Fight Pollution Indoors With Plants
According to research carried out by NASA, the pollution we face indoors can be just as worrying as the pollution we are faced with outdoors.
People spend around 90 percent of their time indoors—whether at home or at work. Those working indoors are constantly bombarded by air borne pollutants from everyday items such as printers or copiers, as well as mildew, paint and synthetic air fresheners.
However, NASA has revealed that many indoor plants absorb air pollutants through their leaves and roots, which is converted into breathable air. Within 24 hours, some plants can remove up to 87 percent of toxic indoor air.
Below is a list of the main indoor pollutants, and the plants which can be used to combat toxic indoor air. To be effective “air cleaners” it is necessary to use one potted plant per 100 square feet of home or office space.
Benzene
Found in: Inks, oils, paints, plastics, rubber, dyes, detergents, gasoline, pharmaceutical, tobacco smoke, synthetic fibers
Plant options: English Ivy, Dracaena marginata, Janet Craig, Warneckei, Chrysanthemum, Gerbera Daisy, Peace lily
Formaldehyde
Found in: Foam insulation, plywood, pressed-wood products, grocery bags, waxed paper, fire retardants, adhesive binders in floor coverings, cigarette smoke, natural gas
Plant options: Azalea, Philodendron, Spider plant, Golden Pothos, Bamboo palm, Corn plant, Chrysanthemum, Mother-in-law’s tongue.
Trichloroethylene
Found in: Primarily used in the metal degreasing and dry cleaning industries; also in printing inks, paints, lacquers, varnishes, adhesives.
Plant options: Gerbera Daisy, Chrysanthemum, Peace lily, Warneckei, Dracaena marginata.
Plants work equally well in homes, offices and factories, as long as their requirements for sunlight, water and soil are met.
Nyree Ambarchian is the Marketing & Communications Officer for the Peterborough Environment City Trust in England.
