You knew that plants create oxygen for us to breathe, but did you know that houseplants can actually clean the air we breathe? They can! Thanks to a NASA study, we now know that many of our common houseplants are actually capable of removing toxins from the air inside our homes. Perfect! I have three Peace lilies in my home. Knowing they are more than simply beautiful accents is a plus.
In this study, the chemicals used were formaldehyde, benzene, acetone, ammonia, trichloroethylene and carbon monoxide. Formaldehyde is the most prevalent toxin found in households, found in basically all indoor environments. Ick. Who knew? It comes from wood floor resins, pressed wood products, furniture, fabric treatments and the like. Cooking fuels also harbor the nasty ingredient. But more than the plants, scientists discovered that microorganisms in the soil did a fair job of purifying the air, too.
As if we needed another reason to bring the plants indoors! In addition to the Peace lily, other good choices for indoor air purifying plants are ficus, bamboo palm, Chinese evergreen, English ivy, dracena, gerbera daisy, pot mum, corn cane, spider plants and dragon tree.
How about edible plants? As a vegetable gardener, I’d like to know which edibles are best to bring indoors. While I can only find the suggestion that aloe purifies the air, I’m going to go with the “all plants are good” motto and revel in my indoor herb garden. Peppers, too!
They’re green, wonderful for the senses and I’m sure they’re doing something wonderful for the air quality in my kitchen.
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