Breathe Easier With Plants
Prevention Magazine, January, 2013
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 to 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. And they are effective: Studies show people who work near plants are less likely to suffer from fatigue, headaches, and sore throats. Below are 6 plants and where you should place them in your home.
Bedroom: Gerbera Daisy—If there is ample light 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.
Bathroom: ‘Janet Craig’ Dracaena deremensis—This plant lowers levels of the toxinx linked to kidney and liver cancers and lymphoma, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Often in paints, these toxins can also be released into the air if you take a hot shower.
Kitchen: English Ivy—This easy-to-grow plant is particularly good at removing formaldehyde, a respiratory irritant, which can enter the air when you use some dishwashing liquids and disinfectants.
Hallways: Peace Lily—NASA researchers discovered that this white-flowering plant is among the best for lowering levels of 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.
Laundry Room: Boston Fern—This detoxing standout is the most effective houseplant for reducing formaldehyde. Alsuo a possible carcinogen, the toxin is present in some fabric softeners and carpet cleaners and can be emitted by certain wallpapers and paints.
Attached Garage: Golden Pothos—In a study published in the American Society of Horticultural Science’s journal, 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.
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 to 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. And they are effective: Studies show people who work near plants are less likely to suffer from fatigue, headaches, and sore throats. Below are 6 plants and where you should place them in your home.
Bedroom: Gerbera Daisy—If there is ample light 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.
Bathroom: ‘Janet Craig’ Dracaena deremensis—This plant lowers levels of the toxinx linked to kidney and liver cancers and lymphoma, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Often in paints, these toxins can also be released into the air if you take a hot shower.
Kitchen: English Ivy—This easy-to-grow plant is particularly good at removing formaldehyde, a respiratory irritant, which can enter the air when you use some dishwashing liquids and disinfectants.
Hallways: Peace Lily—NASA researchers discovered that this white-flowering plant is among the best for lowering levels of 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.
Laundry Room: Boston Fern—This detoxing standout is the most effective houseplant for reducing formaldehyde. Alsuo a possible carcinogen, the toxin is present in some fabric softeners and carpet cleaners and can be emitted by certain wallpapers and paints.
Attached Garage: Golden Pothos—In a study published in the American Society of Horticultural Science’s journal, 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.
