Cleaning the Air with Plants?
OK we all may have heard that there are toxins in our house and our environment. Formaldehyde, TCE and Benzene, but did you know that plants can clear the air. This article talks about the growing belief that plants in your home can help you have cleaner air.
Benzene This is found in tobacco smoke, inks, oils, plastics and paints, as well as detergents and dyes. In addition to eye and skin irritation, benzene causes dizziness and nausea when inhaled.
What happens to these toxins? A study conducted by Montreal-based Clean Production Action indicates that they end up in household dust. The study examined dust balls in vacuum-cleaner bags and found 35 toxic chemicals, all of which can cause respiratory and other health problems. That suggests that vacuuming serves mainly to transfer toxins from one part of the house to another. Moreoever, the contaminants will continue exuding their harmful molecules indefinitely.
So what's a homeowner to do? Turn to houseplants.
Most of us can remember a biology teacher drilling into us the fact that, through photosynthesis, green plants take in carbon dioxide and give off oxygen and water vapours. It now appears that plants, unlike humans, can thrive on a diet of toxins‚ benzene, formaldehyde, TSE and similar chemicals. The plants take in the toxins through the leaves, clean out the harmful contents and spill out healthy fresh air. That office rubber plant is working every night to clean the air.
Source: National Post
