According to an investigation by Eyewitness News on 13WTHR, updated in 2014, “Millions of tons of toxic chemicals and dangerous gasses are pumped into Indiana’s air daily.” That isn’t great news for Hoosiers, particularly residents of the state’s biggest city, Indianapolis. Any and all measures the homeowner can take to moderate the impact of that background pollution –including house plants – should be taken seriously. Toxin fighting plants can provide substantial help in improving indoor air.
Indoor Air Quality
The term “indoor air quality,” or IAQ, describes the cleanliness and healthfulness of the air inside the enclosed spaces we occupy, including our homes. Happily, we’re able to improve the IAQ inside our own dwellings in several ways. Using the best air filter for our needs is usually the first, and often most effective, step. We have a much less technical friend on our side, though, and all we have to do is bring what’s outside, inside. Toxin fighting plants can be an unexpected ally.
The Incredible House Plant
As a normal part of their respiration, plants filter airborne toxins out of our environment. Not only do they beautify our homes, but they make the air better to breath. Here’s a list – alphabetically, not given according to effectiveness – of 10 of the best toxin fighting plants:
- Aloe (Aloe vera); filters formaldehyde and benzene.
- Azalea (Rhododendron simsii); filters formaldehyde.
- Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea sefritzii); filters benzene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde.
- Chrysanthemum (Chrysantheium morifolium); filters benzene.
- English ivy (Hedera helix); filters airborne fecal-matter particles and formaldehyde.
- Gerber daisy (Gerbera jamesonii); filters trichloroethylene.
- Mother-in-law’s tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’); filters formaldehyde.
- Peace lily (Spathiphyllum); filters formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, toluene and xylene.
- Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum); filters benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene.
- Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina); filters formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene.
While we here at Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing don’t claim to be horticultural experts, we certainly do know a thing or two about the mechanical necessities of maintaining great IAQ. Pollution can aggravate allergies, and cause headaches and dizziness even in the healthiest individuals, so having access to the best advice available – and acting on it – is important. Contact us today to consult with one of our certified technicians.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Brownsburg, Indiana and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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