Monday 6 August 2012

6 AirPurifying House Plants according to NASA


In addition to the dangerous chemicals used to make carpets, couches, paint and dry wall, our homes can be filled with chemicals from everyday household items and products. Things like pressed wood, facial tissue, paper towels, plastic and rubber (to name a few) also frequently contain traces of chemicals like benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene.
NASA once partnered with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) to investigate which household plants best act as natural air purifiers and found 15 common plants that effectively improve air quality


Based on ease-of-care, attainability, appearance and effectiveness, here are our top six air purifying plants.

1. Bamboo Palm: According to NASA, it removes formaldahyde and is also said to act as a natural humidifier.
2. Snake Plant: Found by NASA to absorb nitrogen oxides and formaldahyde.
3. Areca Palm: One of the best air purifying plants for general air cleanliness.
4. Spider Plant: Great indoor plant for removing carbon monoxide and other toxins or impurities. Spider plants are one of three plants NASA deems best at removing formaldahyde from the air.
5. Peace Lily: Peace lilies could be called the “clean-all.” They’re often placed in bathrooms or laundry rooms because they’re known for removing mold spores. Also know to remove formaldahyde and trichloroethylene.
6. Gerbera Daisy: Not only do these gorgeous flowers remove benzene from the air, they’re known to improve sleep by absorbing carbon dioxide and giving off more oxygen over night.