Especially with the windows shut in the cold winter months or in the hot summers days, poor indoor air quality has been associated with respiratory conditions, such as asthma and allergies, especially in children.[1] The air in your home becomes contaminated in several ways, including through the release of toxins from carpeting, paint, and treated and pressed woods.
Luckily for us, Mother Nature has created a great solution: houseplants. These aesthetically pleasing moonlighters also help remove airborne pollutants such as chemicals, toxins, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), cleaning up indoor air. Through their natural photosynthesis process, plants reduce carbon dioxide levels while also increasing oxygen levels.[1]
Plants also metabolize some toxic chemicals, releasing by-products that are harmless for humans to breathe. Furthermore, they incorporate airborne toxins, such as heavy metals, into their plant tissue, making indoor air safer.[1]
If you’re looking for an affordable and green (pun intended) way to clean up the air around you, consider buying and caring for the following plants:
Aloe Vera. Not only does Aloe Vera help ease symptoms of sunburn, but it also cleans indoor air by absorbing harsh chemicals particularly from cleaning products.
Areca plant. Ranked high on NASA’s official purifying scale, this member of the palm family not only purifies, but also reduces dryness, replacing moisture back into the air.[2]
Peace lily. This pretty, white flowered plant is capable of absorbing one of the widest ranges of airborne chemicals, including ammonia.
Rubber plant. This waxy, broad leaf plant is excellent at improving indoor air quality. Additionally, the rubber plant becomes more and more effective over the course of its life at reducing harmful pollutants.
Snake plant. Also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, the snake plant is perfect for growing in bedrooms, as its nocturnal activities include absorbing carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen.[3]
English ivy. With a NASA Purifying Score of 7.8, this vine helps remove airborne particles, making them particularly beneficial for sufferers of allergies and asthma.[2]
Red-edged dracaena. This plant not only adds a pop of color, but is very effective at reducing chemicals from lacquers, varnishes, and gasoline.[1]
Puritii Air Filter. When nature won't work and your green thumb just isn't so green, there's the indoor air filtration route. The Puritii™ Air Purification System efficiently removes up to 99.99% of pollutants from the air in your home or office. The unique 11-stage filtration system leaves the air you breathe as fresh and clean as it looks. Quiet and energy efficient, with a powerful DC motor that purifies up to 303 cubic feet of air per minute. Removes up to 99.99% of allergens, pathogens, particulates and volatile chemical compounds. HEPA-Type filter removes pollutants down to .3 microns in size, including airborne particulates, bacteria and even viruses. Allows easy operational controls from the front panel or remote control operation at a distance.
Learn more about ARIIX and our toxic-free, Optimal Nutritional Products at http://www.liveariixproducts.com
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[3] Blundell, D. (2010). 10 Clean-air plants for your home. http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20452423_20892299,00.html
Learn more about ARIIX Products at http://www.ariixproducts.com
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