10 house plants that clear the air, improve your health
Indoor houseplants don't just brighten up your home or workspace. Some have a proven ability to clear the air of harmful particles and toxins damaging to your long-term health.
In the 1970s, the U.S. energy crisis spurred new thinking about building design, focussing on insulation and sealing to prevent heat loss. But the downside was that many buildings essentially became too sealed, leading to the buildup of harmful compounds that triggered short-term problems such as congestion, irritated eyes, headaches, and other longer-term health threats in workers.
In 1989, a landmark NASA study tested several plants for their ability to filter out harmful chemicals such as benzene, trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, and found they were excellent at purifying the air. Here are 10 we think would make a good addition to any home.
Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera Jamesonii)
Pot Mum or florists daisey (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
English Ivy (Hedera Helix)
Mother in law’s tongue or snake plant (Sansevieria laurentii)
Warneckei (Dracaena deremensis "Warneckei")
Peace lily (Spathiphyllum "Mauna Loa")
Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema "Silver Queen")
Marginata (Dracaena marginata)
Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifritzii)
