Breathe Easy: Houseplants

Not all household products are as safe as they are marketed to be. Indoor air is anywhere between 2-5 times more toxic than the air outdoors. The EPA estimates that about 50% of all illnesses are aggravated by indoor air quality. Over 100 chemicals commonly found in homes have been linked to allergies, skin reactions, headaches, depression, insomnia, chronic fatigue, and potentially even cancer. {Read about Sick Building Syndrome}

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While it is worrisome, no need to hit the panic button! Studies, such as one done by NASA, show that plants can not only filter the air, but also absorb benzene {a known human carcinogen}, formaldehyde and/or trichloroethylene. "If man is to move into closed environments, on Earth or in space, he must take along nature’s life support system." Plants.

A good estimate is to have about one plant per every 10 square yards. A few of the best air filtering plants {via Wikipedia} are:

• Areca Palm
• Bamboo Palm or Reed Palm
• Boston Fern
• Chinese Evergreen
• Dracaenas
• Dwarf Date Palm
• English Ivy
• Gerbera Daisy or Barberton daisy
• Golden Pothos or Devil’s Ivy
• Mass Cane/Corn plant
• Peace Lily
• Philodendron
• Pot Mum or Florist’s Chrysanthemum
• Rubber Plant
• Snake Plant or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue
• Spider Plant
• Weeping Fig

Whichever plants you go with, do a bit of research on them, to make sure you provide them with the best care.