Now that we live in a time where urbanisation and industrialisation dominate our surroundings, the air we breathe, even inside our homes, can be laden with pollutants and affect our wellbeing.
Common indoor toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and ammonia, are found in things like cleaning products, paint, furniture and personal care products. When these toxins leach in to the air, we then breathe them in which can weaken the immune system and cause symptoms such as headaches, itchy eyes and breathing problems.
THE GOOD NEWS!
Luckily, these toxins can be effectively filtered out by various plants through a process known as phytoremediation – whereby plants absorb and neutralize pollutants either through microscopic openings in their leaves where they are broken down into harmless substances and stored in the plant’s tissues, or filtered through the roots and absorbed in to the soil.
Read on to find out which plants can help purify indoor air to create a healthier living environment.
Natural Air Purifiers:
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Known for its resilience and adaptability, the spider plant is effective in removing pollutants like formaldehyde and xylene.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata): Ideal for bedrooms, the snake plant releases oxygen at night and is efficient at removing pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): This elegant plant is excellent at removing common indoor pollutants, including ammonia, benzene, and formaldehyde.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller): Beyond its healing properties, aloe vera is effective in removing formaldehyde and benzene, found in common household cleaning products.
Not only do plants add aesthetic appeal, and play a vital role in detoxifying the air we breathe, but they also contribute to a calming atmosphere. The presence of greenery has been linked to stress reduction and improved mood, creating a more peaceful living environment and improving wellbeing. What’s not to like!
