There are a number of different toxins that can reduce the air quality of your home and cause you and your family to feel chronically ill. Formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene are the three most common toxins which are well known for their deleterious effects on a person’s health including cancer, allergies and asthma. Xylene and ammonia are also common.
However, most people don’t even know these toxins are in their homes; let alone how to combat them. Fortunately, the best air purifying plants can cleanse the air in your home by removing toxins and harmful gases as well as balancing indoor humidity.
The following is a list of the best air purifying plants as recommended by Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) and NASA. These plants are also very easy to grow indoors.
Spathiphyllum
More commonly known as the Peace Lily, this plant is an herbaceous, evergreen perennial. It has broad leaves that allow the plant to conduct photosynthesis in low light levels. It also does not require a lot of water to thrive.
The Peace Lily is an excellent filtering plant because it removes benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and ammonia from the air. However, it is toxic to cats and dogs.
Dracaena Marginata
This plant’s common name is the Red-edged Dracaena. Its leaves are thin, and like its name suggests, have a red edge. It is commonly used as an ornamental plant because of its evergreen, brightly colored leaves. It is easy to care for because it doesn’t require a lot of water or sunlight. However, like the Peace Lily, it is toxic to cats and dogs.
The Red-edged Dracaena filters a wide range of toxins from the air including benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene and formaldehyde.
Sansevieria Trifasciata
The snake plant, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, is typically used as an ornamental plant because of its unusual flowers. It is an evergreen perennial and requires very little light and water to thrive; however, it is toxic to dogs and cats.
The snake plant is excellent at cleansing the air of benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene and formaldehyde.
For more information on improving indoor air quality or other home comfort topics, please contact us at Meyer’s. Serving Gary and the surrounding areas, we’re always happy to help.