Houseplants not only add beauty to a living space but can also improve the quality of air in our homes.
You could be surprised at some of the toxic materials used in making furniture and building supplies that plants can remove. Below you’ll find 6 houseplants (actually more) for improving indoor air quality.
NASA Study shows common plants help reduce indoor air pollution…
NASA research has consistently shown that living, green and flowering plants can remove several toxic chemicals from the air in building interiors.
You can use plants in your home or office to improve the quality of the air to make it a more pleasant place to live and work – where people feel better, perform better, any enjoy life more.
TOP 10 Plants Most Effective In Removing:
Formaldehyde, Benzene, and Carbon Monoxide from the air
- Chinese Evergreen – Aglaonema Modestum
- English Ivy – Hedera Helix
- Gerbera Daisy – Gerbera Jamesonii
- Pot Mum – Chrysanthemum
The Chemicals Used
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a commercial product found in a wide variety of industrial uses. Over 90 percent of the TCE produced is used in the metal degreasing and dry cleaning industries.
In addition, it is used in printing inks, paints, lacquers, varnishes, and adhesives.
In 1975 the National Cancer Institute reported that an unusually high incidence of hepatocellular carcinomas was observed in mice given TCE by gastric intubation and now considers this chemical a potent liver carcinogen.
Benzene is a very commonly used solvent and is also present in many common items including gasoline, inks, oils, paints, plastics, and rubber. In addition it is used in the manufacture of detergents, explosives, pharmaceuticals, and dyes.
Benzene has long been known to irritate the skin and eyes. In addition, it has been shown to be mutagenic to bacterial cell culture and has shown embryotoxic activity and carcinogenicity in some tests.
Evidence also exists that benzene may be a contributing factor in chromosomal aberrations and leukemia in humans. Repeated skin contact with benzene will cause drying, inflammation, blistering and dermatitis.
Acute inhalation of high levels of benzene has been reported to cause:
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Euphoria
- Headache
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Respiratory diseases
- Tremors
- Irregular heartbeat
- Liver and kidney damage
- Paralysis
- Unconsciousness
In animal tests inhalation of benzene led to cataract formation and diseases of the blood and lymphatic systems. Chronic exposure to even relatively low levels causes:
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Drowsiness
- Nervousness
- Psychological disturbances
- Diseases of the blood system, including anemia and bone marrow diseases
Formaldehyde is a ubiquitous chemical found in virtually all indoor environments.
The major sources which have been reported and publicized include urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI) and particle board or pressed wood products used in manufacturing of the office furniture bought today.
It is used in consumer paper products which have been treated with UF resins, including grocery bags, waxed papers, facial tissues and paper towels. Many common household cleaning agents contain formaldehyde.
UF resins are used as stiffeners, wrinkle resisters, water repellents, fire retardants and adhesive binders in floor coverings, carpet backings and permanent-press clothes. Other sources of formaldehyde include heating and cooking fuels like natural gas, kerosene, and cigarette smoke.
Formaldehyde irritates the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and throat. It is also a highly reactive chemical which combines with protein and can cause allergic contact dermatitis.
The most widely reported symptoms from exposure to high levels of this chemical include irritation of the eyes and headaches. Until recently, the most serious of the diseases attributed to formaldehyde exposure was asthma.
However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently conducted research which has caused formaldehyde to be strongly suspected of causing a rare type of throat cancer in long-term occupants of mobile homes.
Original article and pictures take plantcaretoday.com site
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