Air purifying plants--what?(🙄)

Abstract:

Pure and fresh air is gradually becoming a luxury, with environmental pollution rapidly depleting the air quality both outdoors and indoors. Major cities are plagued with smog and other pollutants from vehicles, power plants and factories. While masks and other protection means can provide us relief when we step outside, caution is also required for indoors.While air purifiers are the most popular appliance for purifying indoor air, indoor plants are a much more, nominal, environment friendly and simpler option.Adding greenery inside the house is always beneficial, as apart from adding aesthetic value to the living space, they are a source of freshness and vibrancy. Here are a few plants that help purify indoor air.

Aloe Vera is very popular for its healing properties for the body, this perennial plant filters formaldehyde and benzene out of the indoor air. This plant will bloom with ease in a spot that receives plenty of sunlight.

Areca Palm plant is widely used to brighten up the interiors. It features feathery; arching fronds and is one of the easiest palm trees to grow indoors. With its long, graceful feather-shaped fronds, the green beauty will add a tropical feel to your decor and light up screened patios and atrium. This plant is known to absorb benzene, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, there's been a huge focus on the importance of indoor air quality since so many of us have spent increasing amounts of time inside.

Further to this, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that Americans spend up to 90% of their time indoors, where levels of pollutants can be up to five times higher than outside air. And that's one of the many reasons why it's essential to ensure the air we breathe indoors is as clean as possible. Yes, you could look at getting one of the best air purifiers, such as a Dyson air purifier, to improve your home's air quality, but even when discounted, they can be expensive.

Living in an energy efficient, modern building can have unintended side effects. One of these side effects is less air flow. Lack of air flow allows for indoor air pollution to build up and cause health issues like asthma or sick building syndrome.

In fact, modern furnishings, synthetic building materials, and even your own carpet may carry more chemicals than expected. These chemicals can make up to 90 percent of indoor air pollution.

In 1989, NASA discovered that houseplants can absorb harmful toxins from the air, especially in enclosed spaces with little air flow. This study has been the basis for newer studies about indoor plants and their air cleaning abilities. While plants have less horse power than air purifiers, they’re more natural, cost effective, and therapeutic.

Plants are also known to:

• increase mood and productivity
• enhance concentration and memory
• reduce stress and fatigue

NASA recommends two or three plants in 8 to 10-inch pots for every 100 square feet. Some plants are better at removing certain chemicals than others. Household chemicals come from objects and materials like:

• carpets
• glues
• ovens
• cleaning solutions
• synthetic materials such as plastic, fiber, and rubber

You’ll benefit the most when you include a variety of plants in a room.

You may want to reconsider air-purifying plants if you have pets such as cats and dogs. Many of these plants can be toxic to them. Ask the staff at your local greenhouse about pet-safe and allergy-safe options. You can also look up which plants are toxic to animals on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants page.

An increase in plants can also affect humidity and promote mold growth. You can prevent this by letting the water drain into a pan or a tray, removing excess water regularly, and using sub-irrigation planters. Covering the top of the soil with Spanish moss or aquarium gravel also removes mold.