In just minutes per day, you can improve the air quality in your home. According to NASA studies, the following houseplants have been established to remove harmful chemicals from the atmosphere. They thrive in low-light conditions, are easy to grow, and require little care. Visit your local nursery and let's get started clearing harmful chemicals from the air, because small varieties of each plant are often available for just a dollar each! For a home under 2000 square feet, NASA recommends 15 houseplants (one of each).
You'll find the reduced toxins and improved air quality will help your health and well-being very soon.
NASA recommends that you grow these houseplants in at least six-inch containers. They can even be placed in dark corners.
To remove trichloroethylene, which is released by paints, varnishes, adhesives, and inks, try planting:
Gerbera daisy
Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea sefritzii)
Peace lily (Spathiphyllum `Mauna Loa')
To get rid of formaldehyde, which is released by building materials including particle board and foam insulations, cosmetics, fragrances, cleaning solutions, and many, other common household items, try planting:
Red-edged Dracena (dracaena marginata)
Mother-in-law's tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Dracaena warneckei (Dracaena deremensis `Warneckii')
Peace lily (Spathiphyllum `Mauna Loa')
Golden pothos (Epipiremnum aureum)
Green spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea sefritzii)
To remove benzene, which is released by oils, solvents and paints, try planting one of each of the following plants:
Gerbera daisies
Chrysanthemums
peace lily (Spathiphyllum `Mauna Loa')
English ivy (Hedera helix)
Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea sefritzii)
Mother-in-law's Tongue or Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Some suggestions....
Take your houseplants outside occasionally to "sun". Peace lilies need sun to bloom.
Some of your friends or neighbors may have extra plants and pots to give you. Spider plants in particular produce lots of "babies".
Keep your furry pet away from some of these varieties as they may prove toxic.
Limit your use of non-natural fertilizers and pesticides.
Pour out excess water. It will attract fungus gnats and mosquitoes. Don't over-water plants...excess moisture will breed mold.
What is formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is a chemical that is released into the air as a pungent gas. It has a number of useful properties. It's a good preservative and makes an excellent adhesive. Therefore, it is used widely in the building and furnishings industries. It is also found in small amounts in some textiles as an anti-wrinkle agent.
What are the major sources of formaldehyde?
Particle board is the major contributor of formaldehyde to the home environment. The culprit is the adhesive, urea formaldehyde, which can break down, releasing the formaldehyde. Phenol formaldehyde (used in exterior panels) does not present problems. Some particleboard is now manufactured with reduced formaldehyde.
Other sources include interior plywood, veneered or laminated furniture and cabinets, some professionally applied furniture and floor finishes, paneling, permanent press fabrics (some drapes), combustion products and cosmetics.
What can I do to reduce formaldehyde problems?
Formaldehyde cannot penetrate plastic laminate and is at least partly blocked by coatings. Varnishes and special formaldehyde sealants are also available. Apply these coatings to all exposed edges and surfaces, such as the undersides of countertops, cabinet interiors and drawers.
Increase ventilation, particularly after bringing new sources of formaldehyde into the home. When remodeling and in new construction, select low formaldehyde materials. High humidity and elevated temperatures cause formaldehyde release, so you might want to control humidity through air conditioning and dehumidifiers.
Why should I be concerned about formaldehyde?
It is a strong irritant that causes watery eyes and in low doses, causes burning sensations in the eyes, nose and throat. Wheezing and coughing, fatigue, skin rashes, headaches, loss of coordination and nausea are other symptoms. Larger doses can cause asthma attacks as well as damage to the liver, kidneys and the central nervous system. Some people are highly sensitive and react to formaldehyde concentrations that don't bother most people.
Formaldehyde has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals, but there is limited evidence that it causes cancer in humans.
How can I detect whether my home has significant concentrations of formaldehyde?
You may be able to detect it by its odor. Also, environmental testing firms, listed in the Yellow Pages of the phone directory, should be able to test for formaldehyde levels. Since such tests are costly, you should learn whether your home has possible sources of formaldehyde. Also, do-it-yourself test kits are available, but there is some question about their accuracy.
