Plants Help Reverse Indoor Air Pollution & Allergies

Experts now agree that indoor air pollution is a major problem and there may actually be as much as ten times more pollution indoor as opposed to outdoors.

 

The Institute of Medicine estimates that one in five north Americans will experience allergy-related illness at some point during their lives, and indoor allergens will be responsible for a substantial number of those cases.  It is estimated that the number of Americans who experience multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS) is expected to grow to 60% by 2010.

 

Now that another winter is upon us and we’re all closing up our homes, offices and schools, lets do something to insure we not only reduce some of the indoor pollutants, but in the process add beauty and oxygen to our closed environments...Add some live plants! 

Plants produce the oxygen that makes life possible, add precious moisture and filter toxins. Indoor plants can perform these essential functions in your home or office with the same efficiency as a rainforest in our biosphere.

 

Plants work by cleaning the air and neutralizing pollution.  Plants can significantly reduce pollutants such as formaldehyde. They can be placed in problem areas, such as a bedroom or kitchen with cabinets and furniture made of formaldehyde-releasing particleboard or pressed wood. In office environments or schools, most furnishings are composed of these materials that release toxins. The following plants are helpful in reducing indoor air pollution allergic reactions:

   •  Aloe Vera: eliminates emissions from most toxic materials
   •  English Ivy: petroleum-based products
   •  Fig Trees: formaldehyde
   •  Chrysanthemum: Toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene and ammonia
   •  Spider Plants: Exceptional for eliminating formaldehyde
   •  Chinese Evergreen, Bamboo Palm and Lillies: Many toxic materials

So the next time you want to make a healthy contribution to your home, office or school, why not contribute a green plant... Naturally!