Trees and plants play an integral part in our existence.
They’re oxygen creators. You probably remember this from 4th grade Science class. Equipped with an extensive filtration system, they take in toxic elements and produce air that allows us to breathe and stay healthy.
NASA vs. VOC’s
In the 1980's, NASA studied 19 houseplants for a two-year period to determine if they affected the air quality of space stations.
Their studies determined that certain plants were able to show significant filtration, especially in regards to VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) such as Benzene, Formaldehyde and Trichloroethylene.
Toxins Pollute Our Indoor Air
Our indoor air is much more polluted than that of the outdoors.
The cause? More energy efficient buildings and man-made products used to decorate or clean our homes.
Designed to keep in the heat and air-conditioning, these highly unventilated buildings make it difficult for airborne toxins and pollutants to be released into the outdoors.
Toxic VOC's found in our homes and offices are brought in from our carpeting, furniture and even household cleaners and put us at a higher risk of becoming ill.
What Super Plants Improve Indoor Air Quality?
Household plants are for more than just decorating our homes and offices. They have shown to provide filtration and removal of harmful airborne toxins, pollutants and VOC's.
Some of the best household plants to own for indoor air filtration include;
- English Ivy
- Reduces airborne fecal matter particles and filtrates Formaldehyde
- Spider plant
- Filtrates Benzene, Formaldehyde, Carbon Monoxide and Xylene
- Golden Pothos/Devil's Ivy
- Filtrates Formaldehyde
- Peace Lily
- Top of NASA’s list for removing the three most common forms of VOC's, this plant effectively filters Formaldehyde, Benzene and Trichloroethylene. It also filtrates Toluene and Xylene.
- Chinese Evergreen
- Filtrates airborne pollutants and increases filtration over time
- Bamboo Palm/Reed Palm
- Best at filtrating Benzene and Trichloroethylene, this plant also filtrates Formaldehyde.
- Snake Plant/Mother-In-Law's Tongue
- Filtrates Formaldehyde
- Heartleaf philodendron
- Although toxic if eaten, this plant filtrates Benzene, Trichloroethylene and Formaldehyde.
- Red-Edged dracaena
- Filtrates Xylene, Trichloroethylene and Formaldehyde
- Weeping Fig
- Filtrates Benzene, Formaldehyde and Trichloroethylene
- Gerber Daisy/Barberton Daisy
- Filtrates Trichloroethylene and Benzene
- Pot Mum/Florists' Chrysanthemum
- Filtrates Benzene
- Aloe Vera
- Filtrates Formaldehyde and Benzene
How Many Plants for A Happy, Healthy, Home?
NASA's recommendation after the two-year study was to have between 15 and 18 houseplants in a 6 to 8 inch in diameter container within an 1800 square foot house to improve the quality of air in your house.
To ensure the long-lasting life of your plants, it is important to provide proper lighting and watering regiment.
The healthier your plant, the more efficiently it will filtrate your air and create a happy, healthy home for you and your family.