Plants that Remove Air Pollutants

As a result of reduced (or nonexistant as is the case in many people's living quarters) plant biodiversity some people are breathing in nasty pollutants that can cause an array of diseases. Fortunately, there are plants which can remove these harmful chemicals from the air.

At the top is an image of the Gerbera Daisy which reduces levels of benzene (a dry cleaning solvent that has been linked to anemia and may reduce the functionality of your immune system). It is recommended to put this plant near where you hang freshly dry-cleaned threads.

The Janet Craig shrub reduces levels of TCE (trichloroethylene) in the air. This chemical has been linked to kidney and liver cancers as well as lymphoma. Although it is uncommon-place for this chemical to be in the air it is in many paints and can escape into the air if you shower with TCE-tained water. Of course, if you're bathing in TCE water that might be a bigger concern than breathing in the resulting steam.

Golden Pothos Epipremnum aureum is a plant which has been shown to take ozone (a respiratory irritant in auto exhaust) out of the air. Ozone is a chemical which damages biodiversity and makes trees more susceptible to diseases as well as causing issues for animals including humans.



by Kyle H.



Information from:

http://www.prevention.com/health/healthy-living/indoor-plants-combat-air-pollution/kitchen-english-ivy-hedera-helix

http://environment.about.com/od/ozonedepletion/a/whatisozone.htm