Put Some Indoor Plants into Your Home

According to some scientists, one is more at risk from the effects of harmful pollution inside his/her house than outside it. Certain toxic chemicals in soft furnishings, carpets, paints, computer equipment, certain white goods and some hi-fi paraphernalia can all be detrimental to health and well-being.

Modern houses and offices which are draught-free and not sufficiently air ventilated, built from modern materials, could create potential danger to our way of living in good health. According to some experts, constant exposure to chemicals produced in the home can bring on symptoms including burning eyes, sore throats, headaches, fatigue, sinus and respiratory problems.

NASA scientists have been doing research into how they can improve air quality in a confined space. A solution seems to have been found. More than 50 indoor plants were tested for their ability to neutralize different emissions in the air. It sounds unbelievable but the NASA team’s research showed that a single spider plant was able to reduce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in a room by 96 percent in 24 hours.

These scientists found that plants absorb the airborne fumes which are then recycled into nutrients by the bacteria that surround the roots. Ultimately, the plant produces oxygen which purifies air quality.

We all know that plants and trees (with some exceptions like the fig) absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. That’s one reason why we condemn the destruction of trees and encourage the planting of more.

Some experts found that sufferers from asthma breathe easier and feel more comfortable in a room with lots of plants.

Now there are those who believe in the old wives’ tale that you shouldn’t sleep with plants in your bedroom. But scientists can confirm that the amounts of carbon dioxide that these plants throw out at night through photosynthesis, is absolutely insignificant. It is not hearsay when we say that trees and plants have, since time immemorial, been the most popular and natural filters to purify air and people have always striven to plant more trees. Our homes and yards were always embellished with fruit trees and flowery pot plants.

Some plants which the NASA team tested for the cleaning of a wide range of poisonous gases in the air and purifying of oxygen levels in the house are common favourite indoor plants among the Maltese.

The ivy – Hedera, they claim, cleans up a wide range of poisonous fumes in the air such as Benzene and improves oxygen levels. They suggest you place it near your computers as it absorbs vapors emitted.

The common ‘rubber plant’ – Ficus Elastica – is good at clearing noxious gases released from carpets, glues etc.

The ‘Boston fern’- Nephrolepsis – can absorb toxic chemical vapors and increases humidity – mostly suitable for sitting rooms.

The ‘Peace Lily’ – Spathiphyllum- absorbs benzene and trichloroethylene fumes – useful in bedrooms or kitchens. It helps to increase the moisture levels in badly ventilated and stuffy rooms.

The ‘weeping fig’ – Ficus Benjamina –is an excellent air filter. One placed near the front door can help absorb exhaust fumes.

The Areca palm - like many other varieties, can filter a wide range of air pollutants.

The Gerbera daisies are beautifully grown in pots and can both humidify and freshen up any shabby room. They do absorb Benzene fumes and trichloroethylene.

The Crysanthemum, which can grow comfortably in pots, filters various chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene and ammonia.

And finally, the Dracaena Marginata palm is a very good air cleaner. It removes benzene which is found in some home furnishings, Xylene, Toulene and Formaldehyde.

The NASA researchers suggest that for the test plants to be effective "air cleaners" it is necessary to use 1 potted plant per 100 square feet of home or office space. Indeed, it would appear that plants have many useful qualities, including one of making our indoor air cleaner to breath.

Benzene is mostly found in Inks, oils, paints, plastics, rubber, dyes, detergents, gasoline, pharmaceutical, tobacco smoke, synthetic fibers

Formaldehyde is found in foam insulation, plywood, pressed-wood products, grocery bags, waxed paper, fire retardants, natural gas, cigarette smoke, and adhesive binders in floor coverings.

Trichloroethylene is primarily used in the metal degreasing and dry cleaning industries; also in printing inks, paints, lacquers, varnishes and adhe