If Your Home’s Air Quality Needs a Boost, Put a Few Green Plants in the Room
Many people think of air pollution as an outdoor problem, but indoor air can be polluted as well. Your home’s air quality may be negatively affected by household cleaners, building materials, or off-gassing from new furniture or carpet.
In addition to maintaining proper ventilation, bringing certain plants inside your home is an easy and pleasant way to improve indoor air quality. Several plant species have been found to filter out volatile organic compounds, clearing the air of common pollutants so you can breathe easier.
- Aloe vera – Known for the burn-soothing gel contained in its leaves, this succulent is an excellent choice for a sunny window. It will filter formaldehyde and benzene, a byproduct of chemical-based cleaners and paints.
- Spider plant – This plant will fight against benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene. It’s a good choice for those who tend to forget their plants, since it’s especially resilient.
- Gerber daisy – These bright flowers are good at removing trichloroethylene, which can come in with your dry cleaning. If your laundry room or bedroom has ample light, bring in a cheerful Gerber daisy.
- Mother-in-law’s tongue – One of the best plants for filtering out formaldehyde, which is common in cleaning and personal care products. It prefers dry air and can do well in low light.
- English ivy – Effective at removing airborne fecal particles, this plant would be good to place near a bathroom to improve overall indoor air quality. It will also combat the formaldehyde in some household cleaners.
Your home’s indoor air quality can affect your health in the long run, so it’s important to do what you can to control potential pollutants. Always remember to change your HVAC air filter regularly to optimize the effort put forth by your household plants.
For more information about optimizing your home’s air quality, please contact us at NisAir Air Conditioning and Heating. We proudly serve Martin, Palm Beach, St. Lucie and Indian River counties.
