Potted plants for fresher air

We spend a great part of our time indoors. Especially when the weather isn’t all that great. There is a reason why we tend to feel better after spending some time outside. It’s not just about getting out, but also the air we breathe. There are a number of harmful toxins that could be lurking in the air you breathe at home. However, there are also some amazing potted plants that can help solve this very problem!

Common toxins found in homes:

• Trichloroethylene is found in printing ink, adhesives, paints and more. Too much contact can result in headaches, nausea, vomiting and dizziness.
• Formaldehyde can be found in paper towels, paper bags, some synthetic fabrics and even facial tissues. This toxin can cause mouth, nasal and throat irritation. It can also cause the larynx and lungs to become inflamed.
• Benzene is a chemical used to produce dyes, detergents, resins and pesticides. Exposure can result in drowsiness, dizziness, headaches and confusion,
• Xylene can be found in printing rubber, leather and even in tobacco smoke. Exposure can lead to mouth and throat irritation, headaches and even problems with the liver, heart and kidney.
• Ammonia is one of the most widely used chemicals in any home. It is often used in cleaning solutions like window cleaner. When too much gets in the air we breathe, it can cause a sore throat, eye irritation and coughing.

Plants that purify the air:

As briefly mentioned above, there are some excellent potted plants that do a great job of cleaning up our air. Formaldehyde and xylene can be removed by adding a Spider Plant, Boston Fern, Kimberly Queen Fern, Dwarf Date Palm, Weeping Fig or Bamboo Palm to your home. To keep formaldehyde and benzene out of the air, you should choose Chinese Evergreen plants. Remove formaldehyde, xylene and benzene with the help of Devil’s Ivy or choose English Ivy to rid the air of all three along with trichloroethylene. Some potted Chrysanthemums as well as Peace Lilies are great for clearing the air of all the five toxins mentioned above.

Remember, when choosing potted plants for your home, you should always make sure that it will thrive. Take note of how much sunlight it needs and other conditions like heat and watering schedules. By being informed before choosing a plant, you have a greater chance of enjoying the best results.