Plants certainly beautify our indoor environments. According to NASA scientists, they also offer an inexpensive, effective, low-tech means of removing air pollutants in our homes and offices. NASA studied the benefits of plants for use in future space stations and closed environments. The results were remarkable.

Some common house plants effectively remove as much as 90% of the chemicals in a room in only 24 hours.

This is good news since our modern airtight buildings, where we spend over 90% of our time, can have 2-5 times the level of outdoor pollutants and sometimes more than 100 times, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Trapped pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene can cause unexplained headaches, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, respiratory symptoms, depresson, and may contribute to other illnesses, including asthma and cancer. Pollutants come from various synthetic fibers (carpet, fabrics, wall coverings), solvents (wallboard, paints, varnishes, furniture), fumes from heating and cooking, household cleaning products, pesticides, and contaminated work clothing. Fumes from new decorating products are among the worst offenders. (Note: homeowners are wise to allow new synthetic materials-- like furniture, draperies, carpetings, fabric covered furniture-- time to gas-off before installation or use, assuring good ventilation.)

One or two potted plants per 100 square feet of floor space will help refresh the air in the average home or office. Virtually any tropical plant and many clowering plants will do, but some are better at removing specific toxins. Try these plants:
1. BENZENE (from tobacco smoke, stored fuels & paint, photocopiers, auto exhaust from attached garages): try English Ivy, Marginata, Janet Craig, Chrysanthemum, Gerbera Daisy, Warneckei, Peace Lily
2. FORMALDEHYDE (from glue or adhesive in pressed wood products; preservatives in some paints, coatings, and cosmetics; foam insulation; permanent press fabrics; coating on paper products): try Azalea, Dieffenbachia, Philodendron, Spider plant, Golden Pothos, Bamboo palm, Corn plant, Chrysanthemum, Mother-In-Law's Tongue, Poinsettia
3. TRICHLOROETHYLENE (from dry cleaning, printing inks, paints, lacquers, varnishes, adhesives, metal degreasing): try Gerbera Daisy, Chrysanthemum, Peace Lily, Warnecki, Marginata

So, while you hibernate in the warmth of your indoor world this winter, connect with nature by gifting yourself and your co-workers with a potted plant. You'll breathe easier.

January 2001

   
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