Breathe Easier with Plants ~ Nesting Home & Garden

Breathe Easier with plants     by Hannah Woit
Nesting Home & Garden    

Six hard working houseplants that combat indoor air pollution.....

Cabin fever isn't the only downside of more time inside every winter:  Airborne toxin levels are higher indoors than out.  Before you run out and buy an electric air purifier, consider houseplants for a natural fix.  "Leaf surfaces and roots digest contaminants in the air," says Chris Raimondi, a horticulturist in Ho-Ho-Kus NJ. And they are effective:  Studies show people who work near plants are less likely to suffer from fatigue, headaches, and sore throats.

Bedroom plant:  Gerbera Daisy  gerbera jamesonii

If you have ample light, place this colorful flowering plant in your bedroom, near where you air out freshly dry cleaned clothes.  It reduces levels of benzene, a chemical solvent used for dry cleaning that can compromise your immune system and has been linked to anemia.
light: bright light      Humidity: medium      Temperature:  45-65 degrees

Bathroom plant: Janet Craig    dracaena deremensis

This plant lowers levels of the toxin trichloroethylene, linked to kidney and liver cancers and lymphoma, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.  Often in paints, TCE can also be released into the air if you take a hot shower in TCE contaminated water.
light: medium      Humidity: medium      Temperature: 60-75 degrees


Kitchen plant:  English Ivy    hedera helix

This plant is easy to grow and is particularly good at removing formaldehyde, a respiratory irritant, which can enter the air when you use some dishwashing liquids and disinfectants.  Pressed-wood products such as cabinets and tables may also emit it.
light: medium      Humidity: high      Temperature: 50-70 degrees


Hallway plant:   Peace Lily    Spathiphyllum "mauna Loa"

Nasa researchers discovered that this white-flowering plant is among the best for lowering levels of TCE and benzene, making it a powerful detoxifier for any room.  Place one in a hallway with some light so it can prevent the spread of pollutants between rooms.
light: medium-low      Humidity: medium      Temperature: 55-75 degrees


Laundry Room plant: Boston Fern    nephrolepis exaltata

This detoxing standout is the most effective houseplant for reducing formaldehyde.  Also a possible carcinogen, the toxin is present in some fabric softeners and carpet cleaners and can be emitted by certain wallpapers and paints.
light: medium       Humidity: high      Temperature: 50-75 degrees


Attached Garage plant: Golden Pothos    Epipremnum aurem

In a study published in the American Society of Horticultural Science's journal Hort Technology, this plant performed well in removing ozone, a respiratory irritant present in auto emissions.   Place one of these hardy ivies near the door connecting your house and garage.
light: low to medium      Humidity: medium      Temperature:  65-75 degrees


January 2013 Prevention Magazine article