desired temperature inside is maintained. This is a part of the energy efficiency movement brought about by the energy crisis. Take into account that the air tight structures reduce the air circulation. Now ponder that many of today’s buildings are created with synthetic materials that hold toxins (e.g., formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene). This combination has introduced a new phrase to our world; Sick Building Syndrome. We now have a need for a healthy, natural way to clean the inside air.

   

Consider the compound known as formaldehyde. Small amounts are common in the atmosphere; however, it may be more concentrated in air tight building turning it into a poison. It may be found in particle board, plywood, pressed-wood products, paneling, foam insulation, fabrics, shampoos, and cosmetics. Formaldehyde gasses are released when wood, natural gas, tobacco, and gasoline are burned. Depending on the individual, the effects brought about may vary. Nose, throat, and eye irritation, headaches, coughing, lightheadedness, and vomiting are most common. Eye issues generally come in the form of a burning sensation. Long-term exposure is still being studied, but it has been linked to causing cancer. This is only one toxin. Consider the outcome of exposure to several of the contaminants. NASA has done just that.

According to NASA’s website plants release a vapor of water that causes a pumping action of sorts. This action pulls polluted air down to the plant’s roots. The plant transforms the contaminated air into plant food. The more air circulating through the roots results in the plant being more efficient at cleaning the air. 

  

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Some plants that are great for cleaning the air include the Spider Plant, Boston Fern, Peace Lily, Snake Plant (or Mother-in-laws Tongue), Pot Mums, Rubber Trees, and various Philodendrons just to name a few. Consider placing a plant or two in the hospital room of a loved one. NASA’s website states recovery time from illnesses is faster when plants are in the room. Plants will remove the toxins floating through the air there as well, and don’t forget to put some plants around the office or business.   

CAUTION for those with pets! When selecting plants please do some research to ensure they are not poisonous to the family pets.

References:

EPA. (2009, December 10). Indoor Plants May Be Working Overtime. Retrieved from http://blog.epa.gov/blog/2009/12/indoor-plants-may-be-working-overtime/

Minnesota Department of Health. (n.d.). Formaldehyde in Your Home. Retrieved from http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/indoorair/voc/formaldehyde.htm

Mother Nature Network. (2011, January 10). Top 10 air-purifying houseplants. Retrieved from http://www.mnn.com/health/healthy-spaces/stories/top-10-air-purifying-houseplants

Mother Nature Network. (2012, November 30). Best air-filtering houseplants, according to NASA. Retrieved from http://www.mnn.com/health/healthy-spaces/stories/best-air-filtering-houseplants-according-to-nasa

NASA. (2011, May 1). Plants Clean Air and Water for Indoor Environments. Retrieved from http://spinoff.nasa.gov/Spinoff2007/ps_3.html